What areas can optometrists specialize in?
In this video, I share with you 10 growing optometry specialties for you to consider.
Optometry is so much more than, “which is better, 1 or 2?” In fact, specialized optometry is the future of the profession.
Here are 10 types of optometry specialties.
1) Specialty contact lenses
Optometrists that specialize in contact lenses fit specialty lenses to improve the vision or comfort of patients who have high amounts of refractive error, corneal irregularities, or ocular surface disease.
Treatments include soft specialty contact lenses, RGP contact lenses, Scleral contact lenses, and Orthokeratology contact lenses.
2) Myopia control
Optometrists that specialize in myopia control prescribe proven ways to slow down the progression of nearsightedness in children.
Treatments include soft center distance multifocal contact lenses, orthokeratology contact lenses, and atropine eye drops.
3) Pediatric optometry
Optometrists that specialize in pediatric optometry are devoted to serving the eye health and vision needs of children.
Providing care to little ones can be challenging so these doctors have all the skills to best serve them. This often includes myopia management and how their eyes work together.
4) Vision therapy optometry
Optometrists that specialize in vision therapy prescribe customizable treatment plans designed to improve how the eyes work together to improve reading, learning, concentration, and attention.
Treatments include a variety of special tools designed for unique vision therapy activities.
5) Ocular surface disease
Optometrists that specialize in the treatment and management of ocular surface disease use state-of-the-art diagnostic testing and treatments for all types and levels of dry eye disease.
Treatments include includes environmental and nutrition modifications, over-the-counter eye drops, prescription eye drops, and in-office procedures.
6) Geriatric optometry
Optometrists that specialize in geriatric optometry are devoted to serving the eye health and vision needs of elderly individuals.
This includes the treatment and management of ocular diseases including cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), diabetic retinopathy, retinal diseases, and ocular surface disease.
7) Low vision optometry
Optometrists that specialize in low vision prescribe custom treatment options for patients that have significantly reduced best-corrected vision or visual impairment that is impacting their activities of daily living.
Treatments include low vision glasses and devices to optimize a patient’s usable vision.
8) Neuro-optometry
Optometrists that specialize in neuro-optometry provide individualized treatment plans for patients with visual defects due to disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, and other neurological complications.
Treatments include vision therapy, prism glasses, and medical office visits to monitor neurological conditions.
9) Sports vision optometry
Optometrists that specialize in sports vision aim to enhance an athlete's visual abilities to take their game to the next level.
Treatments include specialized vision training programs and nutrition.
10) Ocular aesthetics
Optometrists that specialize in ocular aesthetics focus on treatment options that protect and improve the appearance of the eyes and surrounding skin.
Treatments include eye care safe products and in-office skin care procedures.
Final thoughts
There are so many wonderful ways to specialize as an optometrist on top of providing primary eye care. As optometry evolves, these specialties will only become more advanced and defined.
What is your favorite optometry specialty? Let me know in the comments below and stay tuned for my next video where we can reflect and grow stronger together.
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