Chapter 27 Ophthalmic Care Health Care Science Technology Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Objectives Compare the roles and responsibilities of the optometrist and ophthalmologist. Summarize the role and responsibilities of an orthoptist. Chapter 27

Objectives (cont.) Describe the roles and responsibilities of ophthalmic medical personnel. Research ophthalmic career opportunities that involve preparation and fitting of corrective lenses. Successfully complete 3 ophthalmic procedures. Chapter 27

Careers in Ophthalmology 27-1 The Optometrist and the Ophthalmologist Orthoptist Ophthalmic Medical Personnel (OMP) Preparation and Fitting of Corrective Lenses Chapter 27

The Optometrist and the Ophthalmologist The Job of the Optometrist Use instruments and observation to examine eye health. Test client’s visual acuity, visual depth, and color perception. Test ability to coordinate and focus the eye. Prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses. Chapter 27

The Optometrist and the Ophthalmologist (cont.) The Job of the Optometrist (cont.) Provide vision therapy and rehabilitation. Administer drugs to aid in the diagnosis of vision problems. Prescribe drugs to treat some eye diseases. Diagnose eye conditions due to other diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Refer clients to other health care practitioners. Chapter 27

The Optometrist and the Ophthalmologist (cont.) Optometrist Specialty Areas Working with the elderly, children, or partially-sighted clients. Developing ways to protect workers’ eyes from on-the-job strain or injury. Providing contact lenses, sports vision, or vision therapy. Teaching optometry or performing research. Working with ophthalmologists to provide pre- and postoperative care. Working as consultants for industrial safety programs, insurance companies, and manufacturers of ophthalmic products. Chapter 27

The Optometrist and the Ophthalmologist (cont.) The Job of the Ophthalmologist Can perform any or all of the duties of an optometrist. Can treat eye injuries. Can perform eye surgery. Most common eye surgery is the removal of cataracts, cloudy areas on the eye lens. Chapter 27

The Optometrist and the Ophthalmologist (cont.) Corrective Eye Surgery Can correct the following vision disorders: Nearsightedness, or myopia, which results in defective vision of distant objects. Farsightedness, or hyperopia, which results in defective near vision. Chapter 27

The Optometrist and the Ophthalmologist (cont.) Corrective Eye Surgery (cont.) Techniques being developed to correct the following: Astigmatism – a condition caused by an irregularly shaped cornea, resulting in blurred vision. Presbyopia – the inability of the eye lens to focus incoming light, common in people over 40. Chapter 27

The Optometrist and the Ophthalmologist (cont.) LASIK – laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis Surgery using cool, ultraviolet light on the cornea, the transparent anterior portion of the outer layer of the eyeball. Chapter 27

Orthoptist Diagnoses and treats clients with amblyopia, strabismus, defects in eye movements, and binocular vision. Chapter 27

Orthoptist (cont.) Usually works with an ophthalmologist, performing any or all of the following: Evaluates vision and ocular alignment using special examination techniques. Measures visual acuity, ability to focus, and the movement of the eyes. Checks near vision and depth perception. Estimates the eyeglass correction. Performs glaucoma tests. Chapter 27

Orthoptist (cont.) Evaluates color vision. Assists in ophthalmic surgery. Teaches children and their parents exercises to strengthen eye muscles. Researches current methods of treatment, devises new modes of exercises, and increases the understanding of binocular vision. Teaches orthoptics in hospitals or clinics. Chapter 27

Ophthalmic Medical Personnel (OMP) Work under the direction of an ophthalmologist or optometrist as an assistant. Collect data, dispense treatments ordered, and supervise clients. Take ophthalmic photographs or use ultrasound. An ophthalmic technologist may provide instruction and supervise other workers. Expected to perform at a higher skill level than ophthalmic assistants. Chapter 27

Ophthalmic Medical Personnel (OMP) (cont.) The Job of Ophthalmic Medical Personnel Take medical history and perform diagnostic tests. Take measurements of the eye and surrounding tissue. Test visual acuity and ocular fields. Perform all the ophthalmologic tests necessary for preliminary and highly specific eye tests. Chapter 27

Ophthalmic Medical Personnel (OMP) (cont.) The Job of Ophthalmic Medical Personnel (cont.) Administer topical ophthalmic and oral medications. Instruct the client in care and use of contact lenses. Maintain and sterilize surgical instruments. Assist with ophthalmic surgery. Assist with fitting contact lenses. Provide supervision and instruction to other ophthalmic medical personnel. Chapter 27

Preparation and Fitting of Corrective Lenses Ophthalmic laboratory technicians are also known as manufacturing opticians, optical mechanics, or optical goods workers. They cut, grind, edge, and finish lenses according to specifications given by dispensing opticians, optometrists, or ophthalmologists. Chapter 27

Preparation and Fitting of Corrective Lenses (cont.) The Job of Dispensing Opticians Examine written prescriptions to determine lens specifications. Recommend eyeglass frames, lenses, and lens coatings. Measure clients’ eyes, including the distance between the centers of the pupils and the distance between the eye surface and the lens. Chapter 27

Preparation and Fitting of Corrective Lenses (cont.) The Job of Dispensing Opticians (cont.) Prepare work orders that give ophthalmic laboratory technicians the information they need. Grind and insert lenses. Verify that the lenses have been ground to specifications. Reshape the frame so that the eyeglasses fit the client. Chapter 27

Preparation and Fitting of Corrective Lenses (cont.) The Job of Dispensing Opticians (cont.) Fix, adjust, and refit broken frames. Instruct clients about adapting to, wearing, or caring for eyeglasses. Keep records on customer prescriptions, work orders, and payments. Track inventory and sales and perform other administrative duties. Chapter 27

Section 27-1 Apply Your Knowledge What is used to perform LASIK surgery? Answer: A laser, which consists of a cool ultraviolet light beam. Chapter 27

Procedures in Ophthalmic Care 27-2 Additional Career Skills Chapter 27

Additional Career Skills In addition to testing for visual acuity, measuring color vision, and caring for eyeglasses, ophthalmic care staff members may perform other skills such as instilling eye drops. Eye drops are used to dilate the pupils or treat disease. Care should be taken to avoid errors when instilling eye drops. Chapter 27

Section 27-2 Apply Your Knowledge What disease is treated using eye drops? Answer: Glaucoma. Chapter 27

Procedures in Student Text 27A Measuring Visual Acuity 27B Testing Color Vision 27C Caring for Eyeglasses Chapter 27

Additional Procedures in Lab Activity Manual LM27-1 Instilling Eye Drops Chapter 27

Chapter 27 Credits Slide 5 Terry Wild Studio Slide 8 Dr. P. Marazzi/SPL/Photo Researchers Slide 18 Ken Lax Photography Chapter 27