How to become an optometrist

How to become an Optometrist

Becoming an optometrist involves completing a combination of education, clinical training, and licensure requirements. Here is a general overview of the steps to pursue a career as an optometrist:

• Obtain a Bachelor's Degree: The first step is to earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. While specific undergraduate major requirements may vary, coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and other science-related fields is typically recommended to fulfill prerequisites for optometry school.
• Complete Optometry School: After completing a bachelor's degree, aspiring optometrists must attend an accredited Doctor of Optometry (OD) program. Optometry schools typically require a minimum of three to four years of full-time study to earn the OD degree. In optometry school, students receive comprehensive education and clinical training in areas such as ocular anatomy and physiology, visual optics, pharmacology, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and patient care.
• Obtain Clinical Experience: As part of their optometry education, students participate in clinical rotations and internships to gain hands-on experience in providing eye care services under the supervision of licensed optometrists. Clinical experiences may take place in various settings, including university-affiliated clinics, private practices, hospitals, and community health centers.
• Pass the National Board Exams: After completing optometry school, graduates must pass the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) exams to become licensed to practice optometry in the US. The NBEO exams consist of three parts: the Part I Applied Basic Science Exam, the Part II Patient Assessment and Management Exam, and the Part III Clinical Skills Exam.
• Obtain State Licensure: In addition to passing the NBEO exams, optometrists must obtain licensure from the state in which they plan to practice. State licensure requirements vary but typically include passing additional state-specific exams and fulfilling other requirements such as completing continuing education credits.
• Consider Specialization or Residency: Some optometrists choose to pursue postgraduate residency training or specialization in areas such as pediatric optometry, geriatric optometry, low vision rehabilitation, or specialty contact lenses. Residency programs provide advanced clinical training and mentorship in specific areas of optometric practice.
• Maintain Licensure and Continuing Education: Optometrists must maintain their licensure by fulfilling continuing education requirements mandated by their state licensing board. Continuing education helps optometrists stay current with advancements in the field of optometry, expand their clinical skills, and provide high-quality care to their patients.

Certifications
There are various certifications that optometrists can pursue to demonstrate specialized knowledge or skills in specific areas of optometry. Here are some examples:

• Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO): This certification is awarded by the American Academy of Optometry to optometrists who demonstrate exceptional knowledge and skills in a specific area of optometry.
• Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry (DABO): This certification is awarded by the American Board of Optometry to optometrists who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and clinical skills in optometry.
• Certified Contact Lens Fitter (CCLF): This certification is awarded by the National Contact Lens Examiners to optometrists who demonstrate expertise in fitting and prescribing contact lenses.
• Residency Certification: Optometric residencies are one-year programs that provide additional training in a specific area of optometry, such as pediatrics, ocular disease, or contact lenses. Optometrists who complete a residency program can obtain a certification in that specific area of optometry.

Associations
There are several professional associations for optometrists in the United States and around the world. These associations provide optometrists with resources, support, and networking opportunities to advance the profession and improve patient care. Here are some examples:

• American Optometric Association (AOA): The AOA is the largest professional organization for optometrists in the United States. It provides resources and support to optometrists, advocates for the profession, and promotes eye and vision health.
• Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO): The ASCO is a non-profit organization representing the interests of optometric education. It provides resources and support to optometry schools and colleges, promotes research and innovation in optometric education, and advocates for the advancement of the profession.
• World Council of Optometry (WCO): The WCO is a global organization representing optometry on an international level. It provides resources and support to optometrists and optometry organizations around the world, promotes the advancement of the profession, and advocates for eye and vision health on a global scale.
• Optometric Extension Program Foundation (OEPF): The OEPF is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the advancement of optometry through continuing education, research, and clinical practice. It provides resources and support to optometrists who specialize in vision therapy and rehabilitation.
• College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD): The COVD is a non-profit organization representing optometrists who specialize in vision therapy and rehabilitation. It provides resources and support to optometrists, promotes research and innovation in vision therapy, and advocates for the advancement of the profession.