How to Become an Optometrist
Training and Education Jobs and Salaries
The Doctor of Optometry degree requires the completion of a four year program at an accredited optometry school, preceded by at least three years of preoptometric study at an accredited college or university. All States require optometrists to be licensed. There are 16 colleges of optometry in the U.S. and one in Puerto Rico that offered programs accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education of the American Optometric Association.
Requirements for admission to optometry schools include college courses in English, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology. Because a strong background in science is important, many applicants to optometry school major in a science, such as biology or chemistry as undergraduates. Others major in another subject and take many science courses offering laboratory experience. Admission to optometry school is competitive.
Applicants must take the Optometry Admissions Test, which measures academic ability and scientific comprehension. As a result, most applicants take the test after their sophomore or junior year in college, allowing them an opportunity to take the test again and raise their score. A few applicants are accepted to optometry school after three years of college and complete their bachelor degree while attending optometry school however, most students accepted by a school or college of optometry have completed an undergraduate degree.
Each institution has its own undergraduate prerequisites, so applicants should contact the school or college of their choice for specific requirements. Optometry programs include classroom and laboratory study of health and visual sciences and clinical training in the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders. Courses in pharmacology, optics, vision science, biochemistry, and systemic diseases are included.
One-year postgraduate clinical residency programs are available for optometrists who wish to obtain advanced clinical competence. Specialty areas for residency programs include family practice optometry, pediatric optometry, geriatric optometry, vision therapy and rehabilitation, low-vision rehabilitation, cornea and contact lenses, refractive and ocular surgery, primary eye care optometry, and ocular disease.
All States and the District of Columbia require that optometrists be licensed. Applicants for a license must have a Doctor of Optometry degree from an accredited optometry school and must pass both a written National Board examination and a National, regional, or State clinical examination. The written and clinical examinations of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry usually are taken before a student graduates.
Many States also require applicants to pass an examination on relevant State laws. Licenses must be renewed every one to three years and, in all States, continuing education credits are needed for renewal. Business ability, self-discipline, and the ability to deal tactfully with patients are important for success. The work of optometrists also requires attention to detail and manual dexterity. Optometrists wishing to teach or conduct research may study for a masters degree or Ph.D. in visual science, physiological optics, neurophysiology, public health, health administration, health information and communication, or health education.