Public misunderstanding of the specific function of eye doctors is widespread. Other health experts such as the nurse can clarify their roles and direct individuals intelligently for proper care.
The importance of adequate eye examination cannot be emphasized too strongly. Too often, most people find patients using a pair of glasses that belong to a relative, or using one that was purchased at the local variety store.
The care of the eye is undertaken by four groups of eye specialists:
1. The oculist
The oculist, the ophthalmologist, or the ophthalmic physician is a medical doctor who is skilled in the treatment of all conditions and diseases of the eye. Because of training and experience, he is able to make a more thorough and complete examination of the eye for refractive errors and other changes.
2. The optician
The optician, not a physician, whose concern is to grind, mount, and dispense lenses.
3. The optometrist
The optometrist, who is licensed to examine for refractive errors in the eye by mechanical means and to provide appropriate corrective lenses, is not a physician, and he does not use drugs in the examination...