Top Optometrists in Singapore

Who is an optometrist

An optometrist is not a medical doctor, but an eye care professional who is responsible for primary vision care. Optometrists are not trained or licensed to perform eye surgery on patients. Instead, Optometrists take care of pre and post-operative care related to eye surgeries. 

What do optometrists do 

A day in the life of an optometrist includes prescribing both contact lenses and spectacle lenses, conducting eye examinations and vision tests, diagnosing eye problems, and sometimes even prescribing medications for certain eye diseases and conditions. 

Some Optometrists you can consider:

Difference between optometrist and ophthalmologist

Unlike Optometrists, Ophthalmologists, otherwise known as Osteopathic doctors, are certified medical doctors who specialise in eye health and vision care. Ophthalmologists vary in training level, and they are trained and certified to diagnose and treat eye diseases, prescribe medications and perform eye procedures such as LASIK. They can also be involved in scientific research for eye diseases. 

Who are opticians

Opticians are trained technicians who follow the prescriptions provided by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. The primary role of an optician is to design and fit eyeglass lenses and frames. Opticians typically do not conduct vision tests or write prescriptions. They are also not permitted to diagnose and treat vision problems and eye diseases. 

Should I consult an optometrist or ophthalmologist

If your eyes are generally healthy and you want to go for your routine eye exams, then you can visit either an optometrist or an ophthalmologist as it is really a matter of personal preference. 

If you experience eye health problems such as cataracts, glaucoma or macular degeneration, you need to consult an ophthalmologist as only ophthalmologists are able to perform eye surgery and prescribe medications. Alternatively, you can also visit an optometrist to be diagnosed and be referred to an ophthalmologist. 

For vision correction procedures such as LASIK or PRK, ophthalmologists are the people you should visit as they are the only certified professionals to perform eye surgery. Ophthalmologists work closely with optometrists to give the best pre and post-operative screening and care for patients. 

How often should I visit an optometrist

It is recommended for teenagers and adults below 39 years old to have a in-depth eye examination with an optometrist every five years. For people aged between 40 and 54, they should visit an optometrist every two to four year. Every one to three years, people aged 55 to 64 should visit an optometrist and senior citizens above 65 years old should get their eye examination every one to two years. 

For contact lense and spectacles wearers, people who have a family history of eye diseases and children under 3 years old, it is recommended to have an eye examination every year. There might be early detection of an increase in degree, early stages of eye diseases, and common childhood problems such as lazy eye and crossed eye in children under the age of 7. 

When do I visit an optometrist

You know when you need to visit the optometrist when you start to experience

• frequent headaches (a sign that your eyesight is deteriorating) 
• eye fatigue or pain (a symptom of eyesight deteriorating)
• pain with normal eye movement or pain persists for more than a few days 
• blurry vision or abnormal vision issues 
• flashes of light or tiny shadows (this hints a potential tear, hole, or a full retinal detachment in the eye)
• squinting (mostly likely your eyesight is deteriorating) 

What to expect during an in-depth eye examination 

Your optometrist would most likely: 

• check for vision problems and eye diseases such as glaucoma cataracts 
• ask about your health in general, family medical history, medications (if you are taking) 
• eye chart test (test the sharpness of your vision at a distance and close up with or without spectacles or lenses) 
• 3D vision, peripheral vision, colour perception tests 
• shining light into your eyes to check your eye muscles and pupils 
• Medicated eye drops (dilate pupils) examine blood vessels nerve back of eye vision clear immediately after appointment dilate 
• signs of glaucoma directing puff of air at eye/device briefly touch eye surface 

Is optometry a dying field 

In the fast-paced and changing world we live in today, it is common to worry about the future of the profession you are currently in or aspire to be in. However, rest assured that optometry is definitely not one of the dying professions and it has a bright future ahead. 

The demand and need for optometrists is going to be greater than ever in the coming decade. Instead, optometry is not dying, it is evolving. Our human eyes are one of the most precious parts that are irreplaceable. Sure, you can get a prosthetic eye or undergo any other eye surgery in the hopes of recovering your lost vision. The truth is, nothing works better and more comfortable than your natural eyes. 

Optometrists are whom ordinary folks can go to for their spectacles and contact lenses prescriptions. Optometrists are definitely an essential part of most people’s lives. 

Qualifications to become an optometrist in Singapore 

There are several local qualifications recognised in Singapore, including Diploma in Optometry awarded by Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Diploma in Optometry awarded by Singapore Polytechnic, and Part-time Diploma in Optometry awarded by parkway College. 

There are also foreign optometry qualifications recognised in Singapore. Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland and the United States are the only countries which optometry qualifications are approved and recognised in Singapore. For the complete list of qualifications, be sure to head to the healthprofessionals.gov.sg. 

What skills do optometrists need

Active listening 

Optometrists need to be equipped with active listening skills and ask their patients the right and appropriate questions. 

Critical thinking 

Optometrists who have critical thinking skills are able to evaluate the pros, cons, and alternatives with logical reasoning for their patients. 

Judgement and decision making 

Optometrists need to be judgemental and decisive in order to consider relative costs and benefits of potential actions that may be required of their patients. This becomes extremely important when their patients are indecisive. 

Instructing 

Optometrists need to teach their patients on eye care or put on their contact lenses. Giving clear and easy-to-follow instructions allows the patients to better care for their eyes, and minimise confusions. 

Persuasion 

Sometimes, the ability to persuade also comes into play. There might be stubborn and patients who are difficult to deal with, so the optometrists need to persuade them to make the best choice for their eyes. 

Conclusion 

There are subtle differences between an Optometrist, Optician, and Ophthalmologists. It is important to note their differences so that you seek help from the correct professional. Additionally, do not hesitate to seek help for eye problems if you experience any unusual symptoms. It is always better to get treatment early instead of waiting till it’s too late. 

Editor’s Note:

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