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-[[Image:Geraet beim Optiker.jpg|thumb|right|250px|An optical refractor ([[phoropter]]) in use.]]
-'''
-The eye, including its structure and mechanism, has fascinated scientists and the public in general since ancient times. Many of the expressions in the English language that mean to understand are equivalent vision terms. "I see," to mean I understand.
-Many patients will be more concerned about diseases that affect vision than other, more lethal diseases when told that they may have an eye problem.{{Citation needed|date=December 2010}} Being deprived of sight can have a devastating effect on the psyche, as well as economic and social effects.{{Citation needed|date=December 2010}} Many [[blindness|blind]] individuals require significant assistance with activities of daily living and are often unable to continue gainful employment that might have previously been held while they could see. It is also well-known that serious diseases such as [[myasthenia gravis]],  [[diabetes]], and [[atherosclerosis]] can show their first signs during an eye examination, well before a patient experiences any symptoms.
-The maintenance of ocular health and correction of eye problems that decrease vision contribute greatly to the ability to appreciate the longer lifespan that all of medicine continues to allow. Given the importance of vision to quality of life, many optometrists consider their job to be rewarding, as they are often able to restore or improve a patient's sight.
-[[Behavioral optometry]] is a related area of non-strabismus [[vision therapy]] that some optometrists practice. Generally [[ophthalmologist]]s and [[orthoptist]]s do not practice this because it not based upon scientific, peer reviewed studies. It generally involves intense therapy that requires at least a weekly visit with eye exercises at home. In some cases it can improve eye movement control beyond that which [[eyeglasses]] alone can do.  This practice has been debunked several times in history, most recently by Barrett, et al.<ref>Brendan T. Barrett (2008). "A critical evaluation of the evidence supporting the practice of behavioural vision therapy". Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics 29 (1): 4–25. doi:10.1111/j.1475-1313.2008.00607.x. PMID 19154276. http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/fulltext/121581874/HTMLSTART </ref>  This is akin to what many now know as the "Seeing Clearly Method", which itself is a rehashing of the "Bates Method" that was published originally in 1920.<ref>http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/eyequack.html</ref>
-In the United States, optometry is currently governed by state boards that determine their scope of practice. The scope of practice can vary dramatically from state to state. Optometrists have been successful in getting the right to use certain types of medication, including oral medications (such as antivirals, antibiotics, and oral steroids), eye drops, and injections.<ref>{{cite news |author=Hedger, Brian |title=Several states face battles over optometry scope of practice |url=http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/04/13/prsb0413.htm |work=amednews.com |publisher=American Medical Association |date=April 13, 2009 }}</ref> In Oklahoma and Kentucky, optometrists are allowed by the state legislature to perform laser surgery.
-==History==
-Optometric history is tied to the development of
-* [[vision science]] (related areas of medicine, microbiology, neurology, physiology, psychology, etc.)
-* optics, [[History of optics|optical aids]]
-* [[optical instrument]]s, imaging techniques
-* other [[eye care professional|eye care professions]]
-The history of optometry can be traced back to the early studies on optics and image formation by the eye.
-The origins of optometric science (optics, as taught in a basic physics class) date back a few thousand years BC as evidence of the existence of lenses for [[decoration]] has been found. It is unknown when the first [[spectacles]] were made, but the [[United Kingdom|British]] [[scientist]] and [[historian]] [[Joseph Needham|Sir Joseph Needham]] stated in his research that the [[China|ancient Chinese]] invented the earliest [[eyeglasses]] 1000 years ago and were also mentioned by the [[Venetian]] [[Marco Polo]] in his account of his travels in [[China|ancient China]]. Alternatively, research by David A. Goss, O.D., Ph.D., shows they may have originated independently in the late 13th century in [[Italy]] as stated in a [[manuscript]] from 1305 AD where a monk from Pisa named Rivalto stated “It is not yet 20 years since there was discovered the art of making eyeglasses”.<ref name="A">{{cite web|url=http://www.opt.indiana.edu/people/faculty/graphics/goss/opthx.pdf |title=History of Optometry |date=|accessdate=08/03/2010}}</ref> Spectacles were manufactured in Italy, [[Germany]], and the [[Netherlands]] by 1300 AD.
-Benito Daza de Valdes published the third book on optometry in 1623, where he mentioned the use and fitting of eyeglasses.
-The term ''optometrist'' was coined by [[Edmund Landolt]] in 1886, referring to the "fitter of glasses". Prior to this, there was a distinction between "dispensing" and "refracting" [[optician]]s in the 19th century. The latter were later called optometrists.<ref>[http://www.opt.indiana.edu/people/faculty/graphics/goss/opthx.pdf History of Optometry, Lecture Handout at Indiana University School of Optometry by David A. Goss].</ref>
-In 1692, William Molyneux wrote a book on optics and [[Lens (optics)|lenses]] where he stated his ideas on [[myopia]] and problems related to close-up vision.
-The scientists Claudius Ptolemy and Johannes Kepler also contributed to the creation of optometry. Kepler discovered how the [[retina]] in the eye creates [[Visual perception|vision]].
-From 1773 until around 1829, Thomas Young discovered the disability of [[astigmatism]] and it was George Biddell Airy who designed glasses to correct that problem that included spherocylindrical lens.<ref name="B">{{cite web|url=http://www.whonamedit.com/doctor.cfm/1715.html |title=Thomas Young |date=|accessdate=08/03/2010}}</ref>
-A [[pilgrim]] named Peter Brown is believed to be the first person to wear a pair of glasses in the US, however, eyeglasses were only made in [[Europe]] for a long period of time which made them both expensive and difficult to find. The first man to buy a pair of eyeglasses in the US was John McAllister Sr., from Philadelphia Pennsylvania, in 1783. McAllister, together with his son, John McAllister Jr. started making the first eyeglasses in the US in 1811. Their business continued until the 20th century. The family also taught [[refraction]], and one of their students, James W. Queen also began his own business in 1853.<ref name="A"/>
-Benjamin Pike and James Prentice were two other early optometrists who studied in England and came to the US in 1847. They trained their sons, and James's son, Charles Prentice, had an important role in the development of optometry in the US.<ref name="A"/>
-The American Optometric Association was then formed on January 11, 1922 after Morris Steinfeld held a meeting with seven optometrists to discuss whether optometry should be a [[business]] or a [[profession]]. At the end of this meeting, they formed the American Academy of Optometry with the vision to transform the entire body optometric to a profession with a scientific base.<ref name="C">{{cite web|url=http://journals.lww.com/optvissci/Fulltext/2005/10000/Just_the_Facts.3.aspx |title=Just the Facts |date=|accessdate=08/03/2010}}</ref> The American Optometric Society was formed in August 2009.  Doctors were concerned that policy decisions by the AOA leadership did not represent the desires of the majority of the profession and were considered to not be in the best interest of the profession.
-The first schools of optometry were established in 1850–1900 and contact lenses were first used in 1940s<ref>[http://www.drjankowski.com/history.htm History<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
-The first schools of optometry in the US began in the late 19th century, with the [[Illinois College of Optometry]] in 1872, and the [[New England College of Optometry]] in 1894. In 1914, a program in optometry began at The [[Ohio State University]] after Professor Charles Sheard gave a presentation to the Ohio State Optical Association who assisted him financially to open the program. It started as a two-year course that later became a four-year degree-granting program. Until 1937 the program was known as Applied Optics, when it then became known as Optometry.<ref name="D">{{cite web|url=http://optometry.osu.edu/aboutTheCollege/history.cfm |title=History of the College of Optometry at The Ohio State University |date=|accessdate=08/03/2010}}</ref>
-Nowadays, there are many community and local resources to help thospooftere with financial difficulties to secure free or reduced cost eye care. Contact can be made to charities or non-profit organizations in the area to receive such help.<ref name="E">{{cite web|url=http://www.seeingeyecare.com/ |title=Seeing Eye Care |date=|accessdate=08/03/2010}}</ref>
-==Licensing==
-Most countries have regulations concerning optometry education and practice. Optometrists like many other health care professionals are required to participate in ongoing continuing education courses to stay current on the latest standards of care.
-Optometry is officially recognized:
-* in North America (Canada and US)
-* in [[Latin America]] and some [[Caribbean]] countries
-* in most English speaking countries including UK, Republic of Ireland, [[Australia]], New Zealand and [[South Africa]]
-* in [[Europe]] including Spain, Germany and the English speaking European countries
-* in [[Asia]] including [[China]], [[Pakistan]] [[Hong Kong]], [[Malaysia]], [[Philippines]],<ref>http://www.prc.gov.ph/portal.asp?pid=65</ref> [[Singapore]], [[Taiwan]] and [[Thailand]]
-* in the Middle East including [[Saudi Arabia]], [[Iran]] and Israel
-{{see also|List of optometry schools}}
-===Argentina===
-In [[Argentina]] optometrists are required to register with the local Ministry of Public Information, but licensing is not required. Anyone holding a Bachelor's degree may register as an optometrist after completing a written exam. Fees for the exam are set by the provincial government and vary from province to province.
-===Australia===
-Australia currently has three recognised courses in Optometry. These are offered through the University of New South Wales: Bachelor of Optometry Bachelor of Science (BOptom BSc), a 5 year course; Queensland University of Technology: Bachelor of Vision Science and Masters of Optometry, a 5 year course; and Melbourne University which is transitioning to a Doctor of Optometry course a 4 year postgraduate course.  These courses are developments of prior course offerings at these institutions that have been expanded along with the increased scope of practice for Optometrists in Australia, specifically the ability to prescribe certain therapeautic agents.
-New courses are being developed at Flinders University in South Australia, which accepted students in a science degree in 2010 and will begin the post graduate component of the course in 2013.  A second new course is expected to be offered at Deakin University in Geelong, Vic at the beginning of 2012.
-===Canada===
-In [[Canada]] optometrists hold a Doctorate of Optometry degree and are licensed by the boards in the provinces they wish to practice. There are two schools of optometry, one at the [[University of Waterloo]] and the other at [[Université de Montreal]].
-===Colombia===
-In [[Colombia]] optometry education has been accredited by the Ministry of Health. The last official revision to the laws regarding health care standards in the country was issued in 1992 through the Law 30.<ref>[http://www.cna.gov.co/cont/publicaciones/estandares/salud/anexo_ant_for_pro_cie_sal.htm Consejo Nacional de Acreditación<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Currently there are eight official universities that are entitled by [[ICFES]] to grant the Optometrist certification. The first optometrists arrived in the country from North America and Europe circa 1914. These professionals specialized in optics and [[refraction]]. In 1933, under [[Decree]]s 449 and 1291, the Colombian Government officially set the rules for the formation of professionals in the field of optometry. In 1966 [[La Salle University, Colombia|La Salle University]] opened its first Faculty of Optometry after recommendation from a group of professionals. At the present time optometrists are encouraged to keep up with new technologies through congresses and scholarships granted by the government or the private sector (such as [[Bausch & Lomb]]).
-===Ghana===
-In [[Ghana]] the Ghana Optometric Association (GOA) regulates the practise of Optometry. After the six year training at any of the two Universities offering the course, the O.D degree is awarded. The new Optometrist has to write a qualifying exam after which the optometrist would be admitted to be a member of the GOA leading to the award of the certificate MGOA.
-=== Europe ===
-Currently, optometry education and licensing varies throughout Europe. For example, in Germany, optometric tasks are performed by [[ophthalmologist]]s and professionally trained and certified [[optician]]s. In France, there is no regulatory framework and optometrists are sometimes trained by completing an apprenticeship at an ophthalmologists' private office.<ref>[http://www.escrs.org/eurotimes/July2003/French_ophthalmology.asp Welcome to Eurotimes<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
-Since the formation of the [[European Union]], "there exists a strong movement, headed by the Association of European Schools and Colleges of Optometry (AESCO), to unify the profession by creating a European-wide examination for optometry" and presumably also standardized practice and education guidelines within EU countries.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Hamakiotes DS, Thal LS |title=The unification of European optometry: how the profession will change after 1992 |journal=J Am Optom Assoc |volume=62 |issue=12 |pages=904–13 |year=1991 |month=December |pmid=1814983 }}</ref> The first examinations of the new European Diploma in Optometry were held in 1998 and this was a landmark event for optometry in continental Europe.<ref>Agarwal, R. (1998), European Diploma in Optometry, British Journal of Optometry and Dispensing, 6(3), 84.</ref>
-====Ireland====
-The profession of Optometry has been represented for over a century by the Association of Optometrists, Ireland [AOI]. In [[Ireland]] an optometrist must first complete a four year degree in optometry at D.I.T. Kevin Street. Following successful completion of the a degree, an optometrist must then complete Professional Qualifying Examinations in order to be entered into the register of the Opticians Board [Bord na Radharcmhaistoiri]. Optometrists must be registered with the Board in order to practice in the Republic of Ireland.
-The A.O.I. runs a comprehensive continuing education and professional development program on behalf of Irish optometrists. The legislation governing Optometry was drafted in 1956. Some feel that the legislation restricts optometrists from using their full range of skills, training and equipment for the benefit of the Irish public. The amendment to the Act in 2003 addressed one of the most significant restrictions - the use of [[cycloplegic]] drugs to examine children.
-====United Kingdom====
-In the [[United Kingdom]], optometrists have to complete a 3 or 4 ([[Scotland]]) year undergraduate honours degree followed by a minimum of a one-year "pre-registration period", (internship), where they complete clinical practice under the supervision of a qualified and experienced practitioner. During this year the pre-registration candidate is given a number of quarterly assessments, often including temporary posting at a hospital, and on successfully passing all of these assessments, a final one-day set of examinations (Examination details correct for candidates from 2006 onwards). Following successful completion of these assessments and having completed one year's supervised practice, the candidate is eligible to register as an optometrist with the [[General Optical Council]] (GOC) and, should they so wish, are entitled to membership of the [[College of Optometrists]]. Registration with the GOC is mandatory to practice in the UK. Members of the College of Optometrists (incorporated by a Royal Charter) may use the suffix MCOptom.  There are 8 universities which offer optometry in the UK, these are [[Anglia Ruskin University|Anglia Ruskin]], [[Aston University|Aston]], [[University of Bradford|Bradford]], [[Cardiff University|Cardiff]], [[City University London|City]], [[Glasgow Caledonian University|Glasgow Caledonian]], [[University of Manchester|Manchester]] and [[University of Ulster|Ulster]] ([[University of Ulster at Coleraine|Coleraine campus]]) Universities.
-Additionally, the [[Institute of Optometry]] (founded in 1922) in London offers a post-graduate professional doctorate in optometry in partnership with [[London South Bank University]].
-=== Philippines ===
-Optometry is regulated by the Professional Regulation Commission of the Philippines. To be eligible for licensing, each candidate must have satisfactorily completed a Doctor of Optometry course at an accredited institution and demonstrate good moral character with no previous record of professional misconduct. Professional organizations of optometry in the Philippines include Optometric Association of the Philippines<ref>http://philippineoptometry.net/</ref> and Integrated Philippine Association of Optometrists, Inc. (IPAO).
-=== Russia ===
-{{Expand section|date=October 2008}}
-In [[Russia]] optometry education has been accredited by the Federal Agency of Health and Social Development.{{Citation needed|date=October 2008}}
-There are only two educational institutions that teach optometry in Russia: Saint Petersburg Medical Technical College, formerly known as St. Petersburg College of Medical Electronics and Optics, and The Helmholz Research Institute for Eye Diseases. They both belong and are regulated by the Ministry of Health. The Optometry program is a 4 year program. It includes 1–2 science foundation years, 1 year  focused on clinical and proficiency skills, and 1 year of clinical rotations in hospitals. Graduates take college/state [[examinations]] and then receive a specialist [[diploma]]. This diploma is valid for only 5 years and must be renewed every 5 years after receiving additional training at state accredited programs.
-===United States===
-The American Optometric Association (AOA) and the American Optometric Society (AOS) represent optometrists nationally in the USA.  Prior to admittance into optometry school, optometrists typically complete four years of undergraduate study, culminating in a bachelor’s degree. Required undergraduate coursework for pre-optometry students covers a variety of health, science and mathematics courses. These courses include: 4 [[semester]]s of chemistry to include organic and biochemistry, 2 semesters of physics and biology, as well as 1 semester of calculus, statistics, physiology, anatomy, microbiology, and psychology. Additional requirements are imposed by specific institutions.  Once completing these courses in order to be admitted to an optometry doctorate program one must score well on the [[Optometry Admission Test (O.A.T.)|O.A.T.]], Optometry Admission Tests. There are currently 20 optometry schools in the United States, and admission into these schools are considered to be extremely competitive.
-Optometrists are required to complete a four-year postgraduate degree program to earn their Doctor of Optometry (O.D. - Oculus Doctor) titles. The four-year program includes classroom and clinical training in geometric, physical, physiological and ophthalmic optics, ocular anatomy, ocular disease, ocular pharmacology, neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of the vision system, binocular vision, color, form, space, movement and vision perception, design and modification of the visual environment, and vision performance and vision screening.  In addition, an optometric education also includes a thorough study of human anatomy, general pharmacology, general pathology, sensory and perceptual psychology, biochemistry, statistics and epidemiology. There are three new colleges of optometry (Midwestern University Arizona College of Optometry, University of the Incarnate World School of Optometry, Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry) that have received the pre-accreditation status of preliminary approval from the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE).  Programs with “Preliminary Approval" have shown that they are developing within the ACOE's standards. The programs have approval to begin recruiting and admitting students, and to begin offering the program.<ref>http://www.aoa.org/x5130.xml</ref>
-Upon completion of an accredited program in optometry, graduates hold the Doctor of Optometry degree. Optometrists must then pass a national examination administered by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO).<ref>http://www.optometry.org/passfail.cfm</ref> The three-part exam includes basic science, clinical science and patient care. (The structure and format of the NBEO exams are subject to change beginning in 2008.) Some optometrists go on to complete 1–2 year residencies with training in a specific sub-specialty such as [[pediatric]] eyecare, geriatric eyecare, specialty contact lens, ocular disease or neuro-optometry. All optometrists are required to fulfill continuing education requirements to stay current regarding the latest standards of care.
-Within the healthcare system, optometrists function as primary eye care providers who are especially experienced in fitting contact lenses and glasses prescriptions. Optometrists also have the ability to treat a wide variety of eye diseases though the administration of topical, oral and injectable medicines (depending on the state) although their scope is limited to the eye. Optometrists may be trained in some surgical techniques, including those for foreign body removal, corneal injury, eyelid & lacrimal disease, and others.  In Oklahoma, the state optometry board also allows state-certified optometrists to perform surgeries limited to the anterior segment of the eye. In Kentucky, recent legislation permits Optometrists to perform a multitude of laser procedures.
-[[Ophthalmologists]] differ from optometrists in that ophthalmologists are medical doctors licensed to perform eye surgeries, can treat systemic diseases, and have completed 4 years of [[medical school]], 4 to 5 years of Ophthalmology residency (depending on the country), and often 1 to 2 years of fellowship in a ophthalmological subspecialty. In many cases optometrists and ophthalmologists work together in the treatment and management of patients with various eye conditions.  [[Opticians]] generally dispense corrective eye wear, and in some cases will also construct the corrective eye wear.  The scope of practice in optometry varies as it is regulated by each state.
-== See also ==
-<div style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;">
-*[[Behavioral optometry]]
-*[[Orthoptics]]
-*[[Vision therapy]]
-*[[Eye care professional]]
-*[[Eye examination]]
-*[[Eyeglass prescription]]
-*[[Ophthalmology]]
-*[[Visual perception]]
-*[[Least distance of distinct vision]]
-*[[Bates method]]
-</div>
-== References ==
-{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}
-==External links==
-{{Commons category}}
-<!-- Wikipedia is NOT a web directory.  This is therefore NOT the right place to list dozens of websites for organizations, professional publications, and so forth.  Links here need to be useful to the general reader, not to professionals.  -->
-*[http://www.worldoptometry.org/ World Council of Optometry]
-*[http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos073.htm U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Optometry Page]
-*[http://www.healthguideusa.org/state_optometry_boards.htm State Optometry Boards]
-*[http://careyeasy.com Eye Health and Vision Care Magazine]
-{{Academic degrees}}
-{{Allied health professions}}
-[[Category:Rehabilitation team]]
-[[Category:Optometry| ]]
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