One of the most common medical careers is becoming an optometrist. Read on for the job description of an optometrist.
What is an optometrist?
An optometrist is a person responsible for performing basic eye check-ups as well as prescribing contact lenses, eyeglasses in order to correct vision alteration, assess and treat various eye problems like cataracts, glaucoma and any other eye condition. However, optometrists are not allowed to do complex medical treatment for the eye like an eye surgery.
Duties of an optometrist
- The optometrists assess and diagnoses eye disorders and vision impairments or problems. They examine the eyes by using various procedures and determine appropriate medical action in order to treat their patients.
- The first visit for an optometrist mostly begins with assessment like doing an eye examination, observation using different equipments, devices as well as pharmaceutical agents. The optometrist will observe visual acuity, eye perception, coordination and focus. They may also test the depth of perception, color perception and test for nearsightedness or farsightedness. By doing so, they will then diagnose abnormalities and eye diseases such as glaucoma or color blindness.
- After eye examination, optometrists analyze their test results so as to develop appropriate treatment plan for their patient. Some of the duties may also depend on the state law. For instance, some optometrist may prescribe medications so as to treat eye conditions. They can fit, prescribe, adjust and supply eyeglasses and contact lenses.
- An optometrist may provide any vision rehabilitation and eye therapy and may also provide care before and after eye surgery.
Condition of Work
Optometrists mostly work in a wide variety of settings like in their private offices or clinics and any health care facilities with a clean, well ventilated and comfortable work environment. Most optometrists work 40 hours weekly but may also work during evenings and weekends that suit the patient’s needs.
Educational Requirement
All States mostly require that optometrists obtain a license. Applicants to get a license should pursue a doctoral degree in Optometry degree from any accredited school and must successfully pass the written State Board examination as well as regional, State or national clinical board exam.
Occupation and Progress
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, optometrists mostly earn an average salary rate of about $50.58 hourly with national average wage of about $105,200 per annum.