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Optometry
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Warren Hill, M.D.
Patient Information
What is an Optometrist?
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For Your Appointment, Call: 480.981.6111 |
WHAT IS AN OPTOMETRIST?
Many people get ophthalmology and optometry confused because both are
involved with eye care and the spelling of the two names are so
similar. However, there are several distinctions between
the two that may be of interest to you.
Optometrists are often referred to as 'eye doctors'; however, their education
does not include medical school and they are not trained in surgical
procedures. While technically they are not medical doctors, organized
optometry has instead defined optometrists as a 'primary eye care providers'.
An optometrist receives a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree, which
involves the study of optics, and is licensed to practice optometry as
opposed to medicine. The practice of optometry involves examining
the eye for the purpose of prescribing and dispensing corrective lenses.
As a result of recent state-by-state lobby-directed legislative
efforts, organized optometry has recently expanded the scope of its practice
through various state optometry boards, including those in Arizona, to where
optometrists are now allowed to prescribe and administer diagnostic
and therapeutic pharmaceutical agents. Because optometry training in medical,
pharmaceutical and ocular subjects is not as extensive, averaging approximately
one year, optometrists typically refer patients to ophtalmologist to address
eye disorders, surgical requirements or health problems.
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