What is the Oregon Optometric Physicians Association?
The Oregon Optometric Physicians Association (OOPA) is a state wide organization
comprised of doctors of optometry, college of optometry faculty, optometric
students and industry related associates.
The OOPA is an affiliate of the American Optometric Association (AOA). It is
governed by a president, president-elect, secretary/treasurer, five directors
and an executive director.
Member committees within the
OOPA plan activities and carry out the mission of the Association.
The Mission
In conjunction with the AOA, the OOPA works to:
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Advance the quality, availability and accessibility of eye, vision and
related health care.
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Represent the profession of optometry.
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Enhance and promote the independent and ethical decision making of its
members.
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Assist doctors of optometry in practicing successfully in accordance with
the highest standards of patient care.
What is an Optometric Physician?
Optometric physicians are independent, primary eye health care providers who
examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system,
the eye and associated structures as well as diagnose related systemic conditions.
Optometric physicians are an integral part of the health care team. As eye
care practitioners, they are skilled in the co-management of eye health and
vision care. They examine the structures of the eye to detect and diagnose:
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Vision conditions such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism
and presbyopia.
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Binocular vision conditions such as convergence insufficiency, which can
cause eye discomfort and difficulty reading.
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Eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts and retinal disorders.
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Systemic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes.
Optometric physicians may prescribe eyeglasses, contact lenses, low vision
aids and vision therapy. They may prescribe medications to treat eye diseases.
They may also test a patient's ability to focus and coordinate the eye, judge
depth perception, and see colors accurately.
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