Become an Optometrist

Optometrists diagnose vision problems and prescribe corrective lenses and medications to treat them. They differ from ophthalmologists, who can also perform eye surgeries, and from opticians, who design, fit, and dispense lenses. If improving peoples' vision and overall quality of life is something that you are passionate about, then read this article to learn how to become an optometrist.

Steps

  1. Get a high school diploma. Alternatively, you can pass the General Education Development (GED) exam. While in high school, pay attention to your level of skill and interest in science classes like biology, physiology, and chemistry. How you perform in these types of courses early on will help you determine whether or not pursuing a scientific career is right for you.
  2. Obtain a bachelor's degree from a four-year institution.[1] Most optometry schools require coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, English, and mathematics.[1] Talk to your counselor to determine what courses you should be taking, and check the requirements at the optometry programs you plan on applying to.
    • Not all optometry programs require that you graduate from college before enrolling, but you must have completed at least 3 years of a 4-year program before admission.[1] You will, however, have to earn your bachelor's degree before you can obtain an optometry degree.
  3. Take the Optometry Admission Test (OAT). This test is required when applying to accredited optometry schools, and performing well on the test will increase your likelihood for acceptance. Read the OAT guide for information regarding eligibility requirements, rules of conduct, test regulations, and testing procedures, and then enroll for the test.[2] Tests are administered year-round at Prometric Test Centers.[2]
    • Consider enrolling in an OAT preparatory course in order to perfect your test-taking skills and improve your overall performance.
    • There is a $270 non-refundable fee required to register for the test (The price will change to $330 from July 1, 2014).[2]
  4. Complete a Doctor of Optometry Program. These programs take four years to complete, and must be completed at an accredited optometry school. [1]
    • The cost of the program will vary depending on what school you choose, but annual tuition ranges from roughly $9,000 to $22,000 for state residents.
    • Consider completing a postgraduate residency program in optometry. Residency programs allow optometrists to gain practice working in the field under the guidance of professionals and to advance their skills. Residency programs can be very rewarding, as many of them are catered to underprivileged populations. Programs typically last for one year, and should be recognized by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE).
  5. Get licensed. Every state requires that individuals become licensed in order to practice optometry. You must have completed your O.D. (Doctor of Optometry) program before obtaining a license, and complete all sections of the National Boards in Optometry.[1] You will need to complete both written and clinical examinations as part of the licensure process. Some states also require that you take an additional examination before getting your license.
    • Different states have different rules about renewing an optometry license.[1] Check with your state and be sure to keep your license current.

Tips

  • In addition to exhibiting strong academic skills and breadth of knowledge in the field, optometrists must also have strong communication skills and be empathetic, as the job requires working with patients of various ages and health conditions.

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/optometrists.htm#tab-4
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 https://www.ada.org/oat/index.html

You may like

Retrieved from "https://kipkis.com/index.php?title=Become_an_Optometrist&oldid=263185"