Opticians

Opticians test eyesight and prescribe glasses - also know as spectacles - and contact lenses, when necessary. The examination includes measuring intraocular pressure- the pressure of fluid inside the eye - and examining the retina. If the optician suspects an eye disease, such as glaucoma, they refer the patient to their GP for treatment. The GP may then refer the patient to an ophthalmologist, a doctor who specializes in diseases of the eye.

Exercises:

1. Make word combinations using a word from each box. Look at А, В, С and D to help you.

2. Complete the texts. Look at A and С to help you.

1 A prosthetist works with patients of all ages as a member of a clinical team, based at a large hospital. The patients may need a prosthesis as the result of an accident, or (1)……………….. following a disease such as diabetes. Alternatively they may have been born without a (2)…………….. .Orthotists work alongside doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and occupational (3)…………..to give the people under their care the best possible (4)…………. .Their main aim is to enable the patient to lead a normal life at work and leisure.

2 An orthotist often works in a clinic as part of an outpatient service and also visits other centres to provide a service for people with special needs. They deal with people of all ages. For instance, children who have cerebral palsy may require (5)………….to help them walk and many older people need special shoes to correct (6)…………… . If damaged, any part of the human skeleton may require some form of orthosis. The orthosis may be needed to reposition the body or to (7)……………..pain.