Vision Care
The importance of vision in our lives is difficult to overestimate—in work, in play, in learning, and perhaps most crucially in the requirements of self-care and daily living. A clear view of our physical surroundings is a powerful asset in every sense. Yet sight is often taken for granted until it becomes obviously impaired. Vision care personnel have assumed a major role in the diagnosis, management, and prevention of eye injury and disease.
The realization that good vision is essential to our lives is creating more opportunities for vision care professionals.
Several fields of study in vision care are available for interested students. Ophthalmologists are physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of eye injuries and vision disorders. Ophthalmologists may be assisted by ophthalmic technicians or technologists. Optometrists are primary eye care providers who examine eyes, treat eye problems, and prescribe medications and corrective devices. They are assisted by optometric assistants and technicians. Opticians fill prescriptions for corrective lenses, and fit frames and lenses to the patient's face and eyes.
Updated: 2007
