Like Dr. Salvatore DeCanio at VanBuskirk Opticians, optometrists are self-reliant superior healthcare specialists licensed to detect, diagnose, and provide treatment for diseases and disorders related to the eyes and the visual system.

Optometrists were formerly known as ophthalmic opticians.

They performed all the work that was performed by ophthalmologists, except surgery. Optometrists work in hospitals, clinics, the ophthalmic industry, teaching institutions, and research projects; however, they majorly contribute to their clinical practice, hospitals, and public health centers.

The role of our optometrists at Vanbuskirk Opticians

Our optometrist, Dr. Salvatore DeCanio, aims to provide solutions to patients with eye disorders. First, patients are subjected to general eye examinations in which the optometrist takes the patient’s medical history of his eye problems. Following this, the eyes are checked for refractive errors, and a visual acuity test is carried out to evaluate the eyesight. If required, spectacles or contact lenses of the calculated refractive status of the eyes are prescribed to attain the proper vision.

In addition to vision testing, our optometrists Naples, Florida, perform the following functions:

• Observance of eye disease: Using the ophthalmoscope, optometrists detect conditions related to the eyes, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and other diseases that are associated with eye functions, such as diabetes and hypertension. If irregularities persist in the detection, the patient is subjected to further special tests—for example, estimating eye pressure in patients with glaucoma.
• Prescribing drugs for diseases: For management of ocular disorders and treatment of glaucoma, optometrists are certified to prescribe the topical form of pharmaceutical medications like antibiotics, antihistamines, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, and some scheduled analgesics. Only optometrists in Florida, New York, and Massachusetts can prescribe the oral form of these drugs.
• Independent prescribing: Optometrists, after certification by a separate prescribing qualification, are authorized to prescribe all licensed drugs except parenteral (injectables).
• Contact lens professionals: Optometrists who are professionals in handling contact lenses for the abnormal shape of the cornea also prescribe special contact lenses like toric and varifocal lenses for patients.