Optometry: The Profession
Optometry is a health care profession providing primary and specialty eye care.
It encompasses the prevention and remediation of disorders of the eye/vision
system through the examination, diagnosis, treatment and/or management of the visual
system and eye health. The recognition and diagnosis of related systemic
manifestations helps to preserve and enhance the quality of life and environment.
Doctors of Optometry are the major providers of eye care in America.
Here in Iowa, optometry provides over 70% of the primary eye care. These health
care professionals are specifically educated, clinically trained and state licensed
to examine, diagnose and treat eyes for vision problems, diseases, injuries and ocular
manifestations of systemic diseases such as: diabetes, hypertension, hyperthyroidism
and immunological disorders. Eye and health care needs of patients and industry in our
communities have shaped the scope of optometric practice as it is today.
Services Provided by Iowa Doctors of Optometry
The range of services provided by Doctors of Optometry in Iowa is as varied as the needs
of their patients. Some of the common services provided by doctors of optometry include:
- Anterior Eye Disease
- Glaucoma
- Cataract
- Diseases and Disorders of the Retina
- Ocular emergencies such as removal of foreign bodies and treatment of abrasions
- Strabismus and amblyopia
- Second opinions on ocular diseases and disorders
- CMV Retinitis (AIDS-related eye disease)
Examinations performed by Doctors of Optometry often result in the early detection or
proper management of many general medical conditions, some of which include:
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Carotid Artery Disease
- Brain tumors
- Sjogren's Syndrome
- Allergies
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypercholesterolemia
- Auto immune disease
Doctors of optometry are also major providers of general vision care services including:
- Preventative eye exams
- Correction of refractive errors
- Contact lenses
- Safety/Sport eye wear
- Low vision aids
- Orthoptics/vision therapy
- Consulting service to industry
- Vision screening for schools