Types of Eye Care Specialists and the Tools They Use

Types of Eye Care Professionals Ophthalmologist MD Prescribes medication Performs surgery Optometrist OD 4 years of post bachelor’s optometry school

Optician Technician Makes and repairs glasses and contact lenses What are the problem areas? What might these eye-medical professionals help detect???

So, What can go wrong? Loss of acuity Loss of visual field Loss on binocularity Loss of color perception Loss of ability to process visual information

The Exam Medical history Visual acuity Refraction External examination Pupillary testing Examination of anterior structures Examination of posterior structures

Visual acuity testing Charts 20 foot Snellens 10 foot HOTV Preferential looking/grating tests Optikenetic drum – helps detect the ability to follow moving targets without moving the head Contrast sensitivity tests

Refraction Process for determining appropriate prescription for lenses. Three options: Subjective refraction (“Which one looks better 1 or 2?”) Retinoscopy (neutralization of light shined into the eye through lenses

Computerized retinoscopy Computer shoots a beam of light into the eye and measures its reflection back to the source A similar device, called an aberrometer, uses “wave-front technology” to measure disturbances (abborations) of the light as it passes through your eye – Developed for Lasik

External Examination Appearance and symmetry of the face Skin of the eyelids Edges of the lids and lashes Clarity of the cornea, irises, and pupils Color, texture, and moisture of the conjunctiva Position, movement, and coordination of the eyes

Pupillary Testing Light shined directly into the pupils to check for Reaction in each eye Consensual responses

Tonometer Checking intraocular Pressure – look at this Old thing! Today, typically Eye- Care Professionals use a tonopen or Applanation Tonometry test

Examination of Posterior Structures Retinoscope or Ophthalmoscope Used to examine Viterous Retina Optic disc Retinoscopy is a way of determining prescription…based on reflection

Slit Lamp Used primarily to examine the anterior chamber and structures, but may also be used for viterous and retina as well. Usually involves dilation of the eye and/or use of dye

Your Role Help your student and family prepare Explain the tests Role play Discuss their questions Help give them a voice Attend if you can/if you are permitted/etc.

More Roles Collaborate with Parents and Doctors Remember -devices/glasses may be needed at appt. Provide information and voice concerns Help the client establish goals For devices For target activities

Review after the Appointment Talk to student/client and their family to investigate questions they may have after the appointment Retrieve info from the visit and review and/or do research Explain findings