World Optometry Day is celebrated every year on March 23rd. This observance is a way to acknowledge the important work that optometrists do to support eye health and vision care in patients around the world. It is also a great reminder of the importance of eye wellness and eye exams. At Future In Sight, we truly value how optometrists care for our low vision community by providing routine eye care and sharing their specialized knowledge.
Eye Care and Optometry
Let’s start with the basics – what is the role of an optometrist? An optometrist is a Doctor of Optometry (OD). Optometrists are healthcare professionals that provides regular vision and eye health care. They perform eye exams, prescribe glasses and contact lenses, identify and monitor diseases that can affect vision (like diabetes), and treat conditions such as glaucoma or dry eye syndrome.
Optometrists vs. Ophthalmologists
An ophthalmologist is a Doctor of Medicine (MD) and has a different set of skills than an optometrist. An optometrist may prescribe a patient glasses but is also the referring physician for a patient to an ophthalmologist if they need surgery or medicine – for conditions like cataracts or macular degeneration. An ophthalmologist can also provide regular vision services and eye exams.
How they Help
Both Optometrists and Ophthalmologists recognize how important it is to get your eyes checked. Eye exams can provide vision correction as well as the detection of eye diseases. Early detection can help protect your vision! Eye exams are important at all ages, and your optometrist can recommend how frequently you should schedule a visit. But don’t wait to call if you are experiencing eye discomfort or vision changes, contact your eye doctor right away.
Future In Sight would like to say thank you to all the optometrists that are dedicated to caring for their patients’ vision and eye health all over NH – and the world.
If you or someone you know is experiencing vision loss and could benefit from our services, please contact Future In Sight at [email protected] or 603-224-4039.
About the Author: Jillian McCalvey, OTR/L, CLVT is an Occupational Therapist at Future In Sight.