Understanding Optician’s Role: Definition and Fundamental Responsibilities

Saturday, 27 April 2024, 10:22 am

Understanding the Definition and Basic Role of an Optician

Are you a student contemplating what to study in university or college? You have nothing to worry about as there are numerous good courses available.

Allow me to introduce you to opticianry, a health course offered in many universities, colleges, and polytechnics in Nigeria and Africa at large.

What is Opticianry?

Opticianry is a two-year high institution course designed to teach you everything about the human eyes, including diseases and treatment. Through this course, you will gain a full understanding of how to care for the eyes and address issues related to them.

The eyes are one of the most important parts of the human body; without them, we can’t see. Thus, it’s advisable to undergo professional training on eye care.

This brings us to the main subject matter: Opticianry (course).

Who is an Optician?

An optician is a professional who has studied opticianry and is licensed by law to operate under various scopes in the eye care field. These include:

– Prescribing contact lenses and eyeglasses to patients.
– Producing ocular prostheses.
– Creating optical wears.
– Making ophthalmic lenses and frames that suit the patient’s needs.

Definition of the Mentioned Terms

Contact Lenses:

These are tiny lenses placed or attached to the eyeballs to correct vision. Some wear them for cosmetic purposes, especially ladies.

Ocular Prosthesis:

This refers to artificial eyes implanted in the eye or eyes of a patient who lost sight due to an accident or disease.

Optical Wears:

These are eyeglasses designed to correct vision. They come in various shapes and frames tailored to individual needs.

Ophthalmic Lenses:

These are prescribed glasses or spectacles used to support the human eyes for health purposes.

Qualities of an Optician

– Understanding
– Respect for patients’ rights and dignity
– Avoidance of conflicts of interest
– Good relationships with other health practitioners
– Research on ethical matters
– Safekeeping of patients’ records
– Professional attire and cleanliness

Many people stress their eyes by using phones, laptops, watching TV, or exposure to harsh sunlight. It’s the duty of an optician or dispensing optician, professionals in the eye care field, to provide guidelines for eye care, including preventive measures and appropriate eyewear.

Common Eye Conditions

Red Eyes:

Infection causing reddish appearance, often due to lack of sleep.

Lazy or Weak Eyes:

Slow movement of one eye compared to the other, also known as amblyopia, requiring immediate attention.

Colour Blindness:

Inability to differentiate between colors due to issues with color cells in the eyes.

Eyestrain:

Fatigue caused by excessive screen time or reading, requiring rest.

Uveitis:

Diseases affecting the middle layer of the eye, causing symptoms like eye pain and redness.

Night Blindness:

Difficulty seeing at night, either naturally occurring or due to aging.

Presbyopia:

Age-related difficulty in seeing close objects.

Dry Eyes:

Burning sensation due to lack of tears, requiring immediate medical attention.

Floaters:

Cloudy areas obstructing vision, sometimes requiring surgery.

Excess Tearing:

Overproduction of tears, often due to sensitivity to environmental factors.

Cornea Diseases:

Infections or injuries affecting the cornea, leading to symptoms like watery eyes and reduced vision.

Conjunctivitis:

Commonly known as pink eye, causing symptoms like redness, itching, and discharge.

Eyelid Conditions:

Symptoms include tearing, itching, and sensitivity to light.

Strabismus and Nystagmus:

Misalignment of the eyes, often corrected by an ophthalmologist.

Remember, your health is wealth. Investing in knowledge and understanding benefits everyone in society. For those interested in this field, numerous opticianry schools are awaiting your application.

Thanks for reading to the end, always remember to visit naijafiles for more update.