Optometrist (Optometrist)
Information on this skill...
An optometrist is a paramedic who specializes in optometry or ophthalmology. As an optometrist you are responsible for examining eyes for any diseases or abnormalities. The profession of optometrist therefore has everything to do with the health of eyes and the vision of people. An optometrist can perform different optometric examinations, depending on the type of complaints. Think, for example, of examinations with regard to double vision or of eyes, which do not seem to work well together, causing complaints. An optometrist can also refer people to other specialists, such as an eye doctor, if necessary. The profession of optometrist is a protected profession, which means that not everyone can just call themselves an optometrist. In short, the work of an optometrist can best be described as examining eyes to rule out medical causes of eye abnormality. The profession of optometrist has similarities with the profession of optician, but the professions cannot simply be compared with each other. The difference between an optometrist and an optician is that the optician only measures the eyes of customers before wearing any glasses or contact lenses. An optometrist may also conduct research related to eye health, which goes beyond just measuring eyes. An optometrist can also advise on glasses or contact lenses. An optometrist is also a legally recognized eye care provider and falls under the BIG register. To visit an optometrist, no referral from a general practitioner is required. As an optometrist, there are various specializations, such as binocular vision, low vision, contact lenses and the specialization refractive surgery. Refractive surgery involves eye doctors and not optometrists.
Thus, an optometrist is a paramedic, who specializes in conducting optometric research. Optometric examination usually involves clients who have blurred vision, double vision, black spots, flashes of light or, for example, suffer from red, dry or itchy eyes. If people have eye problems, the optometrist is in most cases the first point of contact, because an optometrist is easily accessible to people. No referral from a general practitioner or other medical specialist is required to visit an optometrist. The work of an optometrist is aimed at restoring and maintaining mono- and binocular vision. Binocular vision refers to the cooperation between the two eyes and the functioning of the eye muscles. If binocular vision becomes impaired, people may experience problems such as headaches, tired eyes, heavy eyes, blurred vision or pain in and around the eyes. These complaints are also called asthenopia. Asthenopie is the collective name for all kinds of eye complaints, which is caused by exertion of the eyes. Incorrect glasses or not wearing glasses can also cause these types of complaints. As described earlier, the profession of optometrist cannot simply be compared to the profession of optician.
WHAT EXACTLY DOES AN OPTOMETRIST DO
What exactly an optometrist does depends on the chosen specialization. It is not the case that all optometrists perform the same work, because there are different specializations as optometrists. In general, an optometrist is responsible for conducting optometric examination, advising clients, drawing up treatment plans, and maintaining all equipment. As described earlier, an optometrist is a paramedic and not a doctor. In case of any further examination, the optometrist will refer clients to the ophthalmologist. An optometrist will not perform laser eye treatments, as this is part of the work of an ophthalmologist. An optometrist may be responsible for conducting preliminary research to determine whether someone is suitable for laser treatment. Lasering eyes is called refractive surgery. For more information on this subject, see the Optometrists Association of the Netherlands.
VARIOUS ACTIVITIES OF AN OPTOMETRIST ARE:
- Conducting optometric research
- Investigating the cooperation between the eyes
- Advising clients on optical aids
- The possible referral of clients
- Fitting glasses and contact lenses
- Performing preliminary examination (implant lenses and welding)
- Performing follow-up checks (implant lenses and welding)
WHAT DOES AN OPTOMETRIST DO:
TRAINING TO BECOME AN OPTOMETRIST
If you want to work as an optometrist, it is best to follow the Hbo optometry course of about four years. During the training, attention is paid to optometric research, optically technical treatments, shape deviation of the eye, knowledge of pharmacology, fitting tools and providing information and advice. The study optometrist has different internship periods, such as the optometric internship and the ophthalmic internship. The optometrist training is fairly heavy and requires a lot of independence from the student. Accounting is also important as an entrepreneur.
COMPANIES WHERE AN OPTOMETRIST CAN BE EMPLOYED
An optometrist can work for different companies and institutions. Think, for example, of an optician's shop, optics company, hospital and specialized ophthalmic (laser) clinics. In addition, an optometrist can work as an entrepreneur.
COMPETENCES OPTOMETRIST
The most important competence of an optometrist is the professional knowledge of optometry. In addition, carefully analyzing and advising clients is very important. Because you have to deal with different clients on a daily basis, you must have a strong communication skills. You will also need to be able to work with colleagues, such as ophthalmologists, with whom you have regular contact within your field. Continuing to follow extra training and courses is also important within the industry. Generally important words are research, listening, customer-oriented, planning, organizing, analytical, consulting and innovation. Obviously, an optometrist has to deal with fixed professional competencies.
LABOUR MARKET PERSPECTIVE AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AS AN OPTOMETRIST
The labour market perspective of an optometrist is good. There is a growing demand for well-trained optometrists. Obtaining work as an optometrist will therefore not be a problem at all. The career opportunities of an optometrist should be seen in obtaining a managerial position. A possible follow-up position could be, for example, the position of manager. Further specialization within the field can also be regarded as growing within your career.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT AND SALARY OPTOMETRIST
There are no specific employment conditions for the profession of optometrist, because you can work for different types of employers. An optometrist in paid employment will earn between 2600 and 3800 euros gross per month, depending on age, education and specific responsibilities. The salary of an optometrist can vary considerably per type of employer, because the private clinics usually pay better than, for example, the hospitals.
The content on this page has been automatically translated from the Dutch language. For this reason, texts and videos on this page may contain small errors.
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