Optometrist in Arizona.
We invite you
to call to have your questions answered or to make an appointment: 480-981-6111.
Many people get ophthalmology and optometry confused because both
involve eye care specialists and the spelling of the two names are similar.
However, there are several distinctions between the two that may be of
interest to you.
The Doctor of Optometry degree requires the completion of a 4-year
program at an accredited optometry school, preceded by at least 3
years of preoptometric study at an accredited college or university.
Most optometry students hold a bachelor's or higher degree.
Optometry programs include classroom and laboratory study of health
and visual sciences, as well as clinical training in the diagnosis
and treatment of eye disorders. Courses in pharmacology, optics, vision
science, biochemistry, and systemic disease are included.
While optometrists are commonly referred to as "eye doctors",
an optometrist is not the same as a medical doctor or eye surgeon.
An optometrist's education does not include medical school and they
are not trained in surgical procedures. Organized optometry has defined
optometrists as a "primary
eye care providers" and "doctors of optometry."
Optometrists examine people's eyes to diagnose
vision problems and eye diseases, and they test patients' visual
acuity, depth and color perception, and ability to focus and coordinate
the eyes. Optometrists prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses and
provide vision therapy and low-vision rehabilitation. Optometrists
analyze test results and develop a treatment plan. Optometrists often
provide preoperative and postoperative care to cataract patients,
as well as to patients who have had laser vision correction or other
eye surgery. They also diagnose conditions caused by systemic diseases
such as diabetes and high blood pressure, referring patients to other
health practitioners as needed.
Most optometrists are in general practice, either independently or
as part of a vision center or eye institute. Some specialize in work
with the elderly, children, or partially sighted persons who need
specialized visual devices. Others develop and implement ways to protect
workers' eyes
from on-the-job strain or injury. Some specialize in contact lenses,
sports vision, or vision therapy. A few teach optometry, perform research,
or act as eye care consultants to industry.
As a result of recent lobby-directed legislative
efforts, organized optometry in Arizona has recently expanded the
scope of its practice to where optometrists are allowed to prescribe
and administer diagnostic and therapeutic pharmaceutical agents.
Because optometry training in
medical, pharmaceutical and ocular subjects is not as extensive as an
ophthalmologist, optometrists typically refer patients to ophtalmologists
to address specific eye disorders, surgical requirements or health issues
requiring a specialist. These two professions often work together
to provide the best possible eye care for patients.
Optometrist in Arizona.
If you would like further information, please call our office at:
480-981-6111
The eye specialists of East Valley Ophthalmology perform advanced
technology diagnostic testing and treatment, as well as taking
the time necessary to provide each patient with information needed
to fully understand their condition and to achieve their best possible
visual outcome. If you or a family member
or friend have not had a recent routine eye examination, have a specific eye condition that needs addressing, or are looking for
an eye specialist or professional eye consultant please take a moment to Request an Appointment.
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