Busupshot's Great Question

[busupshot83]

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is there a specialization in neurology for optometrists?

 

[Reality check]

As becoming a neuro-optometrist? Like starting methlypredn. I.V. drip in recently diagnosed patients who present with acute retrobulbar optic neuritis and possibly showing brain plaques on c-scan.

You gotta be kidding me huh?

 

[busupshot83]

like i really understand what d' a$$ you just said boi... but yeah I'm for real...

 

[rpames]

I'll answer with out the attitude.

There are no residancies in that area. They are in: Family Practice Optometry, Primary Eye Care, Cornea and Contact Lenses, Geriatrics, Pediatrics, Low Vison, Vision Therapy and Rehabilitation, Ocular Disease, and Refractive and Ocular Surgery.

Here is a like to all the OD residencey programs.

http://www.optometryresident.org/index.htm

 

[Richard_Hom]

Originally posted by busupshot83
is there a specialization in neurology for optometrists?

Dear busupshot83,

There might be some confusion here. There is a field of interest called neuro-optometry which focuses on learning problems, developmental vision, rehabilitation of post-stroke, etc. This field isn't widely publicized with additional information available from the College of Optometrists in Vision Development.

The alternative viewpoint is one of traditional medical model of neurology and optometery. There isn't such a "specialty" as that currently.

Regards,
Richard_Hom

 

[busupshot83]

Originally posted by Richard_Hom
Dear busupshot83,

There might be some confusion here. There is a field of interest called neuro-optometry which focuses on learning problems, developmental vision, rehabilitation of post-stroke, etc. This field isn't widely publicized with additional information available from the College of Optometrists in Vision Development.

The alternative viewpoint is one of traditional medical model of neurology and optometery. There isn't such a "specialty" as that currently.

Regards,
Richard_Hom

Dear Hom,

That's exactly what I was talking about, but I didn't know exactly what it was. What about brain tumors... do they assist in that?

Thank you,

busupshot

 

[busupshot83]

Originally posted by rpames
I'll answer with out the attitude.

There are no residancies in that area. They are in: Family Practice Optometry, Primary Eye Care, Cornea and Contact Lenses, Geriatrics, Pediatrics, Low Vison, Vision Therapy and Rehabilitation, Ocular Disease, and Refractive and Ocular Surgery.

Here is a like to all the OD residencey programs.

http://www.optometryresident.org/index.htm

do these specialties translate into greater salary (in general)?

Refractive and Ocular Surgery... Optometrist CAN perform surgery? I thought different...

 

[rpames]

In Oklahoma OD's can do RK, the old vision correction. But in general, ODs can not do surgery. That specalty you are refering to basically gives the OD extra training in how to best co-manage laser patients. At least that is what I understand.

But to the first question, money. Generally the specialties do not mean more money. In fact, a lot of the time if the OD just does his/her specialty, they will make less. That is because right now there is not very much, if any, inter refering among ODs. If there is a problem the OD is not comfortable treating, they refer off to an MD, very very rarly to a specalist OD. That is changing with more and more ODs going through the residancy programs. As of now, in most areas an OD can not survive being just a pediatric OD, or what ever specialty you want. So the OD practices mostly as a general OD with a special interest in their specalty. This is a double edge sword. This way the OD does make more money and see more patients, but also limits the referals. What general OD would refer to another OD who is also a generalist. GPs don't refer to other GPs. That is like Walgrees refering people to Osco.

Times are changing, but it is slow. I DO plan to do a residance, what one, I don't know. As every forum on SDN always says, don't do it for the money. I want to do one because I think it will make me a better doctor.

 

[Richard_Hom]

Originally posted by busupshot83
Dear Hom,

That's exactly what I was talking about, but I didn't know exactly what it was. What about brain tumors... do they assist in that...'

Dear busupshot83,

Traditionally, neuro-optometry has traditionally emphasized rehabilitation. In that sense, they may participate in a team-based approach with other professionals such as occupational therapists, physical therapists, physicians specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation for the total recovery of a impaired patient.

HTH,
Richard_Hom

 

[Richard_Hom]

Originally posted by busupshot83
do these specialties translate into greater salary (in general)?

Refractive and Ocular Surgery... Optometrist CAN perform surgery? I thought different...

Dear busupshot83,

Customarily, private practice of optometry has always produced more income that salaried jobs. There are numerous reasons why optometrists enter residency or fellowship programs. Probably a significant one is to get some additional experience and clinical material.

This doesn't necessarily translate into higher salaries for private practice but will make you more salable for medically-oriented environments.

In most states, topical surgical procedures for minor eye problems is the extent of privileges at this time. In certain circumstances, individual situations may broaden these privileges but they would be distinctly rare.

HTH,
Richard_Hom