Do Optometrists Deal with Eye Infections?

Yes, Optometrists in Australia can diagnose and treat many common eye infections, though severe or complex infections may require referral to an ophthalmologist.

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as “pink eye,” is the most common eye infection optometrists diagnose and manage in Australia. This condition causes the white of the eye to turn pink or red and can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergies. Patients typically experience symptoms such as redness, itching, a gritty feeling, discharge, and sometimes swollen eyelids. While most cases of viral conjunctivitis resolve without antibiotics, bacterial conjunctivitis may require antibiotic eye drops which endorsed optometrists can prescribe.

Blepharitis is another frequent condition treated by optometrists, involving inflammation of the eyelid that can become infected. Patients with blepharitis present with red, swollen eyelids, crusty debris at the base of eyelashes, itching, and a burning sensation. This chronic condition often requires ongoing management and good eyelid hygiene practices that optometrists can demonstrate and recommend to patients.

Styes represent a third common infection managed by optometrists. These infections of eyelash follicles appear as painful red bumps on the eyelid, often resembling a pimple, and may cause localized swelling and tenderness. Optometrists can assess the severity of styes and recommend appropriate treatments, from warm compresses to, in some cases, prescription medications to address the infection.

Certain cases of keratitis, which is inflammation of the cornea, can also be managed by optometrists. This condition presents with pain, redness, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light. While mild cases may be treated by an optometrist with therapeutic endorsement, more severe forms, particularly those involving contact lens wear, may require referral to an ophthalmologist for specialised care.

When you visit an optometrist with symptoms of an eye infection, they will conduct a thorough examination using specialised equipment. Optometrists are qualified healthcare professionals who have completed university degrees in optometry and must be registered with the Optometry Board of Australia. Their comprehensive eye examinations include visual acuity tests, refraction tests, and evaluation of both external and internal eye structures. They often use slit lamp microscopes to examine the eye in detail, allowing them to identify specific signs of infection and distinguish between different causes.

In Australia, optometrists’ ability to treat eye infections depends on their registration status. Those with general registration can use scheduled medicines for diagnostic purposes, such as anesthetic eye drops to make examination more comfortable. Optometrists with endorsement for scheduled medicines have completed additional training that allows them to prescribe therapeutic medications for treating eye infections. These endorsed optometrists can prescribe topical antibiotics for bacterial infections, antivirals for viral infections, and antifungals for fungal infections.

The treatment plan your optometrist develops will depend on the specific type of eye infection diagnosed. For bacterial conjunctivitis, they might prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointments. For viral conjunctivitis, which typically resolves on its own, they might recommend supportive care to manage symptoms. For conditions like blepharitis, they’ll often demonstrate proper eyelid hygiene techniques and may prescribe medications to reduce inflammation or address infection.

Beyond initial treatment, optometrists provide important follow-up care for eye infections. Follow-up appointments allow them to monitor how well the infection is responding to treatment and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan. During these visits, they’ll reassess the infection and determine whether the current treatment should be continued, modified, or if referral to an ophthalmologist is needed.

Prevention forms a crucial part of optometric care for eye infections. If you wear contact lenses, your optometrist will provide guidance on proper lens care and handling to minimise infection risks. This includes instructions on cleaning and storing lenses, replacing them as recommended, and avoiding wearing them when swimming or showering. For all patients with eye infections, optometrists offer advice on preventing transmission to others or to the unaffected eye, such as avoiding sharing towels, changing pillowcases frequently, and practicing good hand hygiene.

While optometrists effectively manage many common eye infections, certain situations require the specialised care of an ophthalmologist, a medical doctor with additional training in eye care and surgery. You should be referred to an ophthalmologist for severe infections, particularly infectious keratitis that is serious or not responding to initial treatment. Emergency conditions like endophthalmitis, which affects the interior of the eye, require immediate ophthalmological intervention to prevent vision loss.

Complex cases, especially eye infections associated with systemic diseases or those presenting unusual symptoms, often benefit from an ophthalmologist’s broader medical expertise. Similarly, any infection potentially requiring surgical management should be handled by an ophthalmologist, as optometrists in Australia cannot perform eye surgery. Your optometrist will promptly refer you to an ophthalmologist in these situations, often facilitating urgent appointments when necessary.

The referral system between optometrists and ophthalmologists is well-established in Australia, allowing for effective management of eye conditions across the spectrum of severity. This collaborative approach ensures patients receive the appropriate level of care based on the severity and complexity of their eye infection. Your optometrist serves as a primary eye care provider, accessible for initial assessment and treatment of many common eye infections. If your condition requires specialized care, they’ll connect you with an ophthalmologist, often sharing relevant examination findings to facilitate seamless care transition.

The practice of optometry in Australia, including the management of eye infections, is regulated by the Optometry Board of Australia under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law. The Board has developed detailed guidelines for the use of scheduled medicines, which outline the professional standards expected of optometrists when diagnosing and treating eye conditions.

These guidelines emphasise the importance of quality use of medicines, including selecting management options wisely and considering the place of medicines in treating illness and maintaining health. Optometrists are expected to observe these principles when prescribing medications for eye infections. For optometrists who supply scheduled medicines directly to patients, there are specific requirements regarding labeling, record-keeping, and patient counseling. They must provide information about the use of the medicine, potential side effects, and possible interactions.

If you’re experiencing symptoms such as eye redness, discharge, pain, vision changes, or light sensitivity, contacting your local optometrist for an assessment is often an appropriate first step. These symptoms could indicate an infection that, if left untreated, might lead to complications or prolonged discomfort.

During your appointment, be prepared to describe your symptoms in detail, including when they started, any changes you’ve noticed, and factors that seem to worsen or improve them. Mention any contact lens use, recent eye injuries, or previous eye infections, as these can provide important context for diagnosis. Your optometrist will either provide appropriate treatment within their scope of practice or refer you to an ophthalmologist if your condition requires specialised care.