HEALTH CARE CAREERS

1. HEALTH CARE CAREERS DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES Ophthalmology & Audiology

2. The optometrist… The optometrist is a doctor of optometry (O.D.), although he or she is not a medical doctor. The optometrist has completed 7 years of college and optometry school studies and has passed state board exams; they can examine the eye to diagnose vision problems and eye diseases.

3. The optometrist… The optometrist uses instruments to examine eye health, test visual acuity, depth and color perception, and ability to focus the eye; prescribes eyeglasses and contact lenses, provides vision therapy and rehabilitation, administers drugs to aid in the diagnosis of vision problems or treat eye diseases, and refers clients to other health care practitioners.

4. The ophthalmologist… The ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (M.D.) who can perform all the same duties as an optometrist and treat injuries of the eye and eye surgery.

5. The ophthalmologist can remove cataracts… Cataracts are a cloudy area on an eye lens that interferes with the entrance of light into the eye and causes a loss of vision. When the cataract is removed, it is replaced with an artificial lens.

6. The ophthalmologist can correct myopia and hyperopia… Hyperopia… retina is too far forward Myopia… retina is too far back While corrective lenses can address these issues, surgery is another option to help myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness).

7. The ophthalmologist treats astigmatism and presbyopia… Accommodating presbyopia: holding reading materials further away Astigmatism is a condition caused by an irregularly shaped cornea, and results in blurred vision. Presbyopia (prez-bē-ō-pē-ə) is the inability of the eye lens to focus incoming light, resulting in blurred vision and eyestrain while reading.

8. The ophthalmologist can perform LASIK eye surgery… A laser is used to perform LASIK eye surgery (Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) in which small pieces of corneal tissue are removed to reshape the cornea, and affect the way light focuses onto the retina. This improves or corrects vision.

9. The orthoptist… The orthoptist completes a 2 year program of study and works as an assistant to the ophthalmologist. The orthoptist can diagnose and treat clients with amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (mis-aligned or cross-eyed). They teach children and their parents exercises to strengthen eye muscles. strabismus

10. Ophthalmic medical personnel… Ophthalmic medical personnel include the ophthalmic technologist, technician, and assistant. They receive on-the-job training or complete training programs up to 2 years in length. They instruct the client in the use and care of contact lenses, perform clerical duties, administer topical and oral medications, and take eye measurements.

11. Dispensing opticians… Dispensing opticians may also be trained on-the-job or complete up to 2 years of training. They usually work in an optical department of a retail store or pharmacy. They work with clients, read lens prescriptions, recommend eyeglass frames based on occupation, habits, and facial features of the client, fix, adjust, and fit frames, grind and insert lenses into frames, and measure client’s eyes.

12. Measuring visual acuity… The Snellen eye chart is used to test far vision. The largest letter is the smallest letter the eye can distinguish at 200 feet. The smallest letter is what the eye can distinguish at 10 feet. People with normal or far vision can read the ‘20’ line at 20 feet. This is known as 20/20 vision. Near vision is tested using a handheld chart or card held at normal reading distance.

13. Measuring visual acuity… An ‘E’ chart (the client uses their hand to imitate which way the E’s are pointing) or picture chart can be used with young children who cannot read. When using a card or eye occluder to block the vision from one eye while testing the other eye… do not touch the card or occluder to the eye; keep both eyes open.

14. Measuring Color Vision…. The ability to perceive color is based upon the ability to see red, green, and blue. ‘Color blindness’ usually refers to a client’s inability to perceive certain colors, not all colors (which would be rare). It is more prevalent in men than women, and is hereditary. Lack of color perception can lead to learning difficulties, and prove difficult for truck drivers or airline pilots in their job performance. The Ishihara color graph (Japanese ophthalmologist ish-ē-här-ah) is a color vision screening test using colored dots.

15. The audiologist… The audiologist usually has a masters or doctorate degree in audiology, as well as clinical experience. They work with clients who have hearing, balance, and related problems. They work with clients of all ages, including children and the elderly.

16. The audiologist… An audiometer, computer, and other testing devices are used to measure the loudness at which a client begins to hear sounds, their ability to distinguish between sounds, and the nature or extent of hearing loss. The audiologist may work with other medical, educational, speech & language, and psychology members of the healthcare team to help each client.

17. The audiologist… Hearing disorders may result from birth trauma, viral infections, genetic disorders, exposure to loud noise, and aging. Treatments include examining and cleaning the ear canal, fitting and dispensing hearing aids, and referrals for audiologic rehabilitation (speech or lip reading).They also fit and tune cochlear implants.

18. THE END HEALTH CARE CAREERS DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES Ophthalmology & Audiology