A Study of the Professions Testing Ocular Refraction

Abstract

SUMMARY A study of 1,416 students has revealed that 37.8 per cent. examined by the Optometrist and 19 per cent. by Oculist did not have normal vision with glasses as determined by the Snellen test. After deducting those cases with marked change in visual acuity within the last year there still remained 32.3 per cent. examined by the Optometrist and 6.7 per cent. by the Oculist who had defective vision with glasses. After deducting those students with visual changes since their last examination by the Oculist and Optometrist there remained 1.9 per cent. and 11.1 per cent. respectively, of the students with symptoms related to ocular disorders. Practically three-fourths of the students were unable to differentiate the Oculist from the Optometrist. The average cost of the ocular examination and glasses was about 10 per cent. greater in the Oculist group than in the Optometrist group. There is need for better medical regulations to determine the proficiency, and for the registration and licensing of physicians representing themselves as specialists. The Class-A schools of Optometry have raised their requirements to a four-year course. Several of these schools are attempting to teach pathology and diagnosis. Examples of the curricula are given. In the light of existing circumstances it would seem that much of the teaching is “futile”. Since a knowledge of general medicine is a necessary foundation for the study of the etiology, pathology, and diagnosis of ocular disease, and there exists such a limited number of capably staffed postgraduate institutions, Optometrists according to their present preparation can never serve the public as efficiently as can the Ophthalmologists. Eventually, if the practice of Optometry is to continue in the direction it is now pursuing, the medical schools may find it necessary to absorb the teaching and control the practice of this profession. Otherwise, when and if the professional standards and ethics for the practice of Optometry reach a higher plane, it may be possible that the same cooperation may exist between the medical and Optometry professions as is now present between the practices of medicine and dentistry in serving the public efficiently.