What is an optometrist?
Optometrists are trained professionals who examine eyes, test sight, give advice on visual problems, and prescribe and dispense spectacles or contact lenses. They also recommend other treatments or visual aids where appropriate. Optometrists are trained to recognise eye diseases, referring such cases as necessary, and can also use or supply various eye drugs.
Optometrists study at university for at least three years and participate in a full year of training and supervision, called the pre-registration year, before qualifying. Once qualified, they have the opportunity to develop their interests in specialist aspects of practice such as contact lenses, low vision, children’s vision, sports vision, glaucoma and specialist eye health examinations in Wales.
All optometrists practising in the UK must be registered with the General Optical Council, the profession’s regulatory body, and are listed in the Opticians Register, they may have the letters FCOptom or MCOptom after his or her name. It means that optometrist is a fellow or member of the College of Optometrists and adheres to high standards of clinical practice.
All About Your Eyes
Your eyes should give you a lifetime’s service, but sometimes their usefulness can be affected by conditions with which you were born with or which you go on to develop. Your eyes can become diseased at any age, or sight problems can occur, especially as you grow older or due to other factors such as smoking or lifestyle. Regular examinations are important throughout life, whether or not you are experiencing problems with your eyesight. We will not only test your vision, but will also check closely for any early signs of eye disease or other medical conditions.
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