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What you want and need to know about eyecare and optometry. What is an Optometrist? Can I get my Contact Lens prescription from my Optometrist? Why are my pupils dilated during an eye examination? What should I consider when purchasing new glasses? Do ODs have web sites? And how can I find the web site address of my optometrists? Where is the office of TOA and who's in charge? What do I do if I have a complaint concerning my eye doctor? What is an Optometrist? Doctors of Optometry are independent primary health care providers who examine, diagnose and treat disorders of the eye, visual system, and related structures-as well as diagnose related systemic conditions. Following an undergraduate degree and four year doctorate program and national Boards, optometrists in Texas are licensed by the Texas Optometry Board. The are required to complete 16 hours of continuing education yearly. Optometrists examine the internal and external structures of the eyes to diagnose: eye diseases such as glaucoma and cataracts, retinal disorders, systemic diseases like hypertension and diabetes, and vision conditions such as far-sightedness, near-sightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia. They also perform additional testing to determine a patient’s ability to focus and coordinate their eyes and to judge depth and see colors. Doctors of optometry in Texas prescribe eyeglasses, contact lenses, low vision aids, vision therapy, topical medications and oral medications to treat eye diseases and conditions. As primary eye care providers, optometrists are an integral part of the health care team. They are skilled in coordination of care that affects the eye health and vision of their patients and are an excellent source of referral to other health care professionals when needed.  Can I get my Contact Lens prescription from my Optometrist? The Texas Contact Lens Prescription Act, passed in 1997 after negotiations between Texas legislators, Texas optometrists and Consumer's Union, mandates the release of a contact lens prescription after the final fitting unless the patient has an eye health problem that would prevent it. For more information concerning the Contact Lens Prescription Release Act and your rights as a patient, please reference the "Contact Lens" section of this website. Why are my pupils dilated during an eye examination? The pupil is the black hole in the very center of the colored part of the eye. The colored part of the eye is called the iris. A small muscle surrounds the edge of the pupil. When the muscle contracts, the pupil becomes smaller. When the muscle relaxes, the pupil becomes large. The word “dilate” describes the pupil when it is large. So, when the pupils are dilated, it means the pupils are very large. The pupils of the eyes should be dilated for one main reason - to carefully examine the inner lining of the eye, called the RETINA. The retina is a thin layer of nerve tissue that receives light images and transmits the picture to the brain. Without it, you would be completely blind. Like the film in the back of the camera, the eye is useless without the retina. When your eye doctor looks through your pupil, the retina is viewed. The retina has small blood vessels bringing it nutrients and oxygen. The appearance of these blood vessels changes with high blood pressure, diabetes, trauma and other diseases. When the pupil is small, examination of about 60% of the retina is possible at best. This leaves about 40% of the retina difficult to examine. What should I consider when purchasing new glasses? When you receive a spectacle prescription from your eye doctor, there are many factors which need to be considered to obtain glasses that are right for you. Be sure to work with an experienced optician who can guide you through the decision-making process. 1) Prescription - Are you very nearsighted? If so, your glasses will have thick-edged lenses. To minimize this edge thickness, you may consider a “high index” lens material (a material similar to plastic that provides a thinner edge with the same power). A wise frame choice would be a small, rounded shape to keep the edges as thin as possible. For the best look, the distance between your eyes should be approximately equal to the distance between the centers of the frame that you choose. Are you very farsighted? If so, your lenses will be thick in the centers and will magnify your eyes. to counteract these problems, “aspheric” lenses (lenses with a computer generated front curvature which reduces magnification and thickness) were designed. When choosing a frame, avoid rimless ones because they will have very thin edges and will be too fragile. Are you wearing some type of bifocal? If so, it is very important that your optician sets the lenses exactly where you need them. The height of the bifocal is the key factor in successfully wearing your glasses. The height you need depends upon the demands you place upon your eyes. 2)Lifestyle - What kinds of vocational or avocational demands do you place upon your eyes? 3)Quality and Cost - How much do you wear your glasses? In summary, be sure to take the time to discuss with your eye doctor and your optician what you need your spectacles to do. By working as a team, you will end up with a great looking and great functioning pair of glasses. Do ODs have web sites? And how can I find the web site address of my optometrists? Website addresses will ultimately be posted under a doctor's name via the "Find a Doctor" Section of this site. Because the website is still virtually under construction, a particular doctor's name and website may not be operational currently. Please try us another time. Where is the office of TOA and who's in charge? The Texas Optometric Association's office is located in Austin at 1104 West Avenue, two blocks east of Lamar between 11th and 12th Streets. The office is home to Executive Director Bj Avery; Brigitte Kelly, Director of Vendor Relations and several staff members. For more information, please call 512/707-2020 or email Texop@aol.com or TOABrigitte@austin.rr.com What do I do if I have a complaint concerning my eye doctor? If you believe that your eye doctor may have violated the law or you are unhappy about the care you received, you may file a complaint. You may first contact the "Texas Optometric Association's Grievance Committee." This committee was formed to provide a public service, helping to resolve issues between an optometrist and patient, especially in those matters, such as fee disputes, that are outside the jurisdiction of the Texas Optometry Board. This service is available, at no charge, by calling tollfree 866-891-2020 or emailing 'Texop@aol.com'. If you fail to reach a satisfactory result through that process or if you feel there has been a serious breach of the law, then you may file a complaint with Texas Optometry Board, at www. tob.state.tx.us. |
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