Optometrist Job Description
Optometrists are healthcare professionals who care for people's vision needs. While you may hear an optometrist referred to as an eye doctor, optometrists do not attend medical school; rather, they go to optometry school. Optometrists are responsible for examining patients, diagnosing eye and vision problems, testing patients' depth and color perception, and testing patients' ability to coordinate and focus their eyes. Optometrists also prescribe contact lenses and glasses, treat eye problems like glaucoma, refer patients to other doctors, and also are often in charge of managing personnel and office affairs.
| Education | Completion of bachelor's degree and 4-year optometry program |
| Job Skills | Management and business skills, plus ability to multitask and delegate |
| Median Salary (2019)* | $115,250 |
| Job Outlook (2019-2029)* | 4% growth in job availability |
| Licensure Requirements | State licensure required |
| Training | One year residency often required |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Optometrist Education Requirements
If you're interested in becoming an optometrist, you'll first need to complete a 4-year bachelor's program, preferably in a relevant or related field like biology, chemistry, or physiology. You'll need a bachelor's degree to apply for optometry programs, which are rather competitive. You will also need to fulfill standardized testing requirements, such as the OAT or Optometry Admissions Test.
Optometrist degree programs typically take an additional four years to complete. An optometry program will include general anatomy, anatomy of the head and neck, ocular physiology and biochemistry, optics, and clinical and patient care. The program will also include clinical experiences working in the field with practicing doctors, usually beginning early in the program and involving a gradual release of responsibility.
Optometrist Requirements: Licensure
Upon completion of optometry school, a candidate must seek state licensure in order to practice optometry. Since each state sets its own requirements, you should check with your state's board of optometry for details. Typically, requirements will include:
- Completion of a Doctor of Optometry program
- Passing optometry exams to prove mastery of relevant knowledge
- Demonstration of clinical skills, often by examination
- Completion of an application process as prescribed by the state board of optometry
Optometry Residency
After completing a four year program, optometrists are often expected to complete a one-year residency. The residency is a clinical experience, meaning you work in the healthcare setting alongside current practitioners. A residency also includes supervision, self-directed learning, seminars, and other academic work. The purpose of a residency is to gain additional experience in a targeted specialty area. Optometry residencies fall into these categories:
- Primary care optometry
- Pediatric optometry
- Cornea and contact lenses
- Vision rehabilitation
- Ocular disease
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Skills Required
Because many optometrists own and operate their own practices, it's important for them to have good business, accounting and managerial skills. Being able to multitask, delegate and communicate effectively is critical for having a successful career as an optometrist.
Employment and Economic Outlook
The employment outlook for optometrists is average; the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), www.bls.gov, is projecting that employment in the field will grow 4% from 2019-2029. The median annual salary for optometrists as of May 2019 was $115,250.
