Optometrist

The word “optometrist” is attributed to a Swiss ophthalmologist named Edmund Landolt in 1886. At the time, it meant “fitter of glasses,” but comes from the Greek optos (meaning eye or vision) and metria (meaning measurement). What this means today is that an optometrist is able to fit you for eye glasses or contact lenses. However, they do more than simply dispense prescriptions to those who need corrective lenses.

Becoming an optometrist is demanding and competitive. A person must go to an accredited university for at least three years before they are accepted into optometry school. This is a four-year program.

A Doctor of Optometry, or O.D., is most likely the kind of eye care provider you will see for your vision needs. They diagnose any problems you may have seeing, test for eye diseases like glaucoma, examine how well your depth and color perception are, as well as prescribe corrective lenses. Optometrists may also provide pre- and postoperative care for cataract patients, LASIK patients, or others who have undergone corrective vision surgery.

Optometrists treat people of all ages. They are probably the first type of eye doctor your children will see for their care. Because they are considered general practitioners, some people may go to the same optometrist over the years for a variety of treatments, including vision therapy for on-the-job eye strain. Computer-related vision problems are only the latest in the vast repertoire of what an optometrist can do for you and your family.

If you or a family member is in need of primary vision care, please contact an experienced optometrist in your area for an initial consultation.