Optometrists are the qualified specialists charged
with the responsibility of looking after the quality
of the general population's eyesight. Optometry is
an autonomous primary health care profession. Via a
thorough examination of an individual's eyes with consideration
to their general health, an Optometrist will endeavour
to offer clear and comfortable eyesight by means of
eye health advice, prescribing optical appliances or,
where appropriate, eye exercises. Should the eye examination
reveal an ocular condition that may require a medical
or surgical opinion, the Optometrist will refer the
individual to a secondary care specialist, usually
an Ophthalmologist, for further assessment and appropriate
attention.
In
order to attain registration an Optometrist attends
an approved course of study at one of eight universities
in the United Kingdom, for a minimum of 3 years. Following
graduation a period of 1 year's supervised practice
and the successful completion of a ten-part competency
examination from the College of Optometrists is also
required. Many Optometrists undertake post-registration
study and obtain College of Optometrists diplomas in
sub-specialities, university post-graduate diplomas
or higher degrees. Further details of how to qualify
as an Optometrist are available on the College of Optometrists
web site www.college-optometrists.org
.
Optometrists may legally prescribe spectacles, contact
lenses, eye exercises (including orthoptics), eye safety
devices and sports eye wear.
Optometrists may also be involved with visual field monitoring
on behalf of the DVLA and co-management projects such
as diabetic retinopathy screening, cataract assessment
plus post operative attention and glaucoma monotoring.
In the future Optometrists will also be assessing and
prescribing medication for anterior eye pathology.
