Education and Training

An optometrist has completed pre-professional undergraduate education in a college or university; and four years of professional education at a college of optometry, leading to the doctor of optometry (O.D.) degree. Some optometrists also complete a one year residency. Optometrists complete rigorous oral, written and practical examinations in order to obtain national and state licensure, including national certification in the treatment and management of ocular disease. They also must pursue continuing education as a requirement for license renewal.

The curriculum at the 17 schools and colleges of optometry in the United States includes classroom and clinical training in ocular disease; general and ocular human anatomy; general pharmacology; general pathology; physical and physiological optics; sensory and perceptual psychology; biochemistry; pediatrics; low vision and all phases of functional vision care. There are also accredited residency programs in such areas as contact lenses; family practice; low vision and rehabilitative optometry; binocular vision; hospital based care; geriatrics; and pediatrics.

The current curriculum at the State University of New York College of Optometry and the New England College of Optometry illustrate the comprehensive course work required to obtain the degree of Doctor of Optometry.