What is Occupational Optometry and who are Occupational Optometrists?

Occupational optometry is a specialized field of optometry that focuses on prevention of occupational eye injuries. It involves the assessment and management of visual problems that may affect a person’s ability to perform their job safely and efficiently. Occupational optometrists work in a variety of settings, including manufacturing plants, construction sites, and office environments, and they play a crucial role in ensuring workplace safety and productivity.

Occuplational optometrists take vision assessments of employees taking into account their vision requirements, workplace demands, and the evaluation of the visual characteristics of the workplace.

Read about : Therapeutic optometrist and therapeutic optometry

The Importance of Occupational Optometry

Good vision is essential for many job tasks, such as reading instructions, identifying hazards, and operating machinery. Poor vision can lead to accidents, decreased productivity, and increased absenteeism. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 253 million people worldwide live with visual impairment, with about 36 million of them being blind. Vision problems are also a leading cause of workplace injuries and accidents. Therefore, it is crucial to identify and manage visual problems in the workplace to prevent accidents and improve productivity.

Occupational optometrists use a range of tools and techniques to assess an individual’s visual abilities, including visual acuity, depth perception, color vision, and peripheral vision. They also evaluate the ergonomics of the workplace, including lighting, glare, and screen display, to ensure that the environment is conducive to good visual health.

Common Visual Problems in the Workplace

Some of the most common visual problems that occupational optometrists encounter in the workplace include:

1. Refractive errors: Refractive errors, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, can affect an individual’s ability to see clearly at different distances. Occupational optometrists can correct these problems with eyeglasses or contact lenses.
2. Presbyopia: Presbyopia is a natural age-related condition that affects the ability to focus on close objects. Occupational optometrists can prescribe corrective lenses to help individuals with presbyopia perform their job tasks effectively.
3. Color vision deficiencies: Color vision deficiencies can make it challenging to distinguish between different colors, which can be a problem in jobs that require color-coded labeling or identifying hazards. Occupational optometrists can test for color vision deficiencies and recommend accommodations, such as color-corrective lenses or alternative labeling methods.
4. Dry eye syndrome: Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that can cause discomfort, blurry vision, and eye fatigue. Occupational optometrists can recommend eye drops, humidifiers, or ergonomic changes to alleviate symptoms. (10 treatment of Dry eye)
5. Computer vision syndrome: Computer vision syndrome is a common problem among office workers who spend long hours in front of a computer screen. Symptoms include eyestrain, headaches, and neck pain. Occupational optometrists can recommend ergonomic changes, such as adjusting the screen height and distance, and prescribe computer glasses to alleviate symptoms.( Tips to avoid computer Eye strain)

The Role of Occupational Optometrists in the Workplace

Occupational optometrists play a crucial role in ensuring workplace safety and productivity. They work closely with employers and employees to identify visual problems that may affect job performance and recommend appropriate interventions. Occupational optometrists may also provide training on good visual habits, such as taking regular breaks, adjusting lighting, and maintaining good posture.

Occupational optometrists can also perform pre-employment vision screenings to ensure that job candidates meet the visual requirements for specific job tasks. They can also perform periodic vision screenings to identify changes in visual health and recommend appropriate interventions.

Occupational optometry Colleges:

Several colleges and universities offer training programs to become an occupational optometrist. These programs may be offered as a specialization within a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree or as a separate postgraduate certificate program. Here are some examples of colleges that offer training to become an occupational optometrist:

1. University of Houston College of Optometry: The University of Houston College of Optometry offers a postgraduate certificate program in occupational vision. This program is designed for optometrists who want to specialize in occupational optometry and covers topics such as visual ergonomics, occupational vision assessment, and vision rehabilitation.
2. Pacific University College of Optometry: Pacific University College of Optometry offers a residency program in occupational vision. This program is designed for optometrists who want to specialize in occupational optometry and provides hands-on training in the assessment and management of visual problems in the workplace.
3. Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry: Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry offers a postgraduate certificate program in occupational vision. This program is designed for optometrists who want to specialize in occupational optometry and covers topics such as visual ergonomics, occupational vision assessment, and vision rehabilitation.
4. Southern California College of Optometry at Marshall B. Ketchum University: Southern California College of Optometry at Marshall B. Ketchum University offers a residency program in occupational vision. This program is designed for optometrists who want to specialize in occupational optometry and provides hands-on training in the assessment and management of visual problems in the workplace.
5. State University of New York (SUNY) College of Optometry: SUNY College of Optometry offers a postgraduate certificate program in vision rehabilitation and occupational therapy. This program is designed for optometrists, occupational therapists, and other healthcare professionals who want to specialize in vision rehabilitation and covers topics such as low vision, traumatic brain injury, and stroke rehabilitation.

Occupational Optometry Books

Here are some books on occupational optometry that you may find helpful:

1. “Occupational Optometry: Principles and Practice” by John G. Flanagan and John R. E. Fraser – This book provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of occupational optometry, covering topics such as visual ergonomics, occupational vision standards, and vision screening.
2. “Applied Concepts in Vision Therapy with Accompanying Disk” by Leonard J. Press – This book focuses on the application of vision therapy techniques to improve visual performance in various occupational settings, including sports, aviation, and reading.
3. “Optometric Management of Reading Dysfunction” by Mitchell Scheiman and Bruce W. Wick – This book discusses the diagnosis and treatment of reading-related vision problems, which can affect individuals in a variety of occupational settings.
4. “Visual Ergonomics Handbook” by Taylor & Francis Group – This handbook provides practical guidance on designing visual displays and workstations that promote visual comfort and reduce eye strain and fatigue in various occupational settings.