1. Optometry

2. Optometrists Provide a comprehensive visual examination Detect and diagnose eye health problems Prescribe and supply spectacles and contact lenses when required Analyse and treat eye coordination problems Diagnose and manage ocular disease

3. Optometry qualifications Five to seven year qualifications in optometry are offered at three universities in Australia University of Melbourne University of New South Wales Queensland University of Technology

4. Studying optometry A thorough grounding in the workings of the eye and visual system Background physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology and histology Testing a large number of patients under supervision

5. Requirements for a career in optometry People skills High academic level in physics, biology and chemistry Interest in helping people Willingness to learn new developments Problem solving skills

6. Eye examination facts Examinations usually take around half an hour and attract a Medicare rebate 5.5 million optometry examinations are performed each year The use of new technology such as digital imaging, is becoming a routine part of optometry examinations

7. Areas of specialty Contact lens practice Low vision Sports vision Children’s vision

8. Related professions Orthoptists –Work as assistants to ophthalmologists –Cannot prescribe glasses independently Ophthalmologists –Medical practitioners who specialise in eyes –Carry out surgery –Optometrists will refer to ophthalmologists if required Optical dispensers –Cut out lenses and fit them into frames –Carry out frame selection –Do repair work to glasses frames

9. Optometrists Association Australia www.optometrists.asn.au