Optometry Academy News
by Marc Taub, OD, MS, FAAO, FCOVD, FNAP
According to the American Optometric Association, more than 16 million Americans suffer undiagnosed or untreated vision impairments; a comprehensive eye exam could have detected and allowed for treatment for so many of these individuals. Doctors of Optometry (e.g., O.D.s/optometrists/optometric physicians) are the frontline of eye and vision care and serve as America’s primary eye health care providers. Not only do optometrists prescribe glasses and contacts lenses, but they examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the eye. In addition to providing eye and vision care, they play a major role in an individual’s overall health and well-being by detecting systemic diseases, and diagnosing, treating and managing ocular manifestations of those diseases.1 In many states, optometrists can perform minor surgical and laser procedures.
From diabetes to STDs to concussions to COVID-19, virtually all systemic conditions have an impact on the visual system. In turn, the medications used to treat those conditions also can have unwanted ocular side effects. Optometrists work as part of the primary care team and with numerous specialists including neurologists, cardiologists, endocrinologists, and ophthalmologists. Co-management with ophthalmologists occurs with procedures such as cataract and strabismus surgery, specialty contact lenses for severely damaged corneas, and patient with decreased or low vision secondary to congenital or acquired ocular disease.
Three special populations should be highlighted. With children, optometrists work with educational specialists at schools, occupational and physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, and neuropsychologists to improve developmental and academic success. For those suffering from a brain injury secondary to stroke, concussion/head trauma, or neurological diseases such as MS or Parkinson’s, optometrists work with the patient’s entire rehabilitation team. These interactions start in hospitals and rehabilitation centers when the patient is in a facility but then move into private offices for more advanced treatment. For children with low vision, optometrists work with vision teachers in the school system to identify and recommend accommodations such as large print text and extra time on testing. For adults with low vision, working with occupational therapy, ophthalmology, and local departments of health/human services can assist the patient in activities of daily living and identified community resources.
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