optometrist

Optometrists examine and test eyes to identify abnormalities, visual problems, or disease. They prescribe and fit lenses such as spectacles and contacts, and offer advice on visual problems. They may also refer patients to a medical practitioner. Their scope of practice and title varies according to national regulations.

ESCO Code

2267.1

NACE Code

86.99 - Other human health activities n.e.c.

Alternative Labels

specialist in optometry

expert optometrist

optometry practitioner

ophthalmic optician

optometric expert

specialist optometrist

practitioner of optometry

Regulatory Aspect

To see if and how this occupation is regulated in EU Member States, EEA countries or Switzerland please consult the Regulated Professions Database of the Commission. Regulated Professions Database:

http://ec.europa.eu/growth/single-market/services/free-movement-professionals/qualifications-recognition_en

Skills & Competences

Essential Skills and Competences

accept own accountability adhere to organisational guidelines advise customers on optical instruments maintenance advise on contact lense maintenance advise on healthcare users' informed consent advise patients on vision improvement conditions apply context specific clinical competences apply numeracy skills apply organisational techniques communicate in healthcare comply with legislation related to health care comply with quality standards related to healthcare practice deal with emergency care situations determine eye disease progression diagnose problems of the visual system educate on the prevention of illness empathise with the healthcare user ensure safety of healthcare users fit contact lenses follow clinical guidelines have computer literacy implement marketing strategies inform policy makers on health-related challenges interact with healthcare users listen actively manage healthcare users' data manage staff perform comprehensive eye examinations perform ocular tonometry prescribe corrective lenses process payments promote inclusion promote ocular health provide therapy of the visual system record healthcare users' billing information refer healthcare users respond to changing situations in health care test visual acuity use ophthalmic instruments work in a multicultural environment in health care work in multidisciplinary health teams

Essential Knowledge

eye protection regulations optical glass characteristics optical instruments quality standards of ophthalmic equipment refraction of the eye

Optional Skills and Competences

administer medication for vision problems contribute to continuity of health care develop a collaborative therapeutic relationship implement sales strategies participate in medical inventory control perform vision rehabilitation provide domiciliary eyecare provide health education provide treatment strategies for challenges to human health record healthcare users' progress related to treatment use e-health and mobile health technologies use foreign languages for health-related research use foreign languages in patient care

Optional Knowledge

preventive medicine

Skills Group Share

Concept status

Concept Uri

http://data.europa.eu/esco/occupation/bffbe18a-cb8b-4f90-bd87-7505cd3b16f5

Status

released

Occupations

optometrist

Concept overview

Skills & Competences

Skills Group Share

Concept status