What is optometry?

Optometry investigates visual function and eye health. As the etymology of the word itself suggests, optometry is primarily concerned with the measurement of vision and is an independent and autonomous profession in the field of health care. Studies at optometry schools are of university level and include extensive training, both theoretical and practical, in the fields of optics, physiology, neurology and pathology related to vision. The main objective of optometrists is the diagnosis, rehabilitation and treatment of visual impairment at every level with the help of glasses, contact lenses, filters, low vision aids and individualized rehabilitation programs. In some countries optometrists may use pharmaceutical preparations or even perform limited procedures. An optometrist is able to identify many pathological conditions but their treatment should be carried out exclusively or in collaboration with the ophthalmological field.

According to the definition of the European Council of Optometry and Optics (ECOO): 'Optometry is an autonomous profession in the health sector, which requires training and is governed by certain rules, i.e. it is practised exclusively by graduates of recognised schools who have obtained a licence to practice the profession. Optometrists provide primary eye and vision care, which includes refraction (and prescription), selection and treatment of appropriate 'refractive aids', diagnosis and management of eye diseases and restoration of vision to normal levels'.

Optician or Optometrist?

Optics is a related specialty to optometry. Many optometrists have studied optometry at the same time or have the single title of optician-optometrist, depending on the educational institution they attended. However, this does not mean that every optician is called an optometrist, as their curriculum may not meet the needs of the profession. The optician is involved in the filling of prescriptions, whether for spectacles and optical instruments or contact lenses, and also in the marketing of all kinds of optical goods.

Ophthalmology is a medical specialty and ophthalmologists are the most competent to manage any pathology that occurs in the ocular system. Their therapeutic interventions, in addition to glasses, may additionally be pharmaceutical or surgical.

Optometric examinations

Optometrists have a variety of diagnostic tests which, where appropriate, check all or part of the following:

- Eye health

- Visual acuity

- Refractive condition

- Ophthalmobility

- Diophthalmicity

- Adaptation

- Visual fields

– Χρωματική αντίληψη

- Visual perception

- Optokinetic cooperation, etc.

In Greece, optometrists do not use eye drops or other pharmaceutical preparations during the examination. The purpose is the functional evaluation of visual skills so that the best possible way of dealing with any visual dysfunction can be found by using glasses, contact lenses, low vision aids. When a pathology requiring medical or surgical treatment is detected, optometrists refer or co-manage the case with an ophthalmologist or other doctor of appropriate speciality. Similarly, ophthalmologists may refer cases to optometrists that require special optical care (e.g. contact lens fitting, keratoconic contact lenses, low vision aids, binocular vision study, etc.).

Are you in Chania? Make an appointment for a free optometric check with us. Call us at 2821057488