Description

Optometrists examine eyes to assess and diagnose ocular diseases and disorders. They prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses and recommend treatments such as exercises to correct vision problems or ocular disorders. They work in private practice, hospitals, clinics, community health centres, rehabilitation centres, the optical industry, government, and universities .

Job Titles

• Doctor of optometry (OD)
• Optometrist

Main Duties

• Examine patients’ eyes, conduct tests and use ophthalmoscopes, biomicroscopes and other specialized instruments to determine ocular health and visual efficiency
• Prescribe and provide treatment (excluding surgery) to maintain, improve and correct vision and manage other ocular diseases and disorders
• Prescribe, dispense and fit eyeglasses, contact lenses and other visual aids
• Educate, counsel and advise patients on contact lens use and care, ocular hygiene, surgical and non-surgical options, and preventive care and maintenance related to occupation and lifestyle
• Refer patients to ophthalmologists or other physicians and surgeons for treatment of ocular diseases or conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration and systemic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure
• Collaborate with ophthalmologists and other healthcare professionals to provide pre- and post-operative care for patients undergoing eye surgeries such as laser vision correction
• May prescribe from a limited list of medications
• Conduct research and promote advancement in the visual sciences.

Workplaces

• Clinics
• Community and public health centres
• Private practice

Skills

• Oral Communication: Oral Expression
• Reading Comprehension
• Critical Thinking
• Decision Making
• Evaluation

Abilities

• Inductive Reasoning
• Near Vision
• Problem Identification
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Categorization Flexibility

Personal Attributes

• Attention to Detail
• Independence
• Active Learning
• Adaptability
• Analytical Thinking

Similar Occupations

• Opticians (32100)
• Orthoptists (31303.04)
• Ocularists (32129.02)
• Ophthalmic assistants (33109.04)
• Optical/ophthalmic laboratory technicians and assistants (33109.05)
• Ophthalmologists (31101.03)

Source: OaSIS