The Founding Father of Optometry

This article was written by Craig Rayl, a guest blogger who is a customer service representative at the VSP Eastern Operations Center.

Today is the presidential celebration and the historical achievement of our founder. Founder also exists in American optometry - Charles F. Prentice

Charles studied the optics in the UK and eventually came to New York and started practicing for themselves. However, this has caused strong opposition from the medical community and condemned the optometrist as not receiving adequate medical training. In 1895, Charles was threatened by legal proceedings to gather optometry costs. And it led him to write a paper explaining why the state should allow optometry

Charles also helped organize a group of spectacle technicians now known as the American Optometric Association (AOA). In 1919, Charles and AOA were collectively raised money to protect Fred R. Baker, who wore spectacles in Texas, and was arrested for his unauthorized acts. . Fred faces $ 500 fine and imprisonment for up to 6 months. Finally, in 1921, the Texas state court officially acknowledged optometry in the medical practice law.

In addition, Charles writes many masterpieces and scientific discoveries, including the classical paper "Optical Glasses". In 1910, he developed a two-year optometric course with Columbia University so students do not need to travel to Europe to study this major. In 1958, Charles F. Prentiss Medal was founded and awarded annually to scientists who made a great contribution to the advancement of visual science.

Well, the next time you visit a local VSP optometrist for sight tests and glasses, do not forget to be the father of the founder who helped with sight check - Charles F. Prentice

James, Charles Prentice 's father, studied optical as an apprentice in London, moved to New York in 1847 and opened his optical shop. He is known for manufacturing optical instruments and manufacturing anatomical eyeglasses. As there are not enough schools in the United States, James Prentice sent Charles to Europe for physics, engineering, mathematics, and optics education. Charles · Prentis exceeds his father and has won praise and evaluation all over the world. He wrote a classic article called "ophthalmic lens". But this book is just the beginning of his work and scientific discovery. In 1910, Prentice supported the 2-year optometric course at Columbia University. Now, American students do not have to go to Europe to study optometry like him.

In Canada, Dr. Opto-Optics (O.D.) usually completed an undergraduate course of four years, then received optometry research for 4 to 5 years, and received certification of the Optometric Education Certification Council. There are two optometric schools in Canada, Waterloo University and Montreal University. Canada also has a degree in 20 schools in the United States. In Canada, optometrists need to prepare national written exams and practical exams. In addition, optometrists have to obtain permission in the area they want to practice. Supervision by experts is done at the state level. Therefore, supervision of optometrists is specific to individual states and regions. In Ontario, optometrist is approved by Ontario College of Optometrists.

Ophthalmologists (OD), often referred to as optometrists, are independent primary care experts in ophthalmology. Since it is "a high treatment rate, long working hours, high wages, and occupations with a possibility of successful self-employment", "US News and World Report" cites the optometry as a useful work. For example, treatment types of contact lenses and lenses have expanded and improved in recent years. In addition, new treatments such as the use of lasers to correct vision and illness (such as glaucoma) will provide a better choice for patients who need them. Ophthalmologists are usually health care providers who consult patients about these new technologies and treatments.