What Does It Take to Be an Optometrist?

An optometrist is a primary healthcare provider for the eyes, responsible for vision care. This career path involves a significant educational and licensing commitment, which is a key part of maintaining public health.

What an Optometrist Does

Optometrists serve as the main source of vision care for many people. Their responsibilities include conducting comprehensive eye examinations to assess vision and detect abnormalities. They diagnose and manage visual problems, prescribing corrective lenses like eyeglasses and contact lenses. Optometrists also identify eye diseases and health issues that can manifest in the eyes.

It is helpful to understand the distinctions among eye care professionals. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (MD) who specializes in the medical and surgical treatment of eye diseases. An optician is a technician trained to fit and dispense corrective devices based on prescriptions from optometrists or ophthalmologists.

The Educational Pathway to Become an Optometrist

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

The journey to becoming an optometrist begins with a four-year bachelor’s degree. While many aspiring optometrists major in a science field like biology or chemistry, the specific major is less important than completing the required prerequisite coursework.

Nearly all optometry programs require a specific set of undergraduate courses. These include multiple semesters of general biology, general chemistry, and physics, with laboratory components. Additionally, courses in organic chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, calculus, and psychology are common requirements.

Take the Optometry Admission Test

Applicants must take the Optometry Admission Test (OAT), a standardized exam required by all U.S. optometry schools. The test assesses a candidate’s academic readiness and scientific knowledge. The OAT is a computer-based exam with four sections:

  • Survey of the Natural Sciences (biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry)
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Physics
  • Quantitative Reasoning

Performance on the OAT is a considerable factor in admissions.

Graduate from an Accredited Optometry School

After completing a bachelor’s degree and the OAT, the next step is a four-year Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) program. These programs combine advanced classroom learning with extensive hands-on clinical experience to prepare students for all aspects of patient care.

The first two years of the program focus on advanced coursework in subjects like vision science, pharmacology, and ocular disease. Students also begin clinical training, learning to perform eye exams and use diagnostic equipment. The final years are heavily focused on direct patient care, with students completing rotations in various clinical settings like private practices, hospitals, and specialized clinics.

Obtaining State Licensure

Graduating with a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree does not automatically grant the right to practice. Before an individual can legally work as an optometrist, they must obtain a license from the state in which they intend to practice.

The primary component of licensure involves passing examinations administered by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO). These multi-part exams assess a candidate’s knowledge and skills in applied basic science, patient assessment, and clinical skills. All 50 states require passing scores on the NBEO exams.

Beyond the national board exams, each state has its own specific requirements. Many states require candidates to pass an additional jurisprudence exam, which tests knowledge of that state’s specific laws and regulations governing optometry.

Essential Skills for a Successful Career

A successful career in optometry requires a blend of technical expertise and interpersonal abilities developed through education and clinical training. This includes proficiency in using diagnostic equipment, accurately performing refractions, and understanding ocular anatomy and disease.

Equally important are the soft skills that facilitate effective patient care. Strong communication is needed to explain conditions to patients and build rapport. Attention to detail is paramount when conducting examinations, while empathy helps in addressing patient concerns. For those opening their own practice, business management skills are also needed.

Career Outlook and Specializations

The career outlook for optometrists is positive, with demand for vision care services expected to grow. This trend is driven by an aging population and a greater awareness of eye health. Salaries vary based on factors like geographic location, experience, and practice setting, but the median pay for optometrists was reported to be $124,300 per year in 2021.

After establishing a career, an optometrist can choose to pursue various specializations to focus their practice. These areas often require additional training or residency programs after optometry school. Common specializations include pediatric optometry, low-vision rehabilitation for patients with significant vision impairment, and fitting specialty contact lenses for conditions like keratoconus.