Just in my first 5 weeks in the OD program at OSU, I've been exposed to many health conditions that can be detected by an OD in just a general eye exam. For example, if the internal carotid artery that runs along the body of the sphenoid bone has an aneurysm in it, it will compress the optic nerve at the optic chiasm & it will manifest itself in a visual field test. Also, the optic nerve can also be compressed by a pituitary gland tumor & will also result in visual field abnormalities. There are many more conditions such as diabetes that can be detected by an OD by a routine exam. I also learned that an OD can actually kill someone during an eye exam (kind of scary actually since I never heard of this until now) if he or she uses dilating drops that act on the sympathetic nervous system on a patient who has a heart condition. Basically, the point I want to get across to you is that an OD is definately a doctor of the visual system & is the primary eye care provider who provides an important role in healthcare. They are much more than refractionists who just learn a few cool things about the eye. Thus, you will be able to reap many of the rewarding aspects that an MD will provide, but you will have much better hours & a chance to have a good family life. I hope this helps some- good luck with what ever you chose.
