# optometry > field of health care which involves examining the eyes for defects or abnormalities as well as the medical diagnosis and management of eye disease **Wikidata**: [Q618211](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q618211) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optometry) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/optometry ## Summary Optometry is a field of health care that involves examining the eyes for defects or abnormalities as well as the medical diagnosis and management of eye disease. It is an academic discipline and economic sector that falls under the broader category of health sciences. The field encompasses both clinical practice and the optical industry, including eyewear retail and vision care services. ## Key Facts - Optometry is an academic discipline and economic sector with 32 sitelinks - It is part of the health sciences field, which involves applied sciences in healthcare - The field has aliases including "eye care" and "vision care" - The European Academy of Optometry and Optics, founded in 2009 and headquartered in Craven Street, United Kingdom, is a membership organization in this field - Fielmann, a German multinational optician and eyewear retail chain founded in 1972, operates in the optometry industry with 23,412 employees ## FAQs What is optometry? Optometry is a field of health care that involves examining the eyes for defects or abnormalities as well as the medical diagnosis and management of eye disease. It combines clinical practice with optical services and vision care. What organizations are associated with optometry? The European Academy of Optometry and Optics, founded in 2009 and headquartered in Craven Street, United Kingdom, is a membership organization dedicated to this field. The industry also includes companies like Fielmann, a German multinational optician and eyewear retail chain. What conditions does optometry address? Optometry addresses various vision abnormalities, including heterophoria, which is a vision abnormality. The field encompasses the examination, diagnosis, and management of eye diseases and defects. ## Why It Matters Optometry plays a crucial role in public health by providing essential vision care services and preventing vision loss through early detection and management of eye diseases. As both an academic discipline and economic sector, it bridges the gap between healthcare and the optical industry, ensuring comprehensive eye care from clinical diagnosis to corrective eyewear solutions. The field's integration with health sciences enables optometrists to contribute to overall healthcare outcomes while the optical industry component ensures accessibility to vision correction products and services. ## Notable For - Being a comprehensive field that combines clinical eye care with optical services and vision correction - Serving as a bridge between healthcare and the eyewear retail industry - Maintaining a strong academic and professional organization through the European Academy of Optometry and Optics - Supporting a significant economic sector that includes major players like Fielmann with over 23,000 employees ## Body ### Academic and Professional Structure Optometry functions as both an academic discipline and a professional field within the broader health sciences sector. As an academic discipline, it involves the study and research of eye care, vision science, and ocular health. The field maintains professional standards and advancement through organizations like the European Academy of Optometry and Optics, which was established in 2009 and serves as a membership organization for professionals in the field. ### Industry and Economic Impact The optometry sector encompasses a significant economic component, including optical retail, eyewear manufacturing, and vision care services. Fielmann exemplifies the industry's scale, operating as a German multinational with 23,412 employees and headquarters in Germany. The company, founded in 1972, represents the commercial aspect of optometry, providing optical products and services to consumers while maintaining professional standards in eye care. ### Clinical Practice and Services As a healthcare field, optometry focuses on the examination of eyes for defects, abnormalities, and diseases. Practitioners in this field are trained to diagnose and manage various eye conditions, including heterophoria, a specific vision abnormality. The clinical aspect of optometry involves comprehensive eye examinations, vision testing, and the prescription of corrective lenses or other treatments for vision problems. ### Integration with Health Sciences Optometry is firmly positioned within the health sciences domain, applying scientific principles to healthcare delivery in vision and eye care. This integration allows for evidence-based practice in eye care and ensures that optometric services align with broader healthcare objectives. The field's connection to health sciences also facilitates ongoing research and development in vision care technologies and treatment methodologies. ### Vision Care Services The field encompasses comprehensive vision care services, from routine eye examinations to the management of complex eye conditions. This includes the provision of corrective eyewear, contact lenses, and other vision aids, as well as preventive care and patient education about eye health. The combination of clinical expertise and optical services makes optometry a unique and essential component of healthcare delivery. ## References 1. [Nuovo soggettario](https://thes.bncf.firenze.sbn.it/termine.php?id=27931) 2. Nuovo soggettario 3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 4. UMLS 2023 5. Quora 6. [Google News - Optometry - Latest](https://news.google.com/topics/CAAqJggKIiBDQkFTRWdvSkwyMHZNREU0Y25Sc0VnVmxiaTFIUWlnQVAB?hl=en-SG&gl=SG&ceid=SG%3Aen) 7. National Library of Israel 8. KBpedia 9. [Source](https://vocabs.ardc.edu.au/viewById/316) 10. GF WordNet 11. All Science Journal Classification Codes 12. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)