₦airaland Forum

LADEMINUS: Again u fall foul of common knowledge here, ophthalmology has no relationship with epidemiology, neither does optometry, however anyone with the facts at his disposal can make a sane claim (even you) and pls, even a nurse can diagnose glaucoma... What u r saying that an optometrist cannot diagnose glaucome is just like claiming that a doctor cannot diagnose cancer... In both cases of the clinician has the knowledge and instrumentation then he can make d diagnosis. In fact even a year 3 med student can confidently infer a serious cancer correctly!!

I didn't even bother replying to him (ACM10) because he clearly doesn't know what he is talking about. Where I live, the optometrist most certainly has the knowledge to make a diagnosis. Here, I needed a referral to see an ophthalmologist- a referral that is normally made by an optometrist. The optometrist is usually the first level of diagnosis- he or she will assess whether or not you should be referred to see an ophthalmologist. Besides my own case (glaucoma suspect diagnosis), I know another person whose glaucoma was caught by an optometrist. Thanks to the optometrist's knowledge, the little sight left was saved.

Hmmm Jim doesn't look bad!

ACM10: What authority does an optometrist have to comment on the epidemiology of glaucoma? It is only in Nigeria that one can get this $$hit. I expect an ophthalmologist to make this projection.

Well, in my case, the optometrist was extremely helpful. I do not have glaucoma, however I do have high intraocular eye pressure as well as other risk factors for glaucoma. I went to see an optometrist for my yearly eye-exam and to get new glasses. After performing several tests, the optometrist decided to refer me to an opthamologist that specializes in glaucoma. Thanks to that optometrist (and opthamologist), I am now managing my eye pressure with drops that I use daily. Yes, it will be for the rest of my life but I would much rather have to use drops daily to control my pressure and prevent the development of glaucoma, than to actually have glaucoma itself.
BTW, I am very much under 40 years old o (early 30s). It is so important to check your eyes regularly! Also, do not rule out the value of a good optometrist. They are usually your first contact before seeing an opthamologist -especially since the optometrist is licensed to test eye pressure!!

***to the poster I quoted- Please do not mislead people with false information***