12 Signs Of Vision Loss
- Over cautious driving habits.
- Find lighting either: too bright or too dim.
- Frequent eye glass prescription changes.
- Holding books or reading material close to face or at arm's length.
- Squinting or tilting the head to see.
- Difficulty in recognizing people.
- Changes in leisure time activities.
- Change in personal appearance.
- Changes in table etiquette.
- Moving about cautiously.
- Bumping into objects.
- Acting confused or disoriented.
If you, or a loved one, are experiencing any of these consider seeing an eye doctor. Many forms of vision loss are preventable if caught early enough.
Types of Eye Care Professionals
- Ophthalmologists are medical doctors that specialize in eye care. They must complete four years of premedical school; plus four years of medical school; complete a one-year internship; and a three-year residency in ophthalmology. They detect and treat eye diseases, prescribe drugs and perform eye surgery. They also prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses.
- Optometrists must complete four years of undergraduate school, plus four years of graduate training in a school of optometry. They receive a doctorate of optometry. They can prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses. They can detect diseases, but they are not medical doctors. Some Optometrists have special training in fitting low-vision aids; they are called low-vision specialists.
- Opticians have a two-year technical degree. They interpret prescriptions and fit eyeglasses. They can adjust repair and reproduce previously ordered contacts, eyeglasses and frames. They cannot examine or test your eyes.
There is a group of professionals that most people do not know about. They help people adapt to living with uncorrectable vision loss. They go by titles like: Low Vision Specialist, Orientation and Mobility Instructor, Rehabilitation Teacher, Vocational Rehabilitation Councilor. They work in the field of rehabilitation of the blind and visually impaired. For more information about these professions, see my page on education and training of the blind and visually impaired.