How to Become an Eye Doctor

Becoming an eye doctor--or ophthalmologist--requires years of training. However, once you graduate medical school, you’ll be able to diagnose and treat a variety of eye conditions. Before making the decision to become an eye doctor, it’s vital to research the profession first.

Things You'll Need

• Financial aid
• Bachelor's degree
• Medical degree
• Residency
• Internship

Instructions

1. Apply for a grant, scholarship or student loan. Since eye doctors have to complete medical school, you’ll pay thousands of dollars for a degree. To avoid a costly out-of-pocket expense, prepared in advance and apply for college loans or scholarships.

2. Obtain a Bachelor’s degree. Medical schools require a 4-year degree. You’ll need to take a pre-med track and study biology, physics, chemistry or math. What’s more, you’ll need to take various social science courses.

3. Get a hospital internship. If you plan to become an eye doctor, familiarize yourself with the medical field. Apply for an internship in a hospital, ophthalmologist 's office or nursing home.

4. Attend medical school and specialize in ophthalmology. Once you complete your Bachelor’s degree, it’s time to apply to a medical school. Research different schools and pick the one that offers the best ophthalmology program.

5. Complete a medical residency. Unfortunately, graduating medical school is only the beginning. Next, you’ll have to complete a paid residency with a hospital or clinic. An ophthalmology residency lasts approximately 2 to 6 years.

6. Start your own medical practice. A residency program provides ample experience. Under a doctor’s supervision, you’ll treat patients, diagnose eye conditions and perform eye surgeries. Only then can you open your own ophthalmology practice.