Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree : If you want to become an optometrist, you must complete a four-year program at an accredited optometry school. You will earn a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree.
How many years does it take to become an optometrist?
The path to becoming an optometrist is not as long as an ophthalmologist’s, but it still takes a minimum of seven to eight years to complete. Usually, a student must have completed their bachelor’s degree (although some schools accept three years of college) before applying to a four-year optometry program.
What do I major in to become an optometrist?
Students who are interested in going to optometry school typically major in biology, chemistry or biochemistry . These majors include most of the required courses for entrance into optometry programs and will help prepare students for the Optometry Admission Test (OAT).
Does an optometrist require a degree from a medical school?
Optometrists are referred to as doctors of optometry (DO), although they are not required to go to medical school . The main job function of an optometrist is to provide specialized vision care. That includes conducting eye examinations and prescribing corrective lenses.
Is optometry a dying field?
But optometry isn’t dying . Indeed, the need for optometrists is going to be greater than ever in the coming decade. Our current population of 315 million will swell to almost 350 million by 2025. More important, the percentage of our population age 65 or older will increase by 50%, from 12% to 18%.
Do optometrists make good money?
10 States Where Optometrists Earn the Most Money
The national average annual wage of an optometrist is $119,980, according to the BLS, well above the e average annual salary for all occupations, $51,960. ... In the best-paying state for optometrists, the average salary is $55,110 more than the national average.
Is optometry school easier than medical school?
But optometry school is not easy , it’s just more focused on the eyes and the parts of the body that relates to the eyes. Medical school is a lot more information since they deal with the whole body.
Is optometry a good career?
Optometry is rewarding and provides excellent career opportunities for growth . In addition, most Doctors of Optometry have high job satisfaction and excellent quality of life. In terms of income, you won’t fall short either!
Is it hard to get into optometry school?
How difficult is it to get into optometry school? Getting into optometry school is challenging but not prohibitive . In 2018, the acceptance rate to optometry programs in the United States was 74%, compared to the 52% acceptance rate of dentistry.
Are optometrists real doctors?
Doctors of Optometry (Optometrists)
When it comes to vision and eye health, the primary healthcare provider is your Doctor of Optometry. A Doctor of Optometry has completed a Bachelor of Science degree or higher, followed by a four year Doctor of Optometry degree from an accredited university’s school of optometry.
Is optometry respected?
Sure. The vast majority of physicians have mutual respect for optometrists , dentists, podiatrists, etc.
Is optometry a medical course?
Career Opportunities
After studying Optometry, you can make your career as optometrists, ophthalmologists & Optician. ... Optometrist is the independent primary health care provider who specializes in eye care and visual health. An Optometrist is medical professionals , but not physicians.
Is optometry a stressful job?
Optometry is frequently on a list of highest paid low stress jobs . While it may not be ‘stressful’ in the traditional sense, the repetitive nature of it and lack of challenge may get to you!
Are optometrists in demand?
Job Outlook
Employment of optometrists is projected to grow 4 percent from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Because vision problems tend to occur more frequently later in life, an aging population will lead to demand for more optometrists.
Are optometrists happy?
Optometrists are below average when it comes to happiness. At CareerExplorer, we conduct an ongoing survey with millions of people and ask them how satisfied they are with their careers. As it turns out, optometrists rate their career happiness 3.0 out of 5 stars which puts them in the bottom 30% of careers.
Where do optometrists get paid the most?
The states and districts that pay Optometrists the highest mean salary are North Dakota ($174,290) , Vermont ($145,150), West Virginia ($143,760), Alaska ($143,540), and Iowa ($140,450).
