Michigan Optometrists

 

Optometry is the study of the eyes and vision. Optometrists are the primary caregivers for people's eyes. Optometrists will test the patients eyes for health and ability to see correctly and prescribe glasses or contacts if needed. They will test the patients eyes to see if they can see correctly far, near and perceive color and depth.

They also test patients eyes for glaucoma or other conditions caused by diabetes and high blood pressure. They may diagnose cataracts and take care of patients before and after their surgery for cataracts or laser vision correction. Optometrists can even possibly detect brain tumors.

The eye exam consists of a number of tests administered by the optometrist. It is recommended that everyone, regardless of vision, be tested regularly to prevent or detect eye problems. They will observe the eye from an external standpoint. They will then test your visual acuity, which will be give to you in number such as 20/20 vision. The top number is the distance at which you can make out something clearly. The bottom number is the distance at which a person with normal vision can see something clearly. If your vision is 20/20, you have perfect vision. If your vision is 20/10, you can see something at 20 feet that people with normal vision can see at 10 feet.

The optometrist may also dilate your pupils. This test is called the dilated fundus examination. The pupil is the black hole in the center of your eye, and the doctor will put some eye drops in your eyes to cause it to dilate. This is so they can use a light to see properly into your eye without it closing to a small hole. They use this so they can see the back side of your eye and view the cones and rods on the inside of your eye.

Most optometrists work with all types of patients. This may include children and the elderly. These usually run a private practice, in which they will have to be involved with the business aspect as well. This may include record keeping, hiring, setting up appointments among other duties. Optometrists who work in retail stores such as Pearl Vision and Lenscrafters will not have to do as much of this.

Optometrists typically work about 40 hours a week, which are the hours of operation for the office. If they own their own practice or have only one partner, they tend to work longer hours to stay on top of their paperwork. This can be as much as 50 hours a week.

The first optometry schools were founded in 1850 in the United States. As undergraduates, students must take pre-optometry courses including health, science, and math classes. After receiving their bachelors, students then must be accepted into optometry school. This is four years revolving around vision, pharmacology, the anatomy of the eye and diseases.

After graduating from optometry school, students then must attend a college to receive their Doctor of Optometry degree. After this, they are required to pass an exam given by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry. Some optometrists will then begin a residency lasting a year or two. This is when they will receive specific training in specialty contact lenses, ocular disease, neuro-optometry, geriatric and pediatric eye care.

Once graduated and practicing optometry, optometrists still have to stay on top of their knowledge in the field. Technology is constantly changing and advancing for the better. This is why it is required for them to maintain their education.

There are only 17 optometry schools in the United States. If you live in Michigan, you can attend the Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University. This school is located in Big Rapids, Michigan. Optometry is a well-paying profession for people to get into. Michigan optometrists can make an average of between $109,000 and $135,400 a year.

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