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Who is an optometrist?

An optometrist, earlier known as an ophthalmic optician, is a healthcare specialist who can diagnose and treat certain eye diseases, disorders, and problems with the visual system. Optometrists conduct eye examinations to detect refractive errors and perform visual acuity tests to check a person’s eyesight. They can prescribe spectacles or contact lenses to correct vision problems. 

Optometrists typically diagnose issues with the retina and cataracts. They can diagnose and treat common vision problems such as color blindness, astigmatism, eye inflammation, infections, and double vision (diplopia). They can treat nearsightedness (myopia), presbyopia, and farsightedness (hyperopia). They can also detect eye diseases such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, and other conditions such as diabetes and hypertension associated with eye function. They can prescribe topical antihistamines, antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, and some scheduled analgesics. Only optometrists in Massachusetts, New York, and Florida are allowed to prescribe the oral form of these drugs.

Optometrists work in clinics, hospitals, public health centers, and research and teaching institutions, among other settings in the ophthalmic industry. 

What kind of education and training do optometrists receive?

Aspiring optometrists must complete their undergraduate degrees in science subjects such as biology, chemistry, or mathematics. Optometrists do not join a medical school; hence, they are not considered medical doctors or doctors of osteopathy. Instead, they complete a four-year Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) program from an accredited school after clearing the Optometry Admission Test (OAT). 

They receive a doctoral degree once they complete the Doctor of Optometry program. They must then clear the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) examination and apply for a license to practice optometry. 

While some optometrists complete a one-year residency before practicing, others study further by completing a specialty fellowship and gaining additional clinical training.

Is there a difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist?

While both optometrists and ophthalmologists specialize in eye care, there are differences.

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor, as opposed to an optometrist. Optometrists attend optometry schools. On the other hand, ophthalmologists must complete four years of the medical program and undergo a one-year internship in ophthalmology. After this, they must do a residency in ophthalmology, which can take anywhere from four to seven years. During the residency, they train in eye disease subspecialties, learn how to diagnose and manage internal and external eye diseases, and perform ophthalmic surgical procedures under supervision.

Ophthalmologists can perform medical and surgical interventions as they specialize in surgical eye procedures. In contrast, optometrists can only conduct medical treatments or minor surgical procedures, such as laser eye surgery and foreign body removal. Optometrists can also provide post-surgical care.

When and why should one visit an optometrist?

Routine visits with the best optometrist near you can help detect vision issues early, ensuring proper treatment. How often one should see an optometrist depends on the person’s age. For example, children should get their eyes examined before they are one year old and then once every 1-2 years. Between 18 and 55, one can visit the optometrist every year or every alternate year. Those above 55 should see this specialist every year, as vision issues tend to crop up with age. 

If you already have eye problems or wear glasses or contact lenses, you may have to visit the optometrist more often. If unsure, you can always ask your primary care provider or optometrist if you need to check your eyes more often.

Additionally, if you experience light sensitivity, redness in the eyes, blurry vision, or gradually declining vision, you should immediately see an optometrist. Similarly, seeing an optometrist is a good idea if you hurt your eyes or experience pain that persists beyond a few days. 

Tips on preventing vision loss

Good vision is essential for a quality life. Therefore, maintaining optimal eye health and obviating vision loss becomes significantly crucial. Here are some tips to help you protect your eyes and minimize the risk of vision problems:

• Regular eye exams: Schedule routine comprehensive eye exams with an eye care professional, preferably an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
• Protective eyewear: Wear protective eyewear while engaging in activities that could expose your eyes to potential hazards, like doing activities around the house, playing sports, or construction work. Some of these eyewear include safety glasses and goggles. 
• Keep your weight in check: Obesity is said to be closely associated with elevated risk levels for certain eye conditions like diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. You can maintain your weight through regular exercise and a balanced diet to minimize your risk of such diseases.
• UV protection: Protect your eyes from dangerous ultraviolet (UV) rays by wearing shades blocking 99% of UVA and UVB rays while being outdoors.
• Quit smoking: Smoking increases your risk for specific conditions, including macular degeneration, cataracts, and optic nerve damage, which could lead to blindness. Quitting smoking is crucial for protecting your eye health.
• Eat right: Consume a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, mainly those beneficial for eye health. Foods like dark leafy greens, carrots, and fish high in omega-3 fatty acids can assist in boosting optimal eye health.
• Limit screen time: Reduce digital eye strain by following the 20-20-20 rule when working on a computer or using digital devices for an extended period. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break, then look at something at least 20 feet away.
• Know your family history: Be aware of your family's eye health history, as some eye conditions can be genetic. Make sure to discuss this with your eye care specialist to detect such issues early on.

How to find the best optometrist near you?

An optometrist can treat almost every disease that affects your eyes or vision. They can also refer you to an ophthalmologist or surgeon if you require a complicated treatment or surgery. To maintain your general health, schedule regular eye examinations and consult your doctor as soon as you notice any changes in your eyes or vision.

Thanks to Zocdoc, finding an optometrist in Rockford, Illinois, has never been easier. Look through thousands of optometrists by registering on Zocdoc for free and typing your symptoms into the search field. Furthermore, you can also filter the search results by your location. Looking through the search results, you can see how simple it is to find medical assistance online. After receiving a list of optometrists in Redford, Illinois, from Zocdoc, you may set up an appointment on any day of your choice. 

Depending on the optometrist’s availability, you can schedule an appointment during business hours, after business hours, or even on the weekends. You can also choose your insurance company and plan from a list of in-network optometrists. Additionally, all the healthcare experts on Zocdoc lists have their credentials and legitimacy guaranteed. To assess the quality of service of the healthcare provider, you can read the numerous reviews left by previous clients of the optometrist.

Every optometrist on Zocdoc has a unique profile page on Zocdoc. The optometrist’s schooling, training, hospital affiliations, honors, credentials, specializations, and gender are all included in the profile. One can also verify the languages they speak and whether they treat children.

Locating the best optometrist near you is now easier! All Zocdoc appointments are simple, secure, and cost-free.

Statistics on optometrists and the conditions they treat in Illinois

As per data published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were approximately 1,770 optometrists in Illinois in May 2021.

According to America’s Health Rankings, about 10.8% of adults in Illinois had diabetes in 2021. This figure excludes prediabetes and gestational diabetes. About 11.4% of men and 10.3% of women in the state had diabetes that year. The condition is most common in those aged 65 and above, with approximately 20.3% of this age group being diagnosed with diabetes. The percentage was lower in those aged 45 to 64 (15.6%) and those aged 18 to 44 (2.9%).

Sources

News Medical

WebMD

Cleveland Clinic

Healthline

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

America’s Health Rankings

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[1]

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[2]

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.