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I recently stumbled upon an interesting article regarding machines and technology taking over the jobs of Optometrists.

http://www.scientificblogging.com/news_releases/get_ready_for_automatic_eyeglass_prescriptions

Could this be true!?! - It is surly something to consider since we are Pre-optometrists getting into a field that will soon be our career and a major portion of our lives.

So I searched a little deeper and asked some of my mates over at http://forums.studentdoctor.net/

It is in my opinion that technology will never be able to replace an Optometrist and the skills he/she learns throughout 4 years of Optometry schools. Even more importantly, we as Optometrists will CONTROL where this profession goes. It is up to us to decide how this technology will benefit us and our patients.

InidianaOD said:

This kind of technology will never work. It can’t take into effect media opacity or other ocular problems that could degrade vision. There is a reason stand alone refractions do not exist. Remember, vision is a neurological process not just an anatomical optical system.

Quopty99 said:

Autorefraction is the mode of spectacle prescription in the majority of the developped world. Optometry “doctors” only exist in the US and Canada.

While it is true that no one who is educated in refraction would prefer an autorefraction over a subjective refraction, to suggest that autorefraction results are completely unuseable is simply untrue. I’m quite sure that for most 25-40 year olds with no particular anomalies, they will be given a wearable prescription >95% of the time from a reliable autorefractor. For the entire population, I’d venture to say (easily) at least >80% of autorefractions are essentially wearable. Keep in mind in some countries, that number by necessity goes up to 100% because optometrists don’t exist and ophthalmologists are responsible for refraction (which they delegate to techs, who perform autorefraction).

Further, even in North America, I’m sure there are consumers who will try an autorefraction prescription at no cost, than pay $89 for a spectacle prescription.

The point is, sure there is a more accurate alternative to autorefraction - but to think that there is no market for such a device is ignoring reality.

These are some very valid points, yet everyone has their own opinion!

Comment at the bottom and let us know what you think!