Published on October 11, 2023
The most common questions about optometry
Are you visiting an eye clinic and wondering about what questions to ask your optometrist?Â
Whether you are dealing with a specific eye condition or simply scheduling time to assess your overall eye health, it’s always a good idea to prepare beforehand. Understanding what to expect during an optometry visit can be helpful, and preparing the right questions can ensure that you get the most out of your time with the optometrist.
Top eye exam questions to ask during your visit
One of the main reasons for seeing an optometrist is for a complete eye exam. During your appointment, your optometrist will check your eyes for common vision problems and eye diseases. It's an essential step in maintaining good eye health and can lead to early detection of potential health issues. And it's always helpful to have a list of questions to ask your optometrist.
First, you might want to ask about the different tests that will be conducted during the exam. Optometrists have many tools and techniques at their disposal, and understanding what each test entails can be enlightening. It's also a good idea to inquire about how often you should be getting your eyes checked and if the frequency will change as you get older.
Optometrist questions to address after your eye exam
Once an optometrist has explained the state of health of your eyes, you may have more general questions about optometry. For example, you might be curious about common eye problems and how to prevent them, such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, presbyopia, cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, etc., depending on the optometrist’s diagnosis of your eyes.
Concerned about the impact of screen time on your eyes? Considering switching to contact lenses or glasses with transition lenses? Want tips on how to protect your eyes when outdoors or skiing and swimming? These are all typical questions you can ask your optometrist. They can explain the options and help you make the best choice for your lifestyle and vision needs.
Are optometrists doctors in Canada?
Even before you visit the optometrist, you may be trying to figure out the difference between an ophthalmologist, optometrist and optician. Here is a brief overview; however, more information can be found on the Canadian Association of Optometrists’ website.
- An optometrist, also known as a Doctor of Optometry, is an educated, clinically trained and licensed healthcare professional who can diagnose and treat most eye diseases and disorders.
- An ophthalmologist is a surgeon and specialist in eye disease. To obtain an appointment for surgical or medical treatment, like for cataracts, you will need a referral from an optometrist.
- An optician is a trained professional who deals primarily with the dispensing of eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other optical aids based on a prescription from an optometrist.
Optometrist questions: Get answers to improve your eyes
Never hesitate to put together all the questions to ask your optometrist to ensure that you get the most out of your visit. Whether you're curious about the eye exam process, the differences between optometrists and ophthalmologists, or general questions about eye health, your optometrist is there to help. Book your next appointment today!
Jacinthe Laurendeau - Optician
