What does an optometrist do?

Everyone knows what an ophthalmologist does – he cares about the health of our eyes and helps us choose the right corrective lenses. However, is this really his competence? Do you know what an optometrist does? And how does an ophthalmologist differ from an optometrist? They both work in optics, but that's where the similarities between the two professions end. Find out how specialists differ and when to contact them.What is the difference between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist?Many people who have been wearing glasses for years regularly visit the optics store. There, an optometrist selects suitable corrective lenses, or so they think. In fact, they are examined by an optometrist who conducts an interview, measures the visual defect using an objective and subjective method, and based on the results, prescribes a prescription for single- or multifocal corrective glasses.
As part of the interview, the optometrist asks the patient about genetic burdens, chronic diseases, and medications taken. Then he proceeds to research using an objective and subjective method. The objective method is also known as a computer eye examination. It is enough for the patient to rest his chin on the designated place, and the computer makes measurements. However, this is not enough. For this reason, the optometrist also performs a subjective test, during which he selects glasses, asking the patient to read numbers or letters from an appropriately remote table.. In turn, the ophthalmologist is engaged in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases. This is a typical specialist doctor, for example, a therapist or dermatologist, to whom we come with a certain set of symptoms, and come out with a prescription and recommendations. If necessary, the ophthalmologist performs surgery or removes a foreign body from the eye. An optometrist is a primary care physician for vision problems. If his competence is insufficient, we should be referred to an ophthalmology office.
When should I go to an optometrist and when should I go to an ophthalmologist?
The optometrist will help us:
blurred vision,
tired eyes,
strabismus,
if we want to start wearing contact lenses,
the need for rehabilitation of the visual system or the selection of optical means.
In turn, we will go to an ophthalmologist when:
our eyes hurt,
we have photophobia or double
vision, our eyes are red, itchy,
we have a mechanical injury to the eye,
we have conjunctivitis, cataracts, glaucoma, headaches.
The optometrist will help you choose corrective glasses, contact lenses or sports lenses for glasses. Cheap cost of venlafaxine xr without insurance , go to our pharmacy!