What is the difference between optometry & theraputic optometry?
Me in TN asked:
My mother is in need of an eye exam & glasses. She is elderly & has Medicare, plus Blue Cross/Blue Shield. One of the insurances will NOT pay for regular optometry, but will help pay for theraputic optometry. Does this mean she’d have to have something severe wrong w/her vision or eyes, before she could see a theraputic optometrist? Or would they do regular exams as well?
My mother is in need of an eye exam & glasses. She is elderly & has Medicare, plus Blue Cross/Blue Shield. One of the insurances will NOT pay for regular optometry, but will help pay for theraputic optometry. Does this mean she’d have to have something severe wrong w/her vision or eyes, before she could see a theraputic optometrist? Or would they do regular exams as well?
i dont know anything on this really but i googled your question and found some websites to help you….good luck to you!
From what I have been able to glean form research; optometry is the study of the eye and how it work, it ailments and corrections; where difference between optometry & theraputic optometry is the study of what cures and medicines and corrections are needed. The Optometrist will tell you you need glasses; while the Therapeutic Optometrist will make them for you.
This probably means that the theraputic optometry coverage will only pay for an examination if your mother has a medical reason for the visit. For example, if she complains of dry eyes and/or glare at night, these would be reasons that they would pay (so it doesn’t have to be severe, just medical). If she came in only complaining of blurry vision then it may not be covered. I know this is the case with medicare. I would advise you to call an optometrist that is under her plan and ask if she has frame and lens coverage in addition to the exam. Good luck, I’m sure she will get the care she needs.
I live in Texas, but I think the definitions are for every State.
An Optometrist, licensed by the Texas Optometry Board, is a health care practitioner trained to diagnose signs of ocular, neurological and systemic health problems, treat vision disorders, and prescribe glasses and contact lenses. Therapeutically licensed optometrists also treat eye diseases and injuries, prescribe medicine, and perform other procedures such as eye foreign body removal.