An optometrist examines a patient’s eyes for the diagnosis of eye diseases and vision problems. They also test a client’s visual acuity, color and depth perception, and eye coordination. They can provide vision therapy and rehabilitation, and prescribe contact lenses and eyeglasses.
What do Optometrists do?
Optometrists can perform minor eye surgeries like eye cleaning from impurities and dust particles. They can also provide pre-operative and post-operative care to patients who will undergo or have undergone surgery from an ophthalmologist. Moreover, they can analyze diagnostic results and develop eye treatment plans. The work of an optometrist is like an ophthalmologist except for the fact that an ophthalmologist is specializes in surgery while an optometrist does not.
Optometrist Salary
In 2008, according to a survey conducted by the American Optometric Association, 25% of optometrists are self-employed, and most of them worked in their own offices or clinics. It is also projected that through 2018, the employment of optometrists will grow more rapidly than the average for all occupations. Due to the growing population that becomes aware of the importance and need for eye care, demand for optometrists will increase.
The salary range for an optometrists amounts to $89,571 to $144,471 annually. In United States, the median salary is $103,616. For novice optometrists, they can receive salaries of about $60,000 to $89,000 a year. For experienced optometrists who are already in the field for 10 to 20 years, they can earn $150,000 to $400,000 per annum. The amount of salary can also be determined by the geographic location of the workplace of an optometrist. Also, most optometrists who are in private practice are likely to earn higher than the others.
How to Become an Optometrist
An optometrist career can be initiated by taking pre-optometry courses for three years. After completing the pre-optometry courses, one must take the Optometry Admission Test. This test will measure an applicant’s aptitude in optometry. After passing the test, a student can then apply for optometry school. They just have to ensure that the school they apply to is recognized by the Council on Optometric Education of the American Optometric Association. It is very competitive to be accepted in an optometry school. An applicant eager to become optometrists should pass the Optometry Admission Test with as high a score as possible.
A student must complete the four-year course of study in an optometry school to obtain a degree in Doctor of Optometry. Becoming an optometrist does not stop after obtaining the said degree. A graduate optometrist has to sit the state National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) exam and pass it to become a licensed optometrist.
There is much room for specialization in optometry. Optometrists may specialize in primary care optometry, pediatric optometry, family practice optometry, hospital-based optometry, geriatric optometry, ocular disease, vision therapy, and contact lenses.
They may also obtain Master’s degree or Ph.D. in different subject areas such as physiological optics, neurophysiology, visual science, health information, health communication, health education, health administration, and public health. Most optometrists who had Master’s degree or Ph.D. desired to teach and or perform research studies. Moreover, in order for an optometrist to renew his license, he has to undergo or take continuing education classes or trainings.
Despite the fact that some believe optometrists are somehow inferior to ophthalmologists, many are still pursuing an optometrist career. Every career or field is unique and an optometrist career is no exception. Many fulfilled optometrists are very satisfied in helping clients meet their eye care needs in achieving perfect vision with glasses and contact lenses.