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Optometrist
Examines eyes, diagnoses vision problems, prescribes corrective lenses.
Did you know?
In WWII, Britain claimed its night pilots ate lots of carrots to see in the dark, a cover story meant to hide its new airborne radar.
How subjects help
- Biology: Look at the back of the eye to spot signs of illnesses like diabetes or glaucoma.
- Physics: Understand how lenses bend light so you can correct blurry vision with glasses.
- Mathematics: Calculate lens strength and angles to turn an eye test into an exact prescription.
A famous name
William Feinbloom: American optometrist who made lighter contact lenses in 1936 and pioneered help for people with low vision.
Try it yourself: Find your blind spot
- Draw a small cross on the left of the card and a dot about 8 cm to the right of it.
- Hold the card at arm's length. Cover your left eye and look only at the cross with your right eye.
- Slowly bring the card closer. At one distance the dot vanishes! That is your blind spot, where the eye's nerve leaves and there are no light sensors.
- Why don't you notice the gap in everyday life? (Your brain fills it in, and your other eye covers it.)
Optometrists understand exactly how the eye and brain work together, so they can test sight and spot problems early.
Also try: Take your pulse like a nurse.
Known for it in
USA, Australia, Canada, UK, New Zealand