Description

The optometrist helps the ophthalmologist in his day to day work in the outpatient and, with some training, he can assist the ophthalmologist in the operation theatre itself. But his main work is in the prescription of glasses including the checking of the new glasses once the patient buys and brings them. He also helps in training the patients in the use of contact lens. In some areas nowadays he steps in the examination and treatments of basic eye diseases in the outpatient wing during the absence of ophthalmic surgeon. He even finds employment in the optical shops. Some of them even own such shops. But to step into such a delicate job he must have good knowledge of optometry. He also must possess the expertise in the operation of instruments such as auto refractometer, A scan, keratometer and perimeter. If he is going to assist the surgeon in the operation theatre he must possess basic knowledge of sterilisation, operating instruments and operative procedures. Above all, apart from theoretical knowledge, a lot of practical experience is a must. The central government through their National council of Vocational and Research Training has laid down certain basic syllabus for the training of optometrists. This, the author in his 20 years of experience in teaching optometry students, has found useful along with practical training.