Optometry As A Career

Looking for a dynamic and challenging career which allows you to help people, achieve personal growth, demonstrate community respect, work flexible hours, and gain financial success while offering virtually unlimited opportunities? Consider optometry!

The Profession
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 examine the internal and external structure of the eyes to diagnose eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts and retinal disorders; systemic diseases like hypertension and diabetes; and vision conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia. They also determine the patient's ability to focus and coordinate the eyes, to judge depth and to see color accurately. They prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses, low vision aids, vision therapy and medications to treat eye diseases, as well as perform certain surgical procedures.

Optometrists work in private practices, multidisciplinary medical practices, hospitals, teaching institutions, research positions, community health centers and the ophthalmic industry.

Optometrists can also build successful careers in the military, public health or government service. There is a need for optometrists in all types of practice, particularly in the areas of pediatric and gerontological optometry. Practice opportunities exist throughout the United States, with a particular need in rural areas.

Education
Optometrists are required to complete a four-year post-graduate degree program to earn their Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) title. The four-year program includes classroom and clinical training in geometric, physical, physiological and ophthalmic optics; ocular anatomy, ocular disease, ocular myotology, ocular pharmacology, neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of the vision system; color, form, space, movement and vision perception; design and modification of the visual environment; and vision performance and vision screening.

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. Since optometrists are members of the primary health care team, optometric education also includes a thorough study of human anatomy, general pharmacology, general pathology, sensory and perceptual psychology, biochemistry, statistics and epidemiology. After graduation from an accredited school or college of optometry, optometrists must successfully complete a state board examination to become licensed to practice in a particular state.

There are 23 accredited schools and colleges of optometry in the United States territories and Canada. Click here for more information on colleges of optometry.

Hear from an OD:

You can read until your eyes are sore about optometry as a career, but why not go directly to the source? These WOA member doctors were delighted to share their thoughts on optometry as a career:

Dr. Lisa Slaby. WOA Past President: Practices with the Oneida Nation in the Green Bay, Wisconsin area.

Q: What do you like best about being an optometrist?

A: First of all, I love what I do.  I enjoy working with patients and helping them see better, as well as feel better.  I never know what each day will bring, and it usually is a challenge.  Optometry allows me to keep learning new things all the time. It is a career that you can do many different things with.  You get out of it whatever you like and whatever you put in to it.

Q: What are some of the challenges of being an optometrist?

A: The hardest part is the cost of education is high, and the starting salaries are still low.  This can force you into working more than you really want to or in an environment that you may not want to stay in.  After time it becomes more flexible and it's great. 

Q: How has being an optometrist opened up new opportunities in your career?

A: You may not realize it, but optometry is quite a political entity.  I like staying involved with state and national activities that may affect optometry as a career.  It still amazes me how many people take their licenses for granted, and don't realize that, politically, our profession could change if we do not stay on top of current issues in the health care field.

Q: What advice would you give to students interested in optometry school?

A:  You have to realize that there is a lot of problem solving done each day as an optometrist.  You need to make sure this is something that invigorates you, and not something that could potentially cause ou to feel burnt out.

Dr. Dean Rosenberg. Practices with Racine Optical Company, LLC in Racine, Wisconsin.

Q: What do you like best about being an optometrist?

A: Helping people every day in a clean, professional job that garners respect from my community

Q: What are some of the challenges of being an optometrist?

A: The professional side is easy. The challenges come in the business management side of things like cash flow, technology investments and staff training.

Q: How has being an optometrist opened up new opportunities in your career?

A: I have had many opportunities to serve the community on several different boards and committees. These groups of fellow community leaders help make decisions that impact all of us locally.

Q: What advice would you give to students interested in optometry school?

A: Be prepared to enjoy your work with the general public. Clear and truthful communication with patients and staff is critical for success. 

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" I love what I do. I never know what each day will bring. Optometry allows me to keep learning new things all the time."
- Dr. Lisa Slaby, WOA President '11, who works with the Oneida Nation in the Green Bay, WI area