Additional Information
If the thought of doing math and science causes shivers of fear to run
up your spine, then optometry is definitely not going to be your field. "We
don't have to face all the blood and gore that medical doctors deal with,
but we do have to stomach a lot of math and science," says Tracy Schroeder,
an optometrist from Indiana.
Optometrists can expect to spend between seven and eight years in post-secondary
education. They must complete a four-year bachelor's degree in science, or
an equivalent amount of credits, before entering a four-year optometry program.
Admission into an optometry program is competitive, so applicants must
have good grades and excel in courses like physics and biology. They must
also take the Optometry Admissions Test.
Graduates become doctors of optometry. Optometrists in the United States
must be licensed. In order to obtain a license, they are required to pass
a clinical and written examination, as well as complete continuing education
credits throughout their career. Graduates of optometry must take an exam
that tests their knowledge and ability to care for patients.
In some states, graduates of optometry degrees must also complete an internship
before they can begin practicing. Internships are generally organized through
universities and experts say they're a great experience.
"It's wonderful to have the chance to be hands-on, and yet still feel guided.
My internship was really enlightening," says Schroeder.
Those in the field say it's best to research each school and its entrance
requirements before starting on your bachelor's degree -- that way, you won't
run into any surprise prerequisites when you apply to the optometry program.