tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34249799.post3285609855524361940..comments2024-03-29T11:14:06.299+13:00Comments on AmeriNZ Blog: Seeing to thingsArthur Schenckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10568299067544221996noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34249799.post-60291624211482617282014-03-16T22:33:35.249+13:002014-03-16T22:33:35.249+13:00I don't think it's necessarily easy to see...I don't think it's necessarily easy to see an ophthalmologist for routine vision assessment in New Zealand. Ordinarily, a patient would be referred to one by an optometrist or a GP because ophthalmologists perform eye surgery or use other advanced medical treatment. I'm pretty sure that the vast majority of routine eye exams in New Zealand are done by rgistered optometrists who provide assessment and monitoring and who write prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses. GPs also do some basic visions testing.<br /><br />We also have dispensing opticians, but all they can do is fill prescriptions written by an optometrist, though they can measure for glasses, too, that sort of thing.<br /><br /><br />My Lasik surgery was done by an opthamologist, and I could go directly to him because it was an elective procedure. Ironically, when the day comes that I need cataract surgery (assuming I will…) I'll most likely be referred back to the same ophthalmologist for the surgery, which is good, since they also do Lasik.<br /><br />I don't know how having had Lasik will affect my vision if I have to have cataract surgery. I gather, though, it won't be as good, though I may have misunderstood.Arthur (AmeriNZ)http://amerinz.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34249799.post-4054516998040140662014-03-15T05:56:45.370+13:002014-03-15T05:56:45.370+13:00Better to see an opthalmologist than than an optom...Better to see an opthalmologist than than an optometrist (esp. after 50). An optometrist is good for prescribing glasses & acting as an early warning (e.g. they'll catch many things) but for more subtle stuff you really need an actual specialized MD.<br /><br />I've also been myopic almost all my life & have had cataract surgery. It's no big deal & it works really well. I like that you can pick what your vision will be like afterward (they can build correction into your new synthetic lenses.) I've no idea how/if that might interact with Lasik surgery, though.<br /><br />Good luck, in any case.coreplanenoreply@blogger.com