Optometrists are the core providers of vision care. Their job entails diagnosing eye problems and providing appropriate treatment for the same. They prescribe corrective glasses and contact lenses for specific eye disorders. Furthermore, they refer their patients to other physicians for specialized treatment if they are experience other problems. In addition, they prescribe medication for a diagnosed eye problem. If you are willing to pursue such a rewarding career, then carefully look at the optometrist education requirements you will require to fulfill to become a qualified optometrist.
Undergraduate Education
Students aspiring to pursue Doctor of Optometry (OD) must undergo a minimum of three years of undergraduate education at an accredited college or university. Undergraduate students study Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, English and Biology. These subjects lay a good foundation for advanced training in school of optometry.
Doctor of Optometry Degree
This program takes four years to complete at a school or college of optometry that has been accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education of the America Optometric Association. To gain admission into Doctor of Optometry Degree program, you must have undergone a 3 year training undergraduate education in sciences, mathematics, and English. Applicants must also take Optometry Admission Test (OAT), a standardized exam which measures scientific comprehension and whether you can succeed academically. The examination tests you on all branches of science, reading comprehension, and your quantitative reasoning skills. Most applicants take the OAT test after their sophomore year in college, giving them a chance to take the test again and raise their score.
Doctor of Optometry program include classroom training and laboratory study of health and vision science. Students also undertake clinical training in the diagnosis and treatment of eye problems. Furthermore, training in courses such as optics, biochemistry, pharmacology and systemic diseases is offered. Note that each institution has its own specific undergraduate prerequisites; therefore all applicants should contact the school of their choice for specific requirements.
Post Graduate Studies
Graduates from school of optometry can choose to pursue clinical residency programs. The graduates study advanced clinical competence within a specialization of optometry. Residency programs include pediatric optometry, vision therapy and rehabilitation, geriatric optometry, refractive and ocular surgery, low vision rehabilitation, ocular diseases and primary care optometry. Each of these programs takes one year to complete. These specialized programs are available at different schools and colleges of optometry.
Licensure
It is a requirement in U.S. that all qualified optometrists be licensed. To obtain a license, applicants must have a Doctor of Optometry degree from an accredited school or college of optometry. The graduates must pass written National Board examination and national, regional or state clinical examination. Usually, both examinations are taken during student’s academic career. Most state requires license applicants to sit and pass examination on relevant state laws. It is a requirement that the license must be renewed every 1-3 years.
Other skills
Completing the above mentioned optometrist education requirements is not enough. An individual must also possess skills that will help them advance in optometry. Skills such as business acumen, managerial skills, excellent communication, self-discipline, and ability to deal with patients are important.
Advancement
Optometrists who choose to teach or undertake research may proceed to study a master’s degree and eventually Ph.D in specialized areas such as physiological optics, health information and communication, public health or neurophysiology.