Medical optician-optometrist and ophthalmologist: who is who? Who is an optometrist

You decide to choose glasses or contact lenses. Who should I contact: an ophthalmologist or a medical optician-optometrist?
Today, both ophthalmologists and medical opticians-optometrists are engaged in the selection of means for vision correction. What is the difference?
The science of ophthalmology and the specialty of an ophthalmologist has been known since ancient times. Hippocrates and his students studied eye diseases, looking for the first methods of their treatment.
The science of optometry is much younger. The term "optometrist" was coined by Landolt in 1886. meaning "point collector". Before this, in the 19th century, there was a division between "manufacturer" and "refractive" (i.e., those who fit glasses) opticians. The latter later became known as optometrists (in our country, "Medical optician-optometrist"). The first school of optometry was founded in 1850-1900 in the USA.

Optometry as a science and as a separate specialty is officially recognized:

in North America (Canada and USA);
in Latin America and some Caribbean countries;
in most English-speaking countries, including the UK, Ireland and Australia;
in Europe, including Spain, Germany and France;
in Asia, including Malaysia, China, Hong Kong, Thailand and Taiwan;
in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, Iran and Israel;
in Russia.

In our country, the history of the development of optometry as a separate medical specialty began at the end of the 20th century. In 1983, an order of the Ministry of Health of the USSR "On approval of the regulation on the office for optometry and the paramedic (nurse) for optometry" was issued.
The history of optometry as a science in Russia is inextricably linked with the name of such an honored scientist as Yuri Zakharovich Rosenblum.
Since 1987 Yu.Z. Rosenblum headed the laboratory of ophthalmoergonomics and optometry at the Research Institute of Eye Diseases. Helmholtz. Together with prof. E.S. Avetisov, he created a new direction in ophthalmology - ophthalmoergonomics, which studies the role of vision in labor activity. Closely related to this is the doctrine of optical correction of vision - optometry. In these directions, Yu.Z. Rosenblum was the leading specialist in our country. Monograph "Optometry" Yu.Z. Rosemblum is a reference book for both ophthalmologists and medical optometrists to this day.

So, what is the difference between an ophthalmologist and a medical optometrist?

Based on the “Unified Qualification Directory for the Positions of Managers, Specialists and Employees”, approved by the Ministry of Health and Social Development of the Russian Federation, section “Qualification characteristics of positions of workers in the field of healthcare”, ophthalmologist (specialist with higher medical education) has the right to:

perform a list of works and services for diagnosing a disease, assessing the patient's condition and the clinical situation in accordance with the standard of medical care;
perform a list of works and services for the treatment of a disease, condition, clinical situation in accordance with the standard of medical care;
conduct an examination of temporary disability, refer patients with signs of permanent disability for examination for medical and social examination;
develop a scheme for postoperative management of the patient and prevention of postoperative complications;
draw up medical documentation;
analyze the incidence in your area and develop measures to reduce it;
conduct medical examination and evaluate its effectiveness;
conducts sanitary-educational work, organizes and supervises the work of paramedical personnel.

A medical optician-optometrist (a specialist with a secondary medical education in the specialty "Medical Optics") has the right to:

to carry out a study of the functions of vision of patients using modern ophthalmic diagnostic equipment;
check visual acuity, perimetry, refractometry, ophthalmometry, biomicroscopy, tonometry; examine binocular vision, determine the type and degree of ametropia, the presence of astigmatism;
to diagnose the main signs of diseases of the organ of vision;
select means of vision correction, give individual recommendations for their care;
provide emergency medical care for acute diseases and injuries of the organ of vision (including the removal of foreign bodies from the surface of the conjunctiva of the eye);
to receive patients in the pre-medical reception room.

Thus, both specialists can select glasses and contact lenses, however, if an ophthalmologist receives knowledge of optometry as part of his large surgical specialty, then a medical optician-optometrist narrowly specializes in the selection of vision correction tools.
Both ophthalmologists and medical opticians-optometrists working in Ochkarik optics salons constantly improve their level of knowledge in optometry, periodically train with specialists from European schools (Germany, France), and take part in international conferences.

Yes, yes, this is the same person in a white coat (or without it) that you meet when you come to order glasses in an optician.

So study: Study lasts a full four years. The first year and a half is biology, physics, mathematics, anatomy and physiology, and then they delve into optometry itself and study pathology, pharmacology, visual therapy, contact lenses, and, of course, how to check vision.
At the same time, the first year and a half of training lasts only in classes, and then the so-called "clinics" are added, in which students check patients. There you will learn that the correct check should last from half an hour to forty-five minutes. In the beginning, it lasts for two at a time, but with experience it passes. The study is quite intense and requires not only cramming, but also an understanding of what we are dealing with. The ability to draw conclusions from facts and quickly is very important.
In Israel, there are two institutions that teach optometry, at Bar Ilan University and at the Hadas Ein Karem mihellelet in Jerusalem.
Now both establishments are almost the same, although until recently Mikhlelet Hadassah was better. In fact, most of the lecturers teach in both institutions, but the politics of the university hindered and still hinders the "mahlakaya" from developing a little. The lecturers at these faculties have a special song - most of them are Anglo-Saxons, with a very strange sense of humor and a wild love for the profession.

In Bar Ilan, after successfully completing your studies, you get B.sc, and in mihlal B.optom (which is defended as a first degree in most institutions).
In order to become a "correct" optometrist, you still need to pass two exams from the Ministry of Health. The first is written, and after it is oral. Exams are not easy and not all of them are given the first time, but almost everyone eventually passes (although pathological cases are also known to science).
This does not make you a good optometrist, but it gives you the right to work calmly, because an optometrist who works without a "rision" breaks the law.
After graduating and passing both exams, the optometrist receives a temporary rishion for a year, after a year after the bureaucratic procedure, we get a rishion kavoa. In fact, the law provides for experience, but since. People have been voting for this law for nineteen years already, and the same number will continue to vote, but there is no experience yet, and this year is going like experience.

Where are we going to work? There is almost always work.

First, in large chains where people are constantly changing and optometrists are constantly being sought. At the same time, there are very few of them in the north or south. Usually, having studied in the center, people stay there, and very little goes somewhere in the periphery. Working in large networks has its charms - the salary comes on time, mishmarot for six to seven hours, the ability to move and stay in the same network, in addition, people come there as students and stay there for many years, these systems are flexible enough to replace you or let you go studying for a few hours a week. Of the minuses - the constant sitting on your head on the topic of increasing sales and work on Fridays and Shabbat - in the canyons.

Secondly, in small shops, where people are more sincere, the salary is lower, sometimes it doesn’t even come on time, and it all depends on the owner. But in small opticians, there are much more clinical cases, and work is calmer, you can see a lot of interesting things. Of the minuses, the owners on the head, work is sometimes less convenient for hours. they can work separately.

In the third, there are few optometric clinics, and most of them are located in the central area. Where there is a queue, they charge money for the check, each check takes an hour and they do things like strange contact lenses and visual therapy. Of the pluses - if you have a head and love for the profession (and also good people), you are really lucky, it's interesting there. The salary is not high, it's true.

Fourthly - hospitals, kupot holim, etc. Recently, there has been a trend for the appearance of optometrists in these institutions, from the pluses of working in the state. institutions, and from the minuses - sick people, for whom one must have love and compassion, etc. Eye diseases they are bastards are very unpleasant and for the most part not curable. It requires not only patience, but also a subtle sense of human psychology ... Although, again, it's interesting.

Work, it is like any work with people. Our clients, the bish patients (as one of my lecturers called them), demand full commitment (and so every time...). They may love you immensely for a wonderful check, but bargain to the last for 50 NIS. In addition, due to the fact that we work in stores, it creates the feeling of a not very serious profession. And we can be the first to determine diabetes mellitus, macular degeneration and much more. Why this is not practiced is a topic for another post...

Optometry has many areas that almost do not exist in Israel, such as visual therapy and low vision and special contact lenses. There are many reasons for this, as well as the unwillingness of customers to pay, as well as the pursuit of "easy" money by optometrists. Those who do this really love what they do.

Continuation of studies:
After the first degree, the optometrist can go to study the second - it exists at the moment only in Hadassah, and so far is a waste of money and time, because. does not carry the thesis and in general one can say not very much. But for now, we'll see. They've only started three years ago.
In Bar Ilan, they have been trying to open a second one for a year, but so far they have not succeeded.
In addition, you can go to study at the RNO-Pennsylvanian College of Optometry, an American college where you get a second degree in optometry for a lot of money. The degree is very expensive - it contains two flights to America per year for a practicum.
After the second degree, unlike other specialties, the salary does not rise, but there is a lot of knowledge.
Following. year we will find out whether it is possible to apply for "khinukh" + "leekway lemida".

By the way, in the countries of America, Australia, Canada - the Israeli degree in optometry is not protected, as the first art. by wholesale. , but as just the first degree, because they have a degree in optometry, which is, by definition, the second - so you can’t work there without learning properly for another four years.
In England and in Europe in general, exams must be taken in the language of that country. Not very common, but possible.

I will not live. I'll try to answer questions if there are any.

ps there is no such tag yet.

Optometrists are specialists who perform eye examinations and vision correction. The specialist also studies the visual systems and visual perception of a person. Optometry is related to ophthalmology, but in the first case, the doctor has more experience with visual impairments that require the selection of glasses and lenses. The doctor may examine children, adults, and the elderly who need vision correction. The optometrist also specializes in visual therapy and visual gymnastics.

What does an optometrist do

Components of an optometric examination:

study of anamnesis - an optometrist asks the patient about complaints, examines the eyes, receives data on the optical functioning of the eyes;
analysis of visual features and optical functioning;
detection of eye disease, diagnosis of concomitant disorders that can affect vision.

An eye health examination includes an external examination of the cornea, eyeball, and internal structures. The doctor observes the synchrony and movement of the eyes, evaluates the state of the lacrimal system and the skin surrounding the eyes.

Optometric examination includes the following main components:

The examination also includes measurement of refraction and selection of lenses that provide good vision correction.

Equipment

Optometrist at work uses different types of equipment. A table and a machine are used to measure visual fields and visual acuity. Eye movements are evaluated with a set of prisms of different strengths. Booklets, pencils, tables for additional research are used.

When assessing the light sensitivity of the pupil, transilluminators and penlights are used, as well as a neurological test. In a detailed examination, magnifiers, slit lamps, biomicroscopes are used. There are also special diagnostic drops for the study of anatomical structures.

What diagnoses are made

Optometry covers many eye pathologies, the doctor makes a diagnosis based on complete information after the examination. The optometrist may also refer the patient to other specialists when systemic diseases affecting vision are suspected.

Optical dysfunctions:

disturbance of accommodation;
refraction pathology: myopathy, astigmatism;
hypermetropia, presbyopia.

Eye diseases:

mechanical damage to the cornea;
glaucoma and eyeball scratches;
infectious eye diseases;
strabismus, strabismus.

Eye pathologies often associated with systemic diseases:

change in functioning against the background of drug poisoning;
retinal disorders caused by high cholesterol;
rhinopathy caused by diabetes;
retinal pathology associated with high blood pressure.

Required Skills

Optometry deals with the diagnosis and treatment of eye pathologies and visual impairment. An optometrist, in addition to basic duties, must be able to provide first aid to the patient.

Optometrist Skills:

eye health counseling;
the appointment of drug therapy;
selection of optical devices - lenses, glasses;
prescribing therapy for ocular anomalies;
Establishing a diagnosis and accompanying the patient during treatment.

Optometry is not as common as ophthalmology, but for many patients it is the optometrist who can provide adequate and correct assistance for a short time. Narrowly focused training allows specialists to navigate through various visual dysfunctions, especially visual impairment, in order to understand the patient's problem after the first consultation and help to choose the right optical device. An optometrist can help when there are problems choosing lenses or eyeglasses.

Where to study

Optometrists, in addition to basic training, must constantly take courses to improve their skills. In Russia operates St. Petersburg Medical and Technical College who have a license for the right to study in the specialty "Medical Optics". The term of study is 3 years and 10 months. The college also conducts advanced training courses, retraining of specialists.

There are several specializations that are offered by various optometry schools. These are family and children's optometry, eye diseases, vision therapy and rehabilitation, correction of low vision.

An optometrist is a specialist in vision correction using glasses and lenses. Optometrists are sometimes called ophthalmologists or optometrists. This is true, but only in part. Optometry is a narrow branch of ophthalmology dedicated to the correction of vision with the help of lenses. In many countries, the professions of "optometrist" and "ophthalmologist" are clearly separated. In our country, many ophthalmologists working in polyclinics prescribe glasses themselves. To do this, they use a special table for checking vision and a set of lenses of different power. At the same time, optometrists without higher medical education work in many optics salons. They know the methods of computerized measurement of visual acuity, but they do not provide medical advice. Ideally, an optometrist knows not only the means of computer vision diagnostics, he checks the condition of the cornea, lens, blood vessels, and, if necessary, measures intraocular pressure.

An optometrist is a healthcare professional whose main job is to study the functions of vision (visual acuity, the specifics of light perception, color and shape) and its correction. This profession is suitable for those who want to help people and have an interest in healthcare and technology. The work of an optometrist is very responsible - after all, the quality of a person's vision depends on it. If a person has problems with vision or wants to buy new glasses / contact lenses, then he goes to an optometrist who checks visual acuity, assesses the condition of the organs of vision and decides which aids to choose for the client. The optometrist uses state-of-the-art technology to determine the correct glasses and contact lenses. If necessary, he directs the client for an additional examination to the eye doctor. The duties of an optometrist include advising the client - he teaches how to use contact lenses, gives recommendations on solving vision problems caused by the environment and lifestyle. The job of an optometrist is also the fitting of glasses, contact lenses and other optical aids for a particular client, as well as their manufacture and minor repairs - especially in small optics stores where there is no separate optics position.

Must know

Working in the field of healthcare, optometrists must know human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, eye diseases, and optics. Knowledge of special terminology in Latin is required. An optometrist should be familiar with the work environment and living environment and should have a developed sense of perception of light, color and shape. Everyday work requires skills in the use of various auxiliary optical aids and sophisticated optical equipment.

Professionally important qualities

patience;
accuracy;
good and caring interlocutor;
sense of style (when choosing glasses).

Medical contraindications

significant visual and hearing impairments;
having infectious diseases.

Ways to get a profession

Related professions

Otolaryngologist, therapist, ophthalmologist.