How to Become an Optometrist - Optometrist Career Overview

An optometrist is a medical professional who provides eye care, specifically treatment for vision problems. (Other medical issues of the eye are treated by an ophthalmologist, a physician who specializes in treating eyes and may perform surgery on the eye.)

Optometrists perform vision tests and evaluate patients' vision, then provide eyeglasses or contacts to correct the vision. The American Optometric Association (states: "As primary eye care providers, doctors of optometry examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eyes and associated structures as well as diagnose related systemic conditions."

Optometrists are Doctors of Optometry, and obtain an OD (Doctor of Optometry) degree. (They do not attend medical school.)

A bachelor's degree in college is required for admission into an optometry program. According to the AOA, there are 19 accredited programs in the United States and Canada, plus 3 schools with pre-accreditation, pending full accreditation.

The optometry education program is a post-graduate four-year program. Like most medical education, the optometry program includes both classroom training and clinical (hands-on) training directly working with patients. Coursework includes many classes specific to ocular (eye) care, plus some general medical classes, 9human anatomy, general pharmacology, general pathology, etc.) since optometrists are part of the primary care delivery team, according to the AOA.

"Unique to the educational requirements for optometrists is the advanced study of optics, the science of light and vision, and extensive training in lens design, construction, application and fitting," according to the AOA website. After graduating from an accredited optometry program, prospective optometrists must then pass a state board exam for the state in which he or she plans to practice.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, admission to optometry schools is competitive, with only about one of every 3 applicants being accepted.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts an "excellent" job market for optometrists. The field is expected to grow by an estimated 24 percent, which represents growth that is "much faster than average", according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Like many health careers, the increase in demand is largely due to the aging population, among other factors.

The median (midpoint) earnings for optometrists is $96,320, as of May 2008, the most recent data available according to the BLS. The middle 50 percent earn about $70,000 to $125,000.