Eye care and the different types of professionals

Our eyes play an important role in human life. Eyes are important for several reasons. Its most important function is to provide visibility. In addition, our eyes serve for safety and communication in everyday life. Good eyesight can also be important in certain education or in certain professions. Keeping the eyes healthy is therefore crucial.

Maintaining good eye health is essential. Sometimes it is necessary to visit a healthcare professional for eye care. Eye care includes a wide range of healthcare professionals. Every healthcare professional has specific tasks and responsibilities. You can read below which healthcare professional has which position and is responsible for what.

Oculoplastic surgeon

An oculoplastic surgeon is a medical specialist who focuses on surgical and non-surgical treatments for conditions surrounding the eyes, eye sockets and face. The knowledge of ophthalmology and plastic surgery is combined in which both medical and cosmetic treatments are performed. The scope of practice of an oculoplastic surgeon includes a wide range of procedures and treatments, including:

• Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
  This involves correcting drooping eyelids, bags under the eyes and excess skin.
• Ptosis treatment
  Treating the weaker muscles of the eyelid that obstruct vision.
• Tear duct treatment
  Treating clogged or defective tear ducts.
• Orbital surgery
  Treating conditions of the eye socket, such as tumors or trauma to the eye.
• Reconstructive surgery
  Recovering the eyelids and surrounding structures after trauma, disease or surgery.
• Cosmetic treatments
  Performing cosmetic procedures to improve the appearance around the eyes and face.
• Treatment of eyelids and orbital tumors
  Removal of benign and malignant tumors of the eyelids and eye sockets.

Diplomas

• Bachelor of Medicine. Duration: 3 years.
• Masters in Medicine. Duration: 3 years.
• Specialization in Ophthalmology. Duration: 5 years.

Eye doctor

Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in ophthalmology. They perform comprehensive eye examinations, diagnoses and treat eye diseases. In addition, they are qualified to perform surgical procedures, such as cataract surgery (cataract surgery) and laser treatments for glaucoma (increased eye pressure).

Diplomas

• VWO diploma. Duration: 6 years
• Bachelor of Medicine. Duration: 3 years.
• Masters in Medicine. Duration: 3 years.
• BIG registration: When obtaining the doctor’s diploma, the graduate must be registered in the BIG register (professions in Individual Healthcare). This is mandatory in the Netherlands to be allowed to work as a doctor.
• Specialization in Ophthalmology. Duration: 5 years.

Optometrist

Optometrists are primarily responsible for performing eye exams and prescribing glasses or contact lenses. They can also diagnose and treat conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and cataracts, depending on their training and qualifications.

Diplomas

• HAVO or VWO diploma. Duration: 5-6 years.
• HBO Bachelor Optometry. Duration: 4 years.

Orthoptist

Orthoptists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of eye movement disorders and visual development problems such as strabismus and lazy eye (amblyopia). They often work with children, but also with adults with certain eye problems.

Diplomas

• HAVO diploma, duration 5 years. Or MBO-4 diploma. Duration: 3-4 years.
• HBO training in orthotics. Duration: 4 years.
• BIG registration: After completing the training, the graduate must register in the BIG register (Professions in Individual Healthcare) to be officially allowed to work as an orthoptist.

Technical Ophthalmic Assistant (TOA)

A TOA supports ophthalmologists and optometrists with technical and administrative tasks. Some of the functions and responsibilities of the TOA are: performing diagnostic tests such as visual field examinations and fundus photography (photographs of the retina), preparing and assisting with eye examinations and measurements and observations.

Diplomas

• HAVO diploma, duration 5 years. Or MBO-4 diploma. Duration: 3-4 years.
• MBO training Technical Ophthalmic Assistant (level 4). Duration: 2-3 years.
• Further training: Further training and further training are recommended to stay abreast of the latest developments.

Ophthalmic nurse

These nurses support ophthalmologists in caring for patients. They can provide pre- and post-operative care, provide patient education and assist with ophthalmic procedures.

Diplomas

• Previous education HAVO or MBO-4. Duration: 5 years or 3-4 years.
• MBO nurse or HBO nurse. Duration: 4 years.
• Specialization in ophthalmology.

Doctor’s assistant

A medical assistant plays a supporting role in the daily work of ophthalmologists and other eye care professionals. For example, they can provide patient preparation, perform basic examinations such as vision measurements, assist with minor procedures, provide information and aftercare to patients and arrange administrative tasks.

Diplomas

• Previous education VMBO or MBO-2 diploma.
• MBO training as a doctor’s assistant. Duration: 3 years.
• Specialization in Ophthalmology.

Within Looks Clinics, all medical assistants are trained internally to become surgical assistants. For this purpose, courses are taken on the profession of surgical assistant and on ophthalmology.

Optician

Opticians are responsible for fitting, making and selling glasses and contact lenses. They help customers choose the right glasses and lenses based on the prescriptions of optometrists or ophthalmologists.

Diplomas

• Previous education VMBO or MBO-2 diploma.
• MBO Optician level 4 training. Duration: 3 years.

Together, these professionals provide a comprehensive and integrated approach to eye care, which ranges from routine eye examinations and prescription of visual aids to diagnosing and treating complex eye diseases and performing surgical procedures.