What Kind of Education Do You Need to Be an Optometrist?
Optometrists examine, diagnose, treat and manage eye and vision disorders. Most optometrists work in private practice, and some specialize in a certain aspect of optometry, such as pediatrics or geriatrics. Aspiring optometrists need an undergraduate and a graduate degree, usually involving at least seven to eight years of study beyond high school.
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Job Features
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Optometrists examine each client's eyes to diagnose any vision problems. They test the individual's perception of depth and color and ability to focus, and prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses when necessary. Optometrists test for glaucoma and other eye diseases, and watch for evidence of eye disorders caused by chronic illness such as diabetes. Sometimes they refer patients to an ophthalmologist, a medical doctor who treats eye diseases and injuries, and performs eye surgery.
Undergraduate Degree
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Obtaining a bachelor's degree before beginning optometry school is standard, explains the American Optometric Association. This degree usually takes four years to complete. Many future optometrists major in a science field because optometry schools have undergraduate coursework requirements for admission, including advanced health, biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics. You also can major in another subject as long as you complete all the required science coursework for optometry school admission. In addition, all optometry school applicants must take the Optometry Admissions Test, an exam which evaluates academic ability and scientific comprehension in biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, reading comprehension and quantitative reasoning.
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Doctoral Degree
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After completing undergraduate work and gaining admission to an optometry school, students turn their attention to the structure, function and disorders of the eye. They typically obtain their doctor of optometry (OD) degree after four more years of study. Graduate coursework includes study in human anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, vision and vision disorders, eye diseases and systemic diseases that can affect the eyes.
Post-Graduate Education
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Some optometrists participate in a residency program after obtaining the doctoral agree. These programs can significantly advance the doctor's preparation beyond entry-level practice. A residency lasts a minimum of 12 months. Some residency concentrations include primary eye care, vision therapy and rehabilitation, and family practice, pediatric and geriatric optometry.
Continuing Education
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All optometrists must participate in continuing education to stay current on new information and to maintain their licenses to practice, as noted by the AOA. Optometry is one of the few doctoral-level health care careers to have this requirement in every state.
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