Optometry and Ophthalmology - Career Choices

Job Description:

There are many specialized careers in the medical field of vision care. The careers include the following:

Optical Laboratory Technician

• Operates machines to cut, grind, and polish lenses according to a prescription. Mount lenses in the selected frame, and examine broken lenses to determine an original prescription.

Opticians

• Fit, adjust, and dispense glasses and other visual helping devices on the written prescription of an Ophthalmologist or Optometrist.

Optometric Assistant or Technician

• Assist the Optometrist in eye examinations and other corrective procedures. Obtain patient medical histories, instruct patients in the care and use of glasses and contact lenses, adjust and repair glasses, and maintain materials and equipment.

Ophthalmic Tech

• Assist the Ophthalmologist by collecting data and testing measurements for accurate diagnoses and treatment of the eye. Perform eye examinations, instruct patients about diagnosis and treatments, and may assist with eye surgeries.

Optometrist, or Doctor of Optometry (O.D.)

• Diagnose and treat vision problems, eye diseases, vision mal-functions, and other abnormalities. Prescribe corrective treatments, lenses, or pharmaceutical treatment to protect and improve vision.

• May refer patients an Ophthalmologist, for further diagnosis, treatment or surgery.

• For jobs in this category, see Physician: M.D./D.O./C.A.M.

Ophthalmologist

• Diagnose and treat diseases, defects and injuries to the eye. Prescribe medication, perform surgery, and provide other types of treatment including fitting the patient with glasses and contact lenses.

• For jobs in this category, see Physician: M.D./D.O./C.A.M.