Optometrists specialize in eye care services, and carry out necessary procedures to examine the eye to detect any problems or issues. Besides this, they also carry out various tests to detect eye diseases like glaucoma, myopia, etc. They also diagnose the effects of diabetes, high blood pressure and other related problems. For treating different types of eye diseases, they may prescribe suitable drugs.

There is a gradual increase seen in the demand for quality optometric treatment because of these factors:

• Poor or unhealthy diets
• Harmful sun rays
• Frequent or sudden changes in lifestyle- making it more hectic
• Sitting for long hours in front of TV/PC

All the above mentioned factors contribute to excessive strain on the eyesight of a person. The best way to protect your eyes and maintain perfect vision, is by regularly visiting a professional and reliable optometrist, for a routine eye check-up.

Studies have revealed that people usually avoid visiting an optometrist for an eye check-up until they face:

• Problems in reading books/magazines due to blurred or hazy vision
• Difficulty in properly reading billboards or street signs
• Watery eyes

People who generally face these types of problem should immediately see an optometrist. An optometrist will examine your eyes and diagnose related problems. They correct vision-related issues by suggesting lenses and similar types of optical aids. They will usually prescribe contact lenses or eyeglasses, but for performing eye related surgery or tests, they use different types of optometric equipment, such as:

1. Exam chair:It is an important piece for optometry practice, as patients are made to sit on this chair during an eye examination to diagnose any eye related problems or diseases. It is the most expensive piece of equipment used by optometrists. The number of exam chairs required by optometrists depends mainly on the size of their practice. Several online medical suppliers offer used exam chairs at discounted rates.
2. Keratometer:This optical device is used, by eye care specialists, to measure the curvature of the anterior surface of the cornea in your eye, and this instrument is also known as ophthalmometer. It is mainly used for diagnosing the presence of astigmatism, and to determine its degree of severity and treatment. This medical equipment also assists eye surgeons in carrying out certain surgical procedures.
3. Chart projector:It is basically an AC-powered device used by an optometrist. It is intended to project an image on a screen to carry out vision test. This projector then creates images of symbol charts and letters used during a patient’s eyes examination. The patient is then asked to read the projected letters on the screen through a series of lenses, allowing the optometrist to evaluate and assess vision needs.
4. Phoroptor:It is an instrument used by eye care professionals for carrying out an eye examination which comprises of different lenses used for refraction of the eye during sight testing process. This in turn measures an individual’s refractive error, and determines his/her eyeglass prescription.

Thus, it can be said that each of these pieces of equipment has a vital role in the medical industry, and in enabling eye care professionals to offer the best possible services to patients.