What is an
Optometrist?
Doctors of Optometry are independent primary health care
providers who examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders
of the visual system, the eye and associated structures as well as
diagnose related systemic conditions. Optometrists examine the
internal and external structure of the eyes to diagnose eye diseases
like glaucoma, cataracts and retinal disorders; systemic diseases like
hypertension and diabetes; and vision conditions like nearsightedness,
farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia. Optometrists also do
testing to determine the patient's ability to focus and coordinate the
eyes, and to judge depth and see colors accurately. They prescribe
eyeglasses and contact lenses, low vision aids, vision therapy and
medicines to treat eye diseases.
As primary eye care providers, optometrists are an
integral part of the health care team and an entry point into the health
care system. They are skilled in the co-management of care that
affects the eye health and vision of their paitents and an excellent
source of referral to other health care professionals.
The optometrist has completed pre-professional
undergraduate education in a college or university and four years of
professional education at a college of optometry, leading to the Doctor
of Optometry (O.D.) degree.
History of our Office
Authier Eyecare Center was started in 1967 with Dr. Authier
being the primary physician. Since then, Authier Miller Pape
Eyecare Consultants was formed with the addition of Dr. Miller in 1994
and Dr. Pape in 1998. The old location of 107 South 5th Street
was proving to be too small for our expanding practice and therefore a
new building was constructed at 3610 W Norfolk Ave. We have been
in our new office since 2001.
