An optometrist (eye doctor) is a licensed medical professional who assesses the health of your eyes and related structures. Optometrists also check the well-being of your vision and visual systems. All optometrists are trained to prescribe lenses to improve vision and to diagnose and treat eye diseases.
Have you ever wondered what it takes to become an optometrist? Most optometrists complete a four year degree in undergraduate studies to obtain a bachelor’s degree. Undergraduate courses that will prepare you for optometry school include biology, anatomy, physiology, and physics. All optometry schools require that you take at least four semesters of chemistry (including organic and biochemistry), physics, biology, calculus, upper level mathematics, statistics, physiology, anatomy, microbiology, and psychology. Different optometry schools can have different requirements. You should check with your school of choice to obtain a complete list. Once you have obtained a bachelor’s degree, you are required to take the Optometry Admission Test (OAT). You should definitely consider shadowing a local optometrist so that you can get a feel of what it is like to work in the optometry field. Lastly, you should start the application process to become an optometrist. There are currently 20 optometry schools in the US. Admissions in these schools are highly competitive.
Optometry school is a four year doctoral program after you have received your bachelor’s degree. Upon completion, you will earn a Doctor of Optometry degree. Some optometrists continue on to complete one to two years of residency. All optometrists are required to complete continuing education requirements annually to stay current on the latest diagnoses, treatments, and drugs.
Does this peak your interest? If so, come by anytime and our optometrist will gladly let you shadow her or answer any questions that you may have!