Who is an optometrist?
Optometrists are doctors who specialize in providing general eye care. They are qualified to practice optometry but are not medical doctors and cannot do eye surgery. Optometry practices include:
- Testing the eyes and vision
- Recommending wearing corrective eyewear
- Recognizing and keeping a watch on eye disorders linked to other ailments, such as diabetes
- Tackling common conditions of the eyes like glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration
- Providing low-vision aid and vision therapy
- Diagnosing and treating double vision, presbyopia, color blindness, nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and other eye conditions
The educational qualifications of an optometrist
A bachelor's degree plus a Doctor of Optometry (OD) program are prerequisites for becoming an optometrist. Candidates interested in joining an optometry school select science-based degrees for their undergraduate studies.
The four-year OD program includes science classes and instructs students in diagnosing, treating, and administering corrective lenses for eye diseases. Clinical rounds start in the fourth year. During these rounds, students encounter optometry patients and have the chance to perform examinations, offer diagnoses, and suggest treatments.
After completing the OD program, students might enroll in a residency program. Although it is not necessary to complete a residency to become an optometrist, one may choose to do so to advance in the profession or pursue specialized training. Specializations include family practice, pediatric optometry, ocular disease, ocular surgery, and low-vision rehabilitation. Programs for residents in optometry typically last one year.
Doctors require a state license to practice optometry. Each state has its standards, although most call for candidates to pass the national board exam, be overseen by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry, and graduate from an accredited optometry program.
Optometrists vs. ophthalmologists vs. opticians
Ophthalmologists and optometrists are both experts in eye care.
Optometrists lack the training and authorization necessary to operate on your eyes. If your optometrist finds a problem in your eyes that needs surgery, they may recommend you to an ophthalmologist.
Ophthalmologists are graduates of medical schools who are either medical doctors (MD) or doctors of osteopathic medicine (DO). They are qualified to conduct eye surgery and to identify and treat any ailment that can impair your eyesight or eyes.
Opticians collaborate with ophthalmologists and optometrists. They typically hold a certificate or two-year technical degree. They can adjust or replace your glasses, lenses, or frames and provide other vision correction aids.
Reasons to visit an optometrist near you
Children should visit an optometrist because they might not know what normal vision looks like and because those with undiagnosed vision issues may struggle academically. Every two years should be plenty for an appointment with an optometrist, but if you are over 40, have diabetes, or have a history of glaucoma in your family, you should schedule more frequent appointments. A simple vision test does not replace a meeting with an optometrist.
Eye vision can deteriorate over time, particularly in the visually demanding environment where many jobs necessitate long hours at the computer. Presbyopia, which is expected around 40 owing to the hardened lens in the eye, can make it challenging to focus on objects. The condition advances as you age, so you may need to change your prescription contacts or glasses more frequently. Additional factors that can necessitate a change in your prescription include headaches, squinting, eye strain, and impaired vision. All of this necessitates seeing an optometrist.
Age impacts vision and alters the structure of the eyes. The pupil size can shrink as people age, making them less sensitive to ambient light. Dry eyes are common because the eyes stop releasing as many tears. Visiting your recommended optometrist is crucial, as peripheral vision loss can also occur.
How to prepare for an optometrist visit?
Imagine this: You come out of the eye doctor's office and remember you forgot to address a particular symptom or ask a doubt you had for a while. Now, you must wait until your next visit because you do not have time to schedule another appointment immediately. Do you often find yourself in such a scenario? The only way to avoid it is by preparing well in advance for your appointment. So, the next time you are going to see an optometrist near you, remember the following five essential tips:
- Make a list of your symptoms: Have you been facing eye pain? Do you have dry and itchy eyes? Are you unable to see clearly? Jot down all your eye symptoms in a journal or smartphone so that you remember to tell your optometrist about them. Additionally, write about when they started, how frequently they occur, what triggers them, and how they affect your everyday life.
- Write down your questions: If you have any queries regarding your eye health, write them down as well. Your optometrist will be more than happy to address your doubts and provide you with tailored advice.
- Gather medical records: Besides learning about your symptoms, the optometrist will want to know about your medical history. Carry information about your current health conditions, allergies, recent injuries, and past surgeries. Moreover, if you have a family history of eye conditions, let your provider know.
- Know your medications: Your optometrist needs to know whether you take prescription or over-the-counter drugs, supplements, or herbal remedies. So, either list your medications and their dosages or take them to the appointment.
- Carry your eye prescription: If you already wear glasses or contact lenses, remember to carry them. The optometrist will assess your vision using your current prescription to check if it is the same or if any adjustments are needed.
How can you find the best optometrist near you in Nashville, Tennessee?
It can be challenging to find a reputable optometrist, but Zocdoc helps focus your search. One of the finest resources for finding an optometrist in Nashville, Tennessee, is Zocdoc. The Zocdoc software allows you to search for optometrists based on various factors. Some elements to consider are diseases or concerns, preferred appointment day and time, home address, zip code, and health insurance provider plan.
Once you enter the necessary information in the search fields, Zocdoc will scan its database of hundreds of optometrists and present you with a list of specialists who best meet your needs. You may schedule both in-person and online sessions with Zocdoc.
Each optometrist on Zocdoc has a unique profile that describes their education, work history, and practice styles. Patients can access the information by clicking on the doctors' names. Each profile includes comprehensive details on the optometrist's training, areas of expertise, credentials, licenses, affiliations, accreditation, and any noteworthy professional accomplishments. Doctors have listed their locations, preferred languages, gender, and office hours in their profiles.
You can select your current insurance from the drop-down menu on the screen, which also shows a list of doctors who accept your plan. The verified patient reviews and ratings on Zocdoc might aid your decision-making process.
If you do not have a vision plan, do not worry! You have the option to look for providers who accept patients without insurance. To do that, select "I'm paying for myself" in the drop-down menu and click the 'Find' button to get the desired results. For more insurance-related information, please check out our patient help center page.
Zocdoc makes booking appointments simple, safe, and cost-free.
Prevalence of vision difficulty in Tennessee, US
The American Foundation for the Blind's 2019 data shows that Tennessee had around 206,380 individuals with vision impairment. The female population was affected by vision difficulties (almost 108,835) more than the male population (nearly 97,545). Tennessee individuals aged between 35 and 64 had the highest cases of vision difficulties— around 85,047.
As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 195,000 people in Tennessee reported blindness or severe vision difficulty, even with lenses, between 2012 and 2016. According to the report, people with vision difficulties are more likely to suffer from diabetes (around 14% vs. 10%), arthritis (almost 45% vs. 26%), and mobility issues (nearly 44% vs. 14%) than people with no vision difficulties.
Sources
American Foundation for the Blind
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Learn.org
WebMD
Cleveland Clinic
Opticianedu.org
Eye Care Center of Colorado Springs
Optometrists Network
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