Optometrists

Eye sight is one of the most vital senses that we have, and more often than not we take it for granted. Optometrists are medical professionals who are trained to diagnose and treat issues of the eye – whether those issues revolve around eyesight or even disease within the eye. An optometrist can highlight the important links between how our eyes effect our overall health and wellbeing.

The role of an optometrist is to treat concerns of the eye, in terms of both health and vision. Your optometrist will assess your eyes through a series of tests and will recommend a suitable course of action. These solutions may come in the form of glasses or lenses, or may even come in the form of antibiotics or topical creams for diseases and external issues. Many people may believe that an optometrist only deals with vision and correcting a patient’s sight, but this isn’t the case. The eye is a very complex and intricate organ that is connected to many parts of the body. This means that an optometrist may be able to identify more serious issue through examining the eye. For example, an optometrist may be able to diagnose high blood pressure through the high, and will then co-ordinate with your GP or physician accordingly.

It is vital to get your eyes checked regularly. If you have not been to an optometrist for a few years, or perhaps even ever, it is imperative that you make an appointment. An optometrist can identify diseases such as cataracts or glaucoma and then refer you to an ophthalmologist.

What to bring to your appointment

In order for your appointment to run smoothly, here is a list of a few things to bring along with you when you visit your optometrist:

• Your glasses or contacts (if you wear them). Ask if you should stop wearing your contacts for a few days before the visit.
• A list of any health conditions or allergies
• A list of all medications and supplements you take
• A list of any specific questions you have about your eye health
• Your medical insurance information.

If you need to contact an optometrist in your area, our Health4You homepage will assist you in doing just that.