Frequently Asked Questions about Becoming an Optometrist
How Many Years Does It Take to Be an Optometrist?
Becoming an optometrist takes an average of eight to 10 years of education and training. This includes four years of undergraduate schooling and four years of optometry school. After optometry school, many optometrists opt to complete a one-year residency program in a specialty area like ocular disease, geriatrics, or pediatric optometry.
Optometrists are eye care professionals who diagnose, manage, and treat vision concerns and diseases of the eye. They perform comprehensive eye exams, prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses, diagnose and treat eye diseases, and provide vision therapy and low-vision rehabilitation. In order to become an optometrist, individuals must complete the necessary steps outlined below.
Steps to Becoming an Optometrist
1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: The first step to becoming an optometrist is to pursue a bachelor’s degree in any field of study. This degree can be in any field; however, it should include coursework in the sciences like biology, chemistry, and physics.
2. Take the Optometry Admissions Test (OAT): After completing a bachelor’s degree, individuals must take the Optometry Admissions Test (OAT). This test consists of four sections: natural sciences, reading comprehension, quantitative reasoning, and physics.
3. Complete an Optometry Program: After passing the OAT, individuals must complete a four-year optometry program. These programs are offered at accredited institutes of higher learning and are designed to prepare students for a career as an optometrist.
4. Complete an Optional Residency Program: After graduating from an optometry program, individuals may choose to complete an optional one-year residency program in a specialty area. This residency program provides additional experience and training in a specific area of optometry.
FAQs on Becoming an Optometrist
What is the Difference between an Optometrist and an Ophthalmologist?
The primary difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist is that optometrists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of vision problems, while ophthalmologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases related to the eyes. Ophthalmologists are also trained to perform surgery to treat eye diseases.
Do Optometrists Perform Surgery?
No, optometrists do not perform surgery. Optometrists are trained to diagnose and treat vision problems and eye diseases, but they are not trained to perform surgery.
Can an Optometrist Prescribe Medication?
Yes, in most states, optometrists are able to prescribe medications to treat certain vision problems and eye diseases. However, optometrists are not able to prescribe medications for general illnesses or conditions unrelated to vision or eye health.
Do Optometrists Treat Children?
Yes, optometrists are trained to diagnose and treat vision problems and eye diseases in children. It is recommended that children have their first eye exam at the age of six months, and regular check-ups thereafter.
How Much Does it Cost to See an Optometrist?
The cost of an optometrist visit varies depending on the type of services provided. Generally, a basic eye exam costs between $50 and $100. Additional services, such as a contact lens fitting, can cost up to $200.
What is the Salary of an Optometrist?
The average salary of an optometrist in the United States is approximately $120,000 per year. Salaries can vary depending on location, experience, and specialty.
Conclusion
Becoming an optometrist is an incredibly rewarding career choice that requires eight to 10 years of education and training. The process involves completing a bachelor’s degree, taking the Optometry Admissions Test, completing an optometry program, and possibly completing a one-year residency program. Optometrists are eye care professionals who diagnose, manage, and treat vision concerns and diseases of the eye. They are not trained to perform surgery and are only able to prescribe medications for vision problems and eye diseases. The cost of an optometrist visit varies depending on the services provided, and the average salary of an optometrist in the United States is approximately $120,000 per year.
