What is an optometrist

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Optometrists

Optometrists (Ophthalmic Opticians) are professional clinicians responsible for many aspects of vision care. Optometrists undertake examinations of the eye for optical defects and correct defects using spectacles and contact lenses. They assess functional disorders of the eye and visual systems.

Optometrists are primary health-care specialists trained to examine the eyes for defects in sight, ocular diseases and problems related to general health. They are also trained to fit and supply optical appliances such as spectacles, contact lenses and low vision aids. Optometrists are responsible for detection, diagnosis and management of ocular disease and the rehabilitation of conditions of the visual system. They provide approximately 90% of primary eye care in the UK and the profession is responsible for 40% of ocular and ophthalmic referrals to the secondary care sector.

The profession is regulated by a statutory body, the General Optical Council (GOC) which has the general function of promoting high standards of professional education and conduct among optometrists under the Opticians Act 1989. The law states that, apart from registered medical practitioners, only a registered optometrist can test sight.

Registered optometrists examine the visual system to establish its state of health and to provide, if necessary, an optical correction to optimise visual performance. While the majority of optometrists work in private practice, some practise part-time or full-time in hospital eye departments while others are active in industry, government service, research and teaching.

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 being registered with the General Optical Council.

There are currently around 9,000 registered optometrists in the UK, about 400 of whom work in the Hospital Eye Service (HES).

Ophthalmic Medical Practitioner (OMP)

Ophthalmic Medical Practitioners are registered medical practitioners with a qualification in ophthalmology who is employed to work in the premises of an optometrist to carry out eye examinations and diagnose abnormalities and prescribe suitable corrective lenses. In order to work as an ophthalmic medical practitioner a doctor must be on the Central List of the Ophthalmic Qualifications Committee. This is a statutory list that is administered by the British Medical Association.

There are currently around 800 registered ophthalmic medical practitioners in the UK.

Dispensing Optician

Dispensing opticians are specialists who fit prescriptions for spectacles provided by either optometrists, ophthalmic medical practitioners or ophthalmologists. Registered with the General optical Council they assess the suitability of both spectacle lenses and frames to provide the best solution to the prescription for spectacles, with reference to the patient's visual and vocational requirements. Dispensing opticians are also able to fit contact lenses and provide Low vision aids after undergoing further specialist training.

There are currently around 4,000 qualified dispensing opticians in the UK, about 100 of whom work in the HES.

Ophthalmologist

Ophthalmologists are medically qualified doctors who specialise in eye disease and its treatment (ophthalmology). They mainly work in eye hospitals and hospital eye departments.

Orthoptist

Orthoptics is a profession allied to medicine. The role of the orthoptist is to investigate, diagnose and treat disorders of ocular motility, binocular vision and associated anomalies. The orthoptist is an integral member of the ophthalmic team and is usually based in the hospital eye service, but is becoming increasingly involved in the community and education sector.

The majority of the orthoptist's work is concerned with children suffering from different kinds of squint. A squint may prevent the eyes from being used together (binocular vision) and it can affect sight. If treatment is carried out early, vision can usually be restored and in favourable cases can result in normal binocular vision. The orthoptist is involved in the screening of pre-school children and the assessment of handicapped children.

Many adults including a number of elderly people suffer from defects of ocular movement caused by injury or disease. Part of an orthoptists work is the diagnosis of such problems and the relief of their symptoms, often distressing double vision.

In some centres orthoptists aid in the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma, maxillofacial problems and the rehabilitation of stroke patients.

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