§ OCCUPATION · GLOBAL STANDARDS

optometrist

Optometrists examine and test eyes to identify abnormalities, visual problems, or disease.

Description

Optometrists examine and test eyes to identify abnormalities, visual problems, or disease. They prescribe and fit lenses such as spectacles and contacts, and offer advice on visual problems. They may also refer patients to a medical practitioner. Their scope of practice and title varies according to national regulations.

Theoretical Knowledge

ESSENTIALTheoretical knowledge required

refraction of the eye optical glass characteristics optical instruments quality standards of ophthalmic equipment eye protection regulations

OPTIONALAdjacent knowledge that strengthens fit

preventive medicine

Practical Skills

ESSENTIALApplied skills & competences

comply with quality standards related to healthcare practice empathise with the healthcare user implement marketing strategies educate on the prevention of illness interact with healthcare users prescribe corrective lenses provide therapy of the visual system communicate in healthcare inform policy makers on health-related challenges test visual acuity promote inclusion perform comprehensive eye examinations advise customers on optical instruments maintenance respond to changing situations in health care promote ocular health manage staff work in multidisciplinary health teams follow clinical guidelines manage healthcare users' data comply with legislation related to health care work in a multicultural environment in health care advise on contact lense maintenance diagnose problems of the visual system apply numeracy skills use ophthalmic instruments determine eye disease progression process payments ensure safety of healthcare users deal with emergency care situations apply context specific clinical competences accept own accountability refer healthcare users have computer literacy fit contact lenses record healthcare users' billing information advise on healthcare users' informed consent apply organisational techniques listen actively adhere to organisational guidelines perform ocular tonometry advise patients on vision improvement conditions

OPTIONALOptional competences

contribute to continuity of health care use e-health and mobile health technologies provide domiciliary eyecare implement sales strategies provide health education record healthcare users' progress related to treatment participate in medical inventory control use foreign languages for health-related research use foreign languages in patient care perform vision rehabilitation develop a collaborative therapeutic relationship provide treatment strategies for challenges to human health administer medication for vision problems

Data Source: Unified Global Standards (ISCED, ISCO, O*NET, ESCO)