Eye Examinations and Vision Specialists

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Vision and Blindness

The links in this section help the layperson understand the complexities of the vision care professions. Included are explanations of the differences between various specializations, some common terminology, and descriptions of the procedures and screening tools used in an eye examination. Healthcare professionals will find tips and advice for working with patients who are blind or visually impaired.

Below is a list of topics you'll find in this section. Click on a title to jump to a specific topic.

Eye Care Specialists: What Do They Do?

The Different Types of Eye Care Professionals, VisionAWARE
Descriptions of the specialties of eye care professionals: ophthalmologist, optometrist, low vision specialist, optician, and orthoptist; links for locating a specialist.

Eye Care Professionals Who May Work with Your Child, Family Connect for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments
Eye care specialists and their areas of expertise; includes links to parents' group and other important sources.

Professional Roles, ADVISOR (Assisting the Development of Visually Impaired Students through Online Resources)
Describes the roles of various professionals, including three eye specialists who work with the visually impaired.

Types of Eye Care Professionals, American Federation for the Blind—Senior Site
Explains the differences between the work of optometrists and ophthalmologists.

Types of Eye Care Professionals, Lighthouse International
Definitions of eye care specializations: low vision specialist, ophthalmologist, optician and optometrist.

When Should I See an Ophthalmologist? Lighthouse International
A checklist of eye conditions that call for the services of an ophthalmologist.

Eye Examinations: What to Expect

About Pediatric (Children's) Eye Exams or Vision Screenings, Optometrists Network
Some of the visual skills that need to be evaluated as part of a child's comprehensive vision examination.

Checklist: 21 Questions to Get Answered Before You Leave the Eye Care Professional's Office, American Federation for the Blind—Senior Site
This checklist of 21 questions ensures that seniors get the information they need from eye care professionals.

Did You Say Screening, Test or Exam? Vision First Foundation
Information on the differences between vision screening, testing, and eye examinations.

Eye Exams: What to Expect, EyeCare America
The elements of an examination; recommended intervals for regular eye exams for all ages.

Eye Examinations & Questions You Should Ask, VisionAWARE
Information on preventive eye care, eye examinations, symptoms of vision disorders, questions to ask, and advice on eye protection.

Frequently Asked Questions, ADVISOR (Assisting the Development of Visually Impaired Students through Online Resources)
Questions for parents to ask when a child visits the eye doctor. Topics include diagnosis, management, treatment, and services.

Talking to Your Doctor, Lighthouse International
Advice on communicating with the doctor about eye disorders, treatments and tests.

Tests, ADVISOR (Assisting the Development of Visually Impaired Students through Online Resources)
Description of vision tests: Sweep Visual Evoked Potential, Electroretinogram, and Dark Adaptation Threshold; includes description of vision tests for a 23-month-old and a child with Down syndrome.

What to Expect at the Eye Doctor's Office, Family Connect for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments
Advice on preparing for a child's eye exam, what to expect, and steps to take after the exam.

Vision Screening Tools

Guidelines for School Vision Screening Programs: Kindergarten through Grade12, Colorado Department of Education
Includes visual screening importance, guidelines, and procedures.

Vision Checklists for Parents, Teachers, and Friends, Optometrists Network
Checklists and information for parents and teachers.

Vision Quick Check, Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
A checklist for vision observation and keeping a history.

Vision Screening and Assessment, Alabama Department of Education
Visual screening evaluation, assessment and testing.

Vision Screening Parent Questionnaire, Colorado Department of Education
Vision questionnaire forms for the parent interview process.

Vision Screening Programs and Services, Prevent Blindness America
Includes information on vision screening for children and adults; as well as training and certification information for volunteer vision screeners.

Visual Acuity Definitions

Equivalences for Visual Acuities, Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
A table of equivalences for visual acuity measurement systems.

Frequently Used Terms to Express Visual Acuity, Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
A glossary of terms used by professionals to express visual acuity.

How Visual Acuity Is Measured, Macular Degeneration Support
How visual acuity is calculated using the Snellen Eye Chart.

Visual Acuity, Ted Montgomery
Understanding terminology and measurements, including 20/20, visual acuity, optical infinity, the size of a 20/20 letter, and much more.

Visual Acuity: What is 20/20 Vision? American Optometric Association
Information on vision terminology and a link to Visual Acuity FAQs.

What is 20/20 Vision? The Eye Digest
A detailed explanation of Vision & Visual acuity, links to an eye chart, conversion table, and vision testing instructions.

What is Visual Acuity? ADVISOR (Assisting the Development of Visually Impaired Students through Online Resources)
A description of the four types of visual acuity: detection, resolution, recognition, and localization.