Optometry (Eye Doctor, O.D.)
What is an Optometrist? ( The Three O’s)
An optometrist is a doctor of optometry, OD, who as a primary health care provider examines, diagnoses, treats and manages diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures. Many Optometrists are therapeutically licensed to prescribe medical treatment for ocular pathology. Optometrists, likewise, diagnose related systemic diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension and may refer a specialist for further evaluation to aid in diagnosing other systemic problems.
*Ophthalmologists – doctor of medicine, MD, or doctor of osteopathy, DO, who specializes in the medical and surgical care of the eyes and visual system.
*Opticians – licensed technician who makes, verifies and delivers frames and other specifically fabricated optical devices and in some states, contact lenses upon prescription to the intended wearer.
What are the educational requirements for becoming an Optometrist?
Optometrists need a Doctor of Optometry degree, which requires the completion of a 4-year program at an accredited school of optometry. A list of accredited schools within the nation can be found at www.opted.org . It is possible to be accepted to optometry school after 3 years of college and complete a bachelor's degree while attending optometry school. However, most students accepted by a school or college of optometry have completed an undergraduate degree.
Requirements for admission to optometry schools include college courses in English, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology. Be sure to check your program of interests’ requirements as they may differ. A strong background in science is important and many applicants to optometry school major in a science, such as biology or chemistry, as undergraduates, however it is not mandatory. Other applicants major in another subject and take many science courses offering laboratory experience. Other than pre-requisite courses, all applicants must take the Optometry Admissions Test (OAT), a standardized exam which measures academic ability and scientific comprehension.
What other roles are out there for Optometrists?
Other than practicing optometry in a private office or commercially, optometrists have the choice in working in a Veterans Affairs office where they can serve those who served in the military. Optometrists can also continue to get their masters or Ph.D to do research of their choice, or work for an industry to do consulting for new products such as spectacles or contact lenses. An optometrist can go into the education field and teach as well. The possibilities are endless!
What is an Optometrist’s typical Salary?
Calculated by the US Government Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2010), the mean annual wage is $106,750.
According to Healthcare Salary Online , annually, the lowest 10% earn $48,240 per year while the upper 10% earn more than $166,400 per year where these salaries are calculated as a mean or average.
Where can I learn more information?
- Visit the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO)for more specialized and detailed information.
- On the ASCO website, check out FAQ's about the Optometry Admissions Test (OAT) to learn more about the test.
- Visit the Optometry Centralized Application Service to learn all about the materials, resources, and pre-requisites required to apply into optometry school.
**If you are interested in the optometry career, join our newly founded Pre-Optometry Club here at U.Va! Contact maa3t@virginia.edu and mha8hf@gmail.com today.
Resources Used Include:
- http://primaryeyecare.com/pecg/htm/whatis.html
