HEALTH CARE CAREERS
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Transcript of HEALTH CARE CAREERS
The optometrist is a doctor of optometry
(O.D.), although he or she is not a medical
doctor. The optometrist has completed 7 years
of college and optometry school studies and has
passed state board exams; they can examine the eye to
diagnose vision problems and eye
diseases.
The optometrist uses instruments to examine eye
health, test visual acuity, depth and color perception, and ability to focus the eye; prescribes eyeglasses and contact lenses, provides
vision therapy and rehabilitation, administers
drugs to aid in the diagnosis of vision problems or treat eye diseases, and refers
clients to other health care practitioners.
The ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (M.D.) who can perform all the same duties as an optometrist
and treat injuries of the eye and eye surgery.
Cataracts are a cloudy area on an eye lens that interferes with the entrance of light into the eye and
causes a loss of vision. When the cataract is removed, it is replaced with an artificial lens.
While corrective lenses can address these issues, surgery is another option to help myopia
(nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness).
Myopia… retina is too far back
Hyperopia… retina is too far forward
Astigmatism is a condition caused by an irregularly shaped cornea, and results in blurred vision.
Presbyopia (prez-bē-ō-pē-ə) is the inability of the eye lens to focus incoming light, resulting in blurred
vision and eyestrain while reading.
Accommodating presbyopia: holding reading materials further away
A laser is used to perform LASIK eye surgery (Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) in which small
pieces of corneal tissue are removed to reshape the cornea, and affect the way light focuses onto the
retina. This improves or corrects vision.
The orthoptist completes a 2 year
program of study and works as an assistant to
the ophthalmologist. The orthoptist can diagnose and treat
clients with amblyopia (lazy eye) and
strabismus (mis-aligned or cross-eyed). They
teach children and their parents exercises to
strengthen eye muscles.
strabismus
Ophthalmic medical personnel include the
ophthalmic technologist, technician, and assistant. They receive on-the-job
training or complete training programs up to 2
years in length. They instruct the client in the use and care of contact lenses, perform clerical
duties, administer topical and oral medications, and take eye measurements.
Dispensing opticians may also be trained
on-the-job or complete up to 2 years of
training. They usually work in an optical
department of a retail store or pharmacy.
They work with clients, read lens prescriptions, recommend eyeglass frames based on occupation, habits, and facial features of the client, fix, adjust, and fit frames, grind and insert lenses into frames,
and measure client’s eyes.
The Snellen eye chart is used to test far vision. The largest letter is the smallest letter the eye can distinguish at 200
feet. The smallest letter is what the eye can
distinguish at 10 feet. People with normal or far vision can read the ‘20’ line at 20 feet. This is
known as 20/20 vision. Near vision is tested using a handheld chart or card
held at normal reading distance.
An ‘E’ chart (the client uses their hand to imitate
which way the E’s are pointing) or picture chart can be used with young
children who cannot read.
When using a card or eye occluder to block the
vision from one eye while testing the other eye… do
not touch the card or occluder to the eye; keep
both eyes open.
The ability to perceive color is based upon the ability to see red, green, and blue. ‘Color
blindness’ usually refers to a client’s inability to perceive certain colors, not all colors (which would be rare). It is more prevalent in men than women, and is hereditary.
Lack of color perception can lead to learning difficulties, and prove difficult for truck
drivers or airline pilots in their job performance.
The Ishihara color graph (Japanese
ophthalmologist ish-ē-här-ah) is a color
vision screening test using colored dots.
The audiologist usually has a masters or doctorate degree in audiology, as well as clinical experience. They work with clients who have hearing, balance, and related problems. They work with clients of all
ages, including children and the elderly.
An audiometer, computer, and other testing devices are used to measure the
loudness at which a client begins to hear sounds,
their ability to distinguish between sounds, and the
nature or extent of hearing loss. The audiologist may work with other medical,
educational, speech & language, and psychology members of the healthcare team to help each client.
Hearing disorders may result from birth trauma, viral infections, genetic disorders, exposure to loud
noise, and aging. Treatments include
examining and cleaning the ear canal, fitting and dispensing
hearing aids, and referrals for audiologic
rehabilitation (speech or lip reading).They
also fit and tune cochlear implants.