subject: Can Optometrists Perform Surgery? [print this page] Can Optometrists Perform Surgery? Can Optometrists Perform Surgery?
A few months ago, I attended a University lecture at a big lecture hall. I had to stay near the end of the auditorium since when I came in there were so many people there already. I had an especially tough time reading the lecture slides. I really didn't see it at all! I flunked the exam after the lecture. This unpleasant experience conviced me to look for an optometrist in Toronto.
What are optometrists? Optometrists are the chief providers of eye care. They do the ones who perform the general eye check-up. Optometrists are able to diagnose if you are nearsighted or farsighted. They are the ones who prescribe glasses or contact lenses. Then again, optometrists are so much more than just eyeglass prescribers. They are also qualified to treat visual problems like astigmatism and presbyopia. Systemic diseases like hypertension, diabetes and arteriosclerosis are identified by these professionals. They can refer the patients to other health practitioners, if needed. Optometrists work closely with ophthalmologists and neurologists as well as other health care professionals. Moreover, they may also provide low vision rehabilitation or vision therapy.
What can optometrists do? The general duties of optometrists are stated in the previous paragraph. For each country or from state to state, the scope of practice differs. It has been said that several states in the United States permit optometrists to treat certain diseases. In Oklahoma, optometrists are licensed to carry out minor laser surgical techniques and minor laser surgeries. Optometrists licensed in Oklahoma who are trained to carry out laser surgeries are permitted to perform minor laser surgeries in any VA hospital in the US.
Are optometrists the same as ophthalmologists? Optometrists are eye care professionals similar to ophthalmologists as well as the opticians. However, they should not be confused with ophthalmologists who are medical doctors. Optometrists are Doctors of Optometry while ophthalmologists are Doctors of Medicine.. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who diagnose and treat eye and vision problems. Optometrists also prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses like optometrists. Minor surgeries like can be performed by optometrists.
