However, the scope of practice for an optometrist is far greater.
To find out more, we spoke with Swan Hill and Kerang Optical optometrist Angus Boyd-Law.
“Here at Swan Hill and Kerang Optical, we practice full scope optometry and pride ourselves on offering our patients of all ages a wide range of eye care,” Mr Boyd-Law said.
“This includes diagnosing and treating a diverse range of ocular diseases and presentations, including childhood conditions, degenerative diseases and ocular emergencies.
“As the demand for optometry and eye-health care within the region has grown, so too has Swan Hill and Kerang Optical.
“Over the past few years the team has grown in numbers and key personnel. Our experienced optometrists are some of the top graduates from the University of Melbourne and Deakin University, whilst our qualified dispensers have undergone extensive training and are incredibly knowledgeable about the optics of lenses.
“Not to mention our front-of-house team members who are the first point of call for our patients. Our clinics are fitted with the latest in latest in diagnostic equipment, which assist us in diagnosing, monitoring and treating eye conditions with greater accuracy than ever before.”
Mr Boyd-Law said the team routinely screen for major eye conditions including glaucoma, cataract, amblyopia (lazy eye) and macula degeneration.
“We assess and educate our patients on the impacts of general health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, as well as the effect of various systemic medications on the health of their eyes,” he said.
“We have long standing and respected relationships with ophthalmologists in Bendigo and Melbourne, allowing us to co-manage patients with both acute and chronic diseases, and provide post-operative care. This means our patients are provided with the best of care despite our isolated location.
“Our expertise does not just lie with diagnosing and treating chronic conditions.
“In fact, daily we are treating patients with acute eye problems such as a sudden loss of vision, inflammation, injuries and infections.
“Our optometrists are therapeutically qualified and can prescribe topical treatments including antibiotics, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and drops used in the management of glaucoma.
“We are also very experienced at removing foreign material from the eye, such as embedded steel or debris, and work in closely with the local emergency departments and GPs to provide emergency care and treatment during our opening hours.
“Over the past few years we have had optometry students from the University of Melbourne spending time working alongside our optometrists as part of their final year program.
“They are blown away by the ocular conditions they have been exposed to and the breadth of patient care we are able to provide.”
For all your eyecare and eyewear needs, contact the team and Swan Hill and Kerang Optical. Book online for either clinic at www.swanhilloptical.com.au
