An optometrist is a primary health care provider who focuses on the visual system and overall eye health. This professional examines, diagnoses, manages, and treats diseases, injuries, and disorders of the eyes and related structures. The scope of practice includes prescribing corrective lenses and therapeutic agents to manage various conditions. Becoming a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) requires a multi-stage educational and credentialing process spanning several years of post-secondary training.
Complete the Necessary Pre-Optometry Education
The journey toward an optometry degree begins with an undergraduate education that integrates specific science and mathematics coursework. While a bachelor’s degree is generally a prerequisite for admission, applicants are not required to hold a specific major. The focus is placed on the completion of prerequisite courses.
The core science requirements typically include a full year of general biology, general chemistry, and physics, all with laboratory work. More specialized upper-division courses are also required, such as organic chemistry, biochemistry, and human anatomy or physiology. Mathematics requirements usually include both calculus and statistics.
Beyond the academic record, a competitive application requires substantial exposure through clinical shadowing. Prospective students must spend a significant number of hours observing practicing optometrists to demonstrate an understanding of the daily responsibilities. Maintaining a high overall and science-specific GPA is necessary, as the admissions process is highly selective.
Navigate the Admissions Process and the OAT
The formal application to optometry programs is primarily conducted through the centralized Optometry Centralized Application Service (OptomCAS). This service streamlines the submission of academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal essays to multiple institutions. Applicants must also secure letters of evaluation, typically from science professors and practicing optometrists, to provide insight into their academic potential and clinical aptitude.
A mandatory component of the application package is a satisfactory score on the Optometry Admissions Test (OAT), a standardized, computer-based examination. The OAT assesses a candidate’s academic ability and scientific knowledge across four main sections: the Survey of the Natural Sciences (biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry), Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Reasoning, and Physics.
The scores from the OAT are scaled, and a higher score than the national average is generally needed to be considered competitive. The final stage of the admissions process involves an interview, which allows the admissions committee to evaluate an applicant’s communication skills, maturity, and motivation for the profession.
Earn the Doctor of Optometry Degree
The Doctor of Optometry program is a full-time commitment that spans four years, moving students from foundational theory to advanced clinical practice. The first two years focus on didactic coursework, establishing a comprehensive scientific base for patient care. Students immerse themselves in subjects such as ocular anatomy, visual optics, neuroanatomy, and the physiology of the visual system.
Pharmacology is a foundational subject, covering the use of therapeutic pharmaceutical agents to treat various eye conditions. This classroom learning is reinforced with laboratory sessions where students master fundamental clinical skills, such as refraction, slit lamp examination, and binoscopy. Early and continuous exposure to hands-on patient care starts under faculty supervision.
The later years, particularly the third and fourth, involve an intensive transition to clinical training and external rotations, known as externships. Students rotate through a variety of clinical settings, including private practices, hospital-based clinics, and specialized centers, to manage diverse patient populations. This final phase prepares graduates for independent practice.
Achieve Licensure through National and State Exams
Graduation from an accredited optometry program is the initial step toward practice, as every optometrist must obtain a license from the state in which they wish to work. The primary credentialing requirement is successfully passing the series of examinations administered by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO). This national examination is divided into multiple parts:
- Part I (Applied Basic Science or ABS) is usually taken during the third professional year and assesses mastery of foundational scientific principles.
- Part II (Patient Assessment and Management or PAM) is generally taken during the fourth year and evaluates clinical knowledge and decision-making skills.
- The Patient Encounter Performance Skills (PEPS) exam is a practical, hands-on clinical skills assessment that must also be completed.
Most states also require the Treatment and Management of Ocular Disease (TMOD) examination, often integrated with Part II, to certify competency in prescribing therapeutic drugs. Beyond the national boards, nearly all states require candidates to pass a state-specific jurisprudence examination that tests knowledge of local laws and regulations.
Consider Post-Graduate Residency Training
While the Doctor of Optometry degree and successful licensure allow for general practice, post-graduate residency training is an optional step for new graduates seeking advanced clinical competency. These programs typically last for one year and provide intensive, supervised experience in a focused area of optometry.
Residency programs are available in specialties such as:
- Ocular disease
- Pediatric optometry
- Low vision rehabilitation
- Cornea and contact lenses
Participating in a residency enhances a practitioner’s clinical skills and competitiveness for positions in co-management settings, hospitals, and academic institutions. Although not mandatory for licensure, it is often regarded as the standard for those who plan to pursue a specialized career path.
Maintain Your Professional Credentials
The obligation to maintain professional credentials is a continuous process that extends throughout an optometrist’s career. To renew their state license, practitioners must complete a specific number of Continuing Education (CE) credits within a defined period, typically every one or two years. This requirement ensures that optometrists remain current with advancements in medical technology and patient care protocols.
The number of required CE hours varies by state, often ranging between 20 and 50 hours per renewal cycle, with a portion mandated to focus on the diagnosis and treatment of ocular disease. License renewal involves submitting an application and paying associated fees. Some states may require additional certifications, such as maintaining current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) status.