Читать книгу Start & Run a Medical Practice - Michael Clifford Fabian - Страница 16

Optometrists also have a doctor designation in many parts of the world. They usually practice independently in an office setting, or they may be closely affiliated to medical doctors — particularly ophthalmologists working in a medical office, or in the hospital.

A while back I personally consulted with an ophthalmologist, the basic eye assessment and examination being performed by an optometrist. I have also seen cross referrals between the two specialties. An ophthalmologist might choose to ask an optometrist to do the initial evaluation of patients before medical treatment is considered, as was the case in my experience. In turn, the optometrist can refer patients to the ophthalmologist for more complex examinations or treatment.

There are limitations with what optometrists can do with many eye disorders. Optometrists do not perform surgery and have limitations in regards to prescribing medication. They do, however, take care of eyes with appropriate examinations, diagnose pathology, and prescribe glasses and contact lenses.

Obviously, as with any of the health-care disciplines, regulations and boundaries of what the scope of practice of optometrists can entail changes from one country, state, or province to the next. Certainly the running of the office has a lot in common with any other medical-related office, but like their ophthalmologist colleagues, the equipment and initial financial outlay far exceeds what most health-care professionals have to spend to get things up and running.

Note that an optometrist is not the same as an optician, although in some countries there is some overlap between these two professions. Opticians deal more with fitting of lenses, and have a wealth of knowledge and information as to the best options for a person’s glasses or contact lens prescription.