S1207 - Optometrists, radiologists, dental offices, denturists, audiology, dental laboratories, laser eye surgery

Operational Details
Optometrists examine eyes, prescribe and/or fit eyeglasses and contact lenses. They recommend exercise treatment to correct some vision problems or ocular disorders. Equipment used include ophthalmoscopes, biomicroscopes and other specialized tools. They may also counsel patients on correct usage and care of contact lens wearing, visual hygiene and lighting requirements. They may also refer patients to ophthalmologists for examination and treatment of serious eye disorders such as glaucoma, detached retinas, blindness, etc.
Radiologists operate radiographic and radiation therapy equipment to administer radiation treatment and produce images of body structures for diagnosis and treatment of injury and diseases. They also specifically operate X-ray, fluoroscopic equipment, C.T. scanners and mammography units to produce radiographs or images. Gamma camera, scintillators, and ionization chambers are used to acquire data for use in the diagnosis of disease.
Dental offices diagnose and treat disorders of the teeth and mouth. They examine a patient’s teeth, gums and surrounding tissue to diagnose disease, injury and decay, and plan appropriate treatment. Dentists restore, extract, and replace diseased and decayed teeth. They perform oral surgery and periodontal surgery. Oral hygienists clean patients’ teeth and administer fluoride treatment. A dental office also designs bridgework, fits dentures, and provide appliances to correct abnormal positioning of teeth and jaws and writes prescriptions for pain management and infection prevention.
A denturist examines patients’ mouths, designs, constructs and repairs dentures. The process begins by measuring the patient’s jaws to determine the size and shape of the dentures required. An impression is taken of the patient’s gums, jaw and/or remaining teeth. The new dentures are constructed from a mold, using plastics, porcelain, or metal which are then fit to the patient’s mouth. Over time dentures may need to be realigned or repaired.
Dental laboratories manufacture or customize a variety of oral health care products such as crowns, bridges, dentures, implants and orthodontic devices. Dental lab technicians receive a prescription from a licensed dentist which initiates the manufacturing of these items.
Audiologists often work in hospitals, health clinics or hearing clinics. Audiologists diagnose, evaluate and treat hearing impairments and balance disorders using audiometric testing. Audiologists plan and implement rehabilitation for patients, including the selection and fitting of hearing aids. Hearing aids may be ordered or manufactured on-site. Hearing services such as hearing aid product replacement and repair, custom hearing protection and hearing screening may also be offered at the audiology clinic. Incidentally Audiologists may also instruct audiology students and other health care personnel in audiology.
Laser eye surgery, commonly known as LASIK (laser in-situ keratomileusis), is a surgery that can correct vision in people who are nearsighted or farsighted, or who have astigmatism. The LASIK procedure uses lasers to reshape the front surface (cornea) of the eye to enable light entering the eye to focus on the retina without glasses or contact lenses. Laser eye surgery can only be performed by an experienced and licensed ophthalmologist.

SIC Codes
000000683 - Optometrist
000000684 - Radiologist
000000887 - Dental Labs
000000685 - Dental office, denturist
000000686 - Audiology
000001047 - Laser eye surgery