Macular Degeneration Specialist - Do You Have One?A macular degeneration specialist can be one of many different kinds of health professionals. Each one serving a unique purpose in treatment and adaptation to your vision loss.
First it is important for you to understand the differences in education, training, credentials and roles of those who are caring for your eyes.
Retina DoctorOphthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in all aspects of eye health. If you have been diagnosed with macular degeneration it is important to see a retina doctor - he is an M.D. who specializes in diseases of the retina, including macular degeneration, maculopathy, and macular edema.Ophthalmologists responsibilities are to:
√ Provide eye exams√ Prescribe medications √ Perform surgical procedures, i.e. laser surgery and lens replacement Ophthalmologists diagnose and manage eye diseases and treat and repair eye injuries.
Credit: National Eye Institute, National Institutes of HealthRef#: EE59
To learn more about the credentials and reasons for having a retina doctor click here: Retina Doctor Optometrists
A macular degeneration specialist can also be an optometrist who is specially trained in assisting those with low vision.They help by assessing visual needs and making recommendations for low vision aids or visual aids for macular degeneration. To learn more about their services and credentials click here: Low Vision Optometrist OpticiansOpticians responsibilities are to:√ Fit eyeglasses and contact lenses, following prescriptions written by optometrists or ophthalmologists.
√ Measure patients’ eyes, recommend eyeglass frames and lenses based on the patient’s needs and can reshape eyeglass frames to fit properly. When licensed to do so, opticians also can fit contact lenses
√ They are licensed (required in twenty-one states) after they have earned either an associate opticianry degree (one- to two-year program), or after they have apprenticed for at least two years. √ They must pass a licensing examination and some apply to the American Board of Opticianry for certification. Certification is awarded after passing an exam, and must be renewed every three years.
In some states, opticians must pass the National Contact Lens Examination to dispense contact lenses.
√ Earned either an associate opticianry degree (one - to two-year program) or after a 2 year apprenticeship √ They are licensed (required in twenty-one states) √ They must pass a licensing examination and some apply to the American Board of Opticianry for certification Certification is awarded after passing an exam, and must be renewed every three years. In some states, opticians must pass the National Contact Lens Examination to dispense contact lenses.
Low Vision SpecialistAnother macular degeneration specialist to have on your team is a low vision specialist. They are licensed Doctors of Optometry or Ophthalmology, who are skilled in the
√ examination, √ treatment and √ management of patients with eye conditions that are not treatable or correctable by medicine, surgery or with glasses. A macular degeneration specialist is an ophthalmologist or optometrist who specializes in low vision. They assist the patient in: √ determining what low vision optical devices are best for them √ how better lighting can help them see better √ referring them to vision rehab services such as Certified Low Vision Therapists (CLVTs), Vision Rehabilitation Therapists (CVRTs), and Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS). To read more about low vision specialists click here: Low Vision Specialists Questions for Your DoctorBringing a list of questions for your doctor will help you be prepared before you go to see your ophthalmologist.Always bring someone with you to your appointment who will listen with you and write down what the physician is saying. It is hard for anyone to remember everything they are told, especially when you are newly diagnosed. Have your questions written down and bring them with you to discuss with the physician. What questions do I ask the doctor? Click here to see a list: Questions for Your Doctor Low Vision Occupational TherapyLow vision occupational therapy helps the patient with macular degeneration to maintain their independence and safety in their own homes. The therapist comes into the home to make an assessment and recommendations to help the patient with the daily tasks of living. To learn more about how this therapy can help click here: Low Vision Occupational TherapyGo from Macular Degeneration Specialist to Home Page
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Opticians Credentials:
