The Doctor of Optometry degree requires the completion of a 4-year program
at an accredited optometry school, preceded by at least 3 years of
preoptometric study at an accredited college or university. All States
require optometrists to be licensed.
Education and training. Optometrists need a Doctor of
Optometry degree, which requires the completion of a 4-year program at an
accredited optometry school. In 2006, there were 16 colleges of optometry in
the U.S. and 1 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 3 years of college and complete their bachelor’s
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.
Licensure. 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 during the student’s
academic career. Many States also require applicants to pass an examination
on relevant State laws. Licenses must be renewed every 1 to 3 years and, in
all States, continuing education credits are needed for renewal.
Other qualifications. 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.
Advancement. Optometrists wishing to teach or conduct
research may study for a master’s degree or Ph.D. in visual science,
physiological optics, neurophysiology, public health, health administration,
health information and communication, or health education.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor,
Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition
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