Eye care is a broad concept and includes the diagnosis and treatment of common eye disease.   Taking regular care of eyes to prevent disease or degeneration should be part of a regular health regime.  Eye care also includes the identification, along with treatment or referral, of individuals with blindness.

How do I find treatment for eye care?
Eye care exams can be provided by two types of eye doctors - both ophthalmologists and optometrists. Ophthalmologists are physicians that have gone to medical school.  They offer services such as:

• • Vision services, including eye exams
• • Medical eye care -- for conditions such as glaucoma, iritis, and chemical burns
• • Surgical eye care -- for trauma, crossed eyes, cataracts, glaucoma, and other problems
• • Diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions related to other diseases, such as diabetes or arthritis

Optometrists are medical professionals but not physicians. After college, they spent four years in a program and received a degree in optometry.   They focus on regular vision care and prescribe eyeglasses and contacts.  Some of their services are:

• • Vision services such as eye exams
• • Treatment of conditions such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism
• • Prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses

There are specialized services for individuals who are blind that enable them to:

• • Read and write braille.
• • Come and go safely with a long cane or dog guide.
• • Use computers with speech synthesizers, or braille or large-print displays.
• • Take care of their homes and personal needs using specially designed techniques and devices.
• • Secure satisfying and productive employment.

The American Foundation for the blind has information on resources in California listed on their website.  You can also find out more about services and programs at this California website, Office of Services to the Blind or OSB.  They provide information and referral on services, programs, entitlements, and products of benefit to individuals who are blind or visually impaired and their families or service providers.  You may also contact them at this phone number:  (916) 657-3327.