Optometry

Optometrists provide comprehensive eye exams and care ranging from prescribing glasses to treating eye conditions and diseases. When necessary, your optometrist will refer you to another eye specialist for treatment of specific conditions or diseases. For example, if your optometrist detects cataracts in your eyes, he will refer you to a cataract surgeon for further evaluation and treatment.

Prevention

Getting an annual or bi-annual examination by an optometrist or ophthalmologist is the main prevention for eye disease. You’ll be checked for visual acuity by reading letters or numbers on a wall. Next, you’ll receive dilation and a complete eye exam for diseases like cataracts, glaucoma or macular degeneration.

“A proper diet—eating foods with antioxidants and Omega 3 fatty acids—is another important factor for good eye health,” says Jeff Harris, O.D., an optometrist at Scott & White Eye Institute. “As well, especially in sunny climates, people need to wear sunglasses to protect their eyes from harmful UV rays. We also advocate wearing glasses in the workplace if your job may endanger your eyes.”

Comprehensive Care

Patients coming to Scott & White Eye Institute receive comprehensive care in every eye specialty or sub-specialty.

“Perhaps our greatest asset is the mutual support between doctors and staff, not only in the Eye Institute but in the entire Scott & White clinic,” says Dr.Harris.

“For example, if an eye patient is also being treated for diabetes in our clinic, we can access his/her electronic medical record to determine what labs have been done, what medications the patient is taking, physician assessments, etc. This helps in providing the best care possible. Similarly, we offer the same advanced care to all patients coming to Scott & White Eye Institute.”

Back to Top