Optometry

What is an Optometrist?

An optometrist examines the health of the eyes to detect any visual impairments or eye diseases. In the past, only ophthalmologists performed eye examinations, while opticians provided glasses and/or contact lenses. An optometrist can do both—and much more. The optometrist performs a comprehensive optometric examination. If the examination reveals that further medical treatment is necessary, you will be referred to an ophthalmologist. The profession of optometrist has been officially recognized in the Netherlands since 2000 under the BIG Act (Individual Healthcare Professions Act), giving optometrists legal recognition as healthcare professionals. Optometrists complete a four-year higher professional education (HBO) program.

Optometry at Hofstede Optiek

At Hofstede Optiek, all vision tests are performed by a certified optician. If there is a reason for the examination to be followed by a full optometric assessment, the optician will indicate this. Hofstede Optiek is equipped with all the necessary instruments (slit lamp, tonometer, visual field meter, retinal camera, OCT, etc.) to perform a complete examination. Additionally, the optometrists use diagnostic pharmaceuticals (such as pupil-dilating drops) required for a thorough assessment.

Hofstede Optiek employs two optometrists.