Yesika Ortíz Hardy. Photo: Adian Acevedo /RA
World Sight Day is celebrated on October 14. Ophthalmology is the specialty that studies eye diseases and their treatment. On the other hand, Optometry is the discipline in charge of the primary care of the visual health through prevention, diagnosis, treatment and correction of refractive and accommodative defects. The professionals of both specialties are integrated to collaborate effectively.
Regarding the date, Yesika Ortíz Hardy, technician in Optometry and Optics of the Specialty Polyclinic, offered this interview.
What work do you perform in the Optometry consultation?
Optometrists are responsible for the care of visual health, from primary health care. Here, the visual system is measured to determine refractory and structural difficulties and then the diagnosis is made to prescribe the use or not of eyeglasses.
What are your main roles as an optometrist?
As a technique in Optometry and Optics the main function is to provide lenses and glasses to compensate patients refraction.
What is the procedure to go to the optometry consultation?
The first is to access the family doctor's office, where the patient is referred to the ophthalmologist, who decides if he needs glasses or not.
What are the most common diseases?
The most common diseases are myopia, farsightedness and astigmatism. If myopia and astigmatism are not detected at the right time, they can cause significant vision problems.
How do you feel working as an optometrist?
I really like this specialty. Offering my knowledge to help people who have some difficulty to see, is a satisfaction. That is why I am studying Bachelor's degree in Optometry and Optics, to perfect my work.
