ISCO 08 Code 2267      Optometrists and ophthalmic opticians 

Lead Statement

Optometrists and ophthalmic opticians provide diagnosis,  management and treatment services for disorders of the eyes and visual system. They counsel on eye care and prescribe optical aids or other therapies for visual disturbance.

Task statement

Tasks include:

• examining patients’ eyes and setting tests to determine the nature and extent of vision problems and abnormalities;
• assessing ocular health and visual function by measuring visual acuity and refractive error, and testing the function of visual pathways, visual fields, eye movements, freedom of vision and intraocular pressure, and performing other tests using special eye test equipment;
• detecting, diagnosing and managing eye disease, and prescribing medications for the treatment of eye disease;
• consulting  with and referring patients to ophthalmologist or other health care practitioner if additional medical treatment is determined necessary;
• diagnosing eye movement disorders and defects of binocular function;
• prescribing lenses, contact lenses and low vision aids, and checking suitability and comfort;
• prescribing exercises to coordinate movement and focusing of eyes;
• managing programs for eye movement disorders, and instructing and counselling patients in the use of corrective techniques and eye exercises;
• advising on visual health matters such as contact lens care, vision care for the elderly, optics, visual ergonomics, and occupational and industrial eye safety.

Included occupations

• Ophthalmic Optician
• Optometrist
• Orthoptist

Excluded occupations

• Ophthalmologist - 2312
• Dispensing optician - 3254

ISCO 88 Code(s) 3224, part - 3229, part

(NCvB; Maart 2010)