HEALTH CARE CAREERS

The optometrist is a doctor of optometry

(O.D.), although he or she is not a medical

doctor. The optometrist has completed 7 years

of college and optometry school studies and has

passed state board exams; they can examine the eye to

diagnose vision problems and eye

diseases.

The optometrist uses instruments to examine eye

health, test visual acuity, depth and color perception, and ability to focus the eye; prescribes eyeglasses and contact lenses, provides

vision therapy and rehabilitation, administers

drugs to aid in the diagnosis of vision problems or treat eye diseases, and refers

clients to other health care practitioners.

The ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (M.D.) who can perform all the same duties as an optometrist

and treat injuries of the eye and eye surgery.

Cataracts are a cloudy area on an eye lens that interferes with the entrance of light into the eye and

causes a loss of vision. When the cataract is removed, it is replaced with an artificial lens.

While corrective lenses can address these issues, surgery is another option to help myopia

(nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness).

Myopia… retina is too far back

Hyperopia… retina is too far forward

Astigmatism is a condition caused by an irregularly shaped cornea, and results in blurred vision.

Presbyopia (prez-bē-ō-pē-ə) is the inability of the eye lens to focus incoming light, resulting in blurred

vision and eyestrain while reading.

Accommodating presbyopia: holding reading materials further away

A laser is used to perform LASIK eye surgery (Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) in which small

pieces of corneal tissue are removed to reshape the cornea, and affect the way light focuses onto the

retina. This improves or corrects vision.

The orthoptist completes a 2 year

program of study and works as an assistant to

the ophthalmologist. The orthoptist can diagnose and treat

clients with amblyopia (lazy eye) and

strabismus (mis-aligned or cross-eyed). They

teach children and their parents exercises to

strengthen eye muscles.

strabismus

Ophthalmic medical personnel include the

ophthalmic technologist, technician, and assistant. They receive on-the-job

training or complete training programs up to 2

years in length. They instruct the client in the use and care of contact lenses, perform clerical

duties, administer topical and oral medications, and take eye measurements.

Dispensing opticians may also be trained

on-the-job or complete up to 2 years of

training. They usually work in an optical

department of a retail store or pharmacy.

They work with clients, read lens prescriptions, recommend eyeglass frames based on occupation, habits, and facial features of the client, fix, adjust, and fit frames, grind and insert lenses into frames,

and measure client’s eyes.

The Snellen eye chart is used to test far vision. The largest letter is the smallest letter the eye can distinguish at 200

feet. The smallest letter is what the eye can

distinguish at 10 feet. People with normal or far vision can read the ‘20’ line at 20 feet. This is

known as 20/20 vision. Near vision is tested using a handheld chart or card

held at normal reading distance.

An ‘E’ chart (the client uses their hand to imitate

which way the E’s are pointing) or picture chart can be used with young

children who cannot read.

When using a card or eye occluder to block the

vision from one eye while testing the other eye… do

not touch the card or occluder to the eye; keep

both eyes open.

The ability to perceive color is based upon the ability to see red, green, and blue. ‘Color

blindness’ usually refers to a client’s inability to perceive certain colors, not all colors (which would be rare). It is more prevalent in men than women, and is hereditary.

Lack of color perception can lead to learning difficulties, and prove difficult for truck

drivers or airline pilots in their job performance.

The Ishihara color graph (Japanese

ophthalmologist ish-ē-här-ah) is a color

vision screening test using colored dots.

The audiologist usually has a masters or doctorate degree in audiology, as well as clinical experience. They work with clients who have hearing, balance, and related problems. They work with clients of all

ages, including children and the elderly.

An audiometer, computer, and other testing devices are used to measure the

loudness at which a client begins to hear sounds,

their ability to distinguish between sounds, and the

nature or extent of hearing loss. The audiologist may work with other medical,

educational, speech & language, and psychology members of the healthcare team to help each client.

Hearing disorders may result from birth trauma, viral infections, genetic disorders, exposure to loud

noise, and aging. Treatments include

examining and cleaning the ear canal, fitting and dispensing

hearing aids, and referrals for audiologic

rehabilitation (speech or lip reading).They

also fit and tune cochlear implants.