Discipline Specific Deployment Roles, Competencies and Trainings
Doctors of Optometry are the primary health care professionals for the eye. Optometrists examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases, injuries, and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures as well as identify related systemic conditions affecting the eye. Optometrist prescribe medications, low vision rehabilitation, vision therapy, spectacle lenses, contact lenses, and perform certain surgical procedures.
Optometrist
Optometrist: Eye Exam services including refraction and evaluation and management of ocular disease.
Competencies:
- Knowledge of physical and psycho-social assessment and history taking skills in order to perform and complete ocular examinations
- Knowledge and understanding of optometric procedures and instrumentation techniques and their various applications in the detection and correction of unusual visual deficiencies.
- Knowledge of ocular pharmacological agents and their uses.
- Knowledge of ocular emergencies and urgencies and need to appropriate referrals
- Be able to perform duties in austere conditions using portable equipment and technologies.
Trainings/Education/Experience:
- Maintain active state license to practice optometry
- Graduation from an accredited school or college of optometry
- OPTIONAL: Appropriate state certification for advanced procedures (YAG, SLT/ALT, etc.)
