The article "Visual Aids," May 8, provided important guidance to parents who may be concerned about children with amblyopia or "lazy eye." The piece quoted several outstanding regional eye physicians. However, I was disappointed that, as is too frequently the case with this kind of information, the vital role of the profession of optometry was ignored. The sentence, "Ophthalmologists suggest children with a family history of lazy eye — and that means not just mom or dad, [ophthalmologist Natalie] Lopasic says, but grandparents, aunts, uncles and siblings — should see an ophthalmologist to rule out amblyopia," should have said, "...see an eye care provider," which would include either a doctor of optometry or an ophthalmologist.
Optometrists have contributed a vast amount of research and quality care in this area. Families should choose their eye health providers based on their individual reputation, clinical abilities and experience, not just on their professional degrees.
Marc S. Hecker, OD
Albany