|
 |
| Doctor of Optometry
(O.D.) is a primary healthcare provider who examines, diagnosis, treats and manages
diseases and disorders of the human visual system, the eye, and its associated structures,
as well as diagnoses related systemic conditions.  There is more to the eyes then just what you see....
Optometrists examine the internal and external structures of the eyes to diagnose vision
conditions such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism and
presbyopia; eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts and macula degeneration; systemic
diseases like hypertension and diabetes. Optometrists also perform tests to
determine a patient's ability to focus, coordinate the eyes, judge depth and see
colors accurately.
 Eyeglasses, contact lenses, low vision
aids, vision therapy and medications are prescribed by optometrists to treat eye diseases
and conditions.
As primary eyecare providers, optometrists are an integral part of the Rhode Island
healthcare team and an entry point into the healthcare system. O.D.'s are skilled in
the co-management of care that affects the eye health and vision of their patients and are
an excellent source of referrals to other healthcare professionals.
|
|
| Optometric
Education |
|
Optometrists are required to complete a four-year post-graduate degree program to earn
their doctor of optometry (O.D.) titles. The four-year program includes classroom and
clinical training in geometric, physical, physiological and ophthalmic optics, ocular
anatomy, ocular disease, ocular myotology, ocular pharmacology, neuroanatomy and
neurophysiology of the vision system, color, form, space, movement and vision perception,
design and modification of the visual environment, and vision performance and vision
screening. Unique to the educational requirements for optometrists is the advanced
study of optics, the science of light and vision, and extensive training in lens design,
construction, application and fitting.
Since optometrists are members of the primary health care team, optometric education
also includes a thorough study of human anatomy, histology, general pharmacology, general
pathology, clinical medicine, sensory and perceptual psychology, biochemistry, statistics
and epidemiology.
|
|
| Rhode
Island Optometric Requirements |
|
 Throughout their educational career,
optometric students are also required to successfully complete a series of National Board
Examinations. These board examinations assess a students competency and fitness to
practice optometry. Successful completion of these examinations are a prerequisite
for licensure in the State of Rhode Island.After graduation from an accredited school
or college of optometry, optometrists must successfully complete a Rhode Island state
internship program and an additional state board examination to become licensed to
practice in the State of Rhode Island.
To obtain advanced therapeutic privileges, Rhode Island optometrist must also
complete additional state requirements in order to treat and manage anterior segment
ocular diseases including the treatment and management of glaucoma.
For maintenance of licensure and to keep current on the latest advancements in the
field of eye care, Rhode Island optometrists with certified and/or amplified privileges,
must complete every three years no less than sixty (60) hours of approved continuing
education in optometry or other related health fields
|
|
| Colleges of
Optometry |
|
North American Colleges of Optometry
all links open in a new browser window
|
|
The above definitions are modified
from the
American Optometric Association |
|
|
