Optometrists use math for a wide variety of functions including eye measurement, business management and disease identification.
Optometrists diagnose common vision problems, such as farsightedness and nearsightedness, and fit individuals with glasses and contacts. They also may test patients' depth perception, focusing ability and look for signs of serious disease such as glaucoma. Individuals pursuing careers in optometry must master many math functions as well as biology and physics in order to accurately measure eyes, diagnose disease and manage a business.
Measuring Eyes
One of the primary uses of math for optometrists relates to the very specific measurement of a client's eye, including the distance from pupil to pupil. Such measurement is partially tool-based and partially math-based as today's optometrists use tools such as a lensometer to help take measurements. These measurements and other tests ultimately determine what prescription is written. The measurements are particularly crucial with contact lenses to ensure perfect fit and comfort.
Diagnosing Disease
Optometrists also work to diagnose ocular diseases, such as astigmatism and glaucoma. Equipment such as a keratometer helps identify the degree of such issues. By measuring the cornea at different meridians, optometrists can compute the levels necessary for lenses and have the best chance at correcting a patient's vision. Optometrists may also prescribe medication related to eye disease, requiring them to understand such facts as maximum amounts of various pharmaceuticals and compute dosages.
Deductive Reasoning
A significant portion of math relates to problem solving and what XP math calls deductive reasoning. Doctors, including optometrists, must use such skills to piece together the facts that patients are revealing and discover any pertinent facts that a patient hasn't revealed--either purposely or due to forgetfulness. In the same vein, optometrists may use percentages and probabilities to provide advice for patients.
Accounting, Inventory, Sales
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a full 25% of optometrists are self-employed. Plus, among those who work for a practice or operate franchise stores, one or more optometrists may split the duties of the self-employed who need to manage their own business--including accounting, managing inventory and computing sales goals and figures. Such tasks require math skills ranging from basic math to graphing to more complex computations such as return on investment.
Specialty Uses
Many optometrists work in traditional private practice or group practice settings. However, others specialize in particular areas, such as helping the legally blind, occupational vision, head trauma or even research. In such cases, the ranges of ways that math is used extends exponentially. A researcher, for example, might use formulas, linear equations, algebra, statistics and graphing every day. On the other hand, an occupational vision specialist who develops ways to better protect workers' eyes may spend more time using basic math, problem solving and taking manual measurements regarding eyeglass fit.
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