Frequently asked questions

optometry@cooroy

“Guidance to enhance, transform & preserve your vision"

Heather McLeod DipAppSc(Optom)                       Jennifer Currie BScOptom FACBO FCOVD

The Dragonfly is considered in many cultures to symbolize light, adaptability, transformation and harmony beckoning you to seek out the parts of your habits which you need to change.  We feel that this symbol perfectly describes the ideals of the practice of behavioural optometry.

What does the dragonfly symbol represent?

There are two main categories of eye-care professionals. For example, when a teacher or another healthcare professional recommends to a parent that their child should get a full eye examination, it is important that the parent understand the difference between the two. In this way, the parent can make an educated choice. The two main categories are: the optometrist & the ophthalmologist.

The Optometrist is a health care professional, having at least four years of University education. While not a medical doctor & therefore not trained to perform surgery, the optometrist can diagnose disease & will refer to the ophthalmologist should disease be found. The optometrist provides eye examinations to diagnose & treat focus & eye coordination problems as well as to evaluate for disease. The optometrist also prescribes & fits corrective glasses or contact lenses.

Behavioural (or Developmental) Optometrists are a special group of optometrists who have a holistic approach in the treatment of vision & vision information processing problems. In addition to the conventional optometric services they offer vision therapy to enhance & develop visual skills that are poorly or inadequately developed. Also, as well as for remediation & compensation for vision or eye problems that have already developed, they may prescribe treatment when needed to prevent vision & eye problems from developing.

The Ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specialises in diseases & surgery of the eye. He diagnoses & treats diseases of the eye, such as cataract & glaucoma or viral infections. He performs eye surgery when necessary. Some surgeons offer surgery for strabismus (eye turn) in cases which cannot be controlled adequately with spectacle treatment.  He also prescribes drugs & medicines. Although less commonly now, some ophthalmologists prescribe glasses or contact lenses. Ophthalmologists do not offer vision therapy.

What is the difference between the eye care professionals?

 P   (07) 5442 5555  |   F   (07) 5442 5740   |    62 Maple St, Cooroy Qld 4563 Australia   |   contact us