Prosthesis Care

What to Look for in Your Ocularist

Helpful Tips For Choosing Your Ocularist

WHAT IS IT?  Ocularistry is a specialized field that mixes the realms of art and anatomy.  It requires a very fine attention to detail, manual dexterity and patience to achieve the best result possible for a recipient of a prosthetic eye.

Ocularists, such as Robert Henderlite here at Southeastern Ocularists, typically undertake 7 years of training as an apprentice to become specialists in ocularistry field. These individuals, like Mr. Henderlite, can also choose to become certified with the American Society of Ocularists (ASO), through the National Examining Board of Ocularists (NEBO), as a Board Certified Ocularist once their educational training through the society or practicing hours have been met.  This certification requires completion of a hand written test as well as a fabrication portion in which the ocularist will need to demonstrate his/her skills before a examining board and proctor.  The acquisition of this certification further demonstrates their commitment to their career.

The 4 O’s

(Pictured from top to bottom) Ophthalmologist performing surgery, Optometrist examining patient, Ocularist painting an iris, Optician measuring frame width.

Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Ocularists, and Opticians.  Here is what you need to know about each profession and who to go see in certain instances.

OPHTHALMOLOGIST

An ophthalmologist is a highly skilled medical doctor who specializes in eye and vision care.  Ophthalmologists either have an M.D. or a D.O. degree and receive special training in all aspects of eye care, including prevention, diagnosis, and medical and surgical treatment of eye conditions and diseases.  Ophthalmologists are licensed and credentialed to perform eye surgery, whereas an optometrist is not.

Ophthalmologists are trained to provide the full spectrum of eye care, from prescribing glasses and contact lenses to performing complex and delicate eye surgery.  If you are in need or suspect you are in need of eye surgery, an ophthalmologist is the individual you would need to schedule an appointment with.

OPTOMETRIST

Both ophthalmologists and optometrists are involved with the examination of healthy eyes and the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases.  The difference is in the scope of their work. Optometrists do not perform any type of eye surgery, but are trained to detect, diagnose and manage eye diseases that require medical and non-medical treatment.  All optometrist should hold a Doctor of Optometry degree (O.D.).  A good comparison is that of a General Dentist and an Oral Surgeon, general dentist being the optometrist and the oral surgeon being the ophthalmologist.

Types of Fitting Methods

Here at Southeastern Ocularists, Inc. we regularly use the modified impression fitting method when creating your prosthesis. Although, depending on certain factors, we may choose a different approach to obtain a mold of your eye socket. We will take into consideration your eye socket anatomy, medical history and any other details when considering the best way to find your fit. Everyone has a different anatomy, so sometimes we have to switch it up!