Reviewed by Sonia Kelley, OD, MS on August 28, 2024
Optometrists are primary eye care providers specializing in eye and vision health. As Doctors of Optometry (ODs), they help manage a wide variety of eye conditions. They play a vital role in the health care team, ensuring patients receive comprehensive eye and vision care.
Optometry is a rewarding career, offering the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. If you’re considering this career path, read on to learn how to become an optometrist and what you’ll need to do. This guide also covers optometrist schooling requirements, the licensure process, and other key steps to success.
What Optometrists Do
Optometrists diagnose, treat, and manage many eye and vision issues. While their scope of practice can vary by state, their services typically include:
- Comprehensive eye exams
- Vision tests
- Diagnosing refractive errors
- Prescribing corrective lenses (eyeglasses and contact lenses)
- Contact lens exams and fittings
- Diagnosing and treating common eye and vision conditions
- Diagnosing and treating eye infections
- Treating eye injuries
Depending on the state, optometrists may also prescribe medications or perform certain laser eye procedures. They generally do not perform major eye surgery. However, they may provide pre– and post-operative care for patients undergoing eye surgery.
Optometrists vs. Other Eye Care Professionals
Optometrists often work with other eye health professionals to provide patients with comprehensive eye and vision care. This includes ophthalmologists and opticians. However, they each have distinct roles:
- Ophthalmologists – Medical doctors (MDs) or doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs) who specialize in eye and vision care. They also perform eye surgery and medically manage complex eye conditions.
- Opticians – Technicians who take measurements to fit eyeglass frames and prescription sunglasses. They also help patients select lens features and instruct them in contact lens wear.
Steps to Becoming an Optometrist
Below are the general steps to becoming an optometrist in the United States:
- Complete an undergraduate education – Earn a Bachelor’s degree, typically in science-related studies.
- Complete the Optometry Admissions Test – Take and pass this entrance exam, also called the OAT.
- Submit optometry school applications – Apply to accredited optometry programs.
- Complete an optometry doctoral program – Attend a four-year doctoral optometry program to receive a Doctor of Optometry degree.
- Complete the board examination – Take and pass the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) exam.
- Attain state licensure – Apply for licensure in the desired state. Some states may require further written or clinical exams for licensure.
After becoming an optometrist, some eye doctors pursue specialized training or further certifications.
Key Qualities
Successful optometry candidates often have the following characteristics:
- A strong academic record
- A competitive OAT score
- Good decision-making skills
- Good communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Compassion
- Empathy
- A high level of professionalism
The steps to becoming an optometrist are discussed in further detail below.
How Long Does It Take to Become an Eye Doctor?
It generally takes about eight or nine years to become an optometrist. This includes four years of undergraduate schooling and four years of optometry school. An additional year may be needed for those who opt to complete a residency.
Both optometrists and ophthalmologists are referred to as “eye doctors.” However, their education paths and scopes of practice differ. In comparison, becoming an ophthalmologist typically takes between 12 and 14 years.
Optometrists do not attend medical school and are not medical doctors. However, they complete a doctoral program to earn a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree. The completion of this program grants them the title of “doctor.”
What Schooling Is Needed to Be an Optometrist?
The path to becoming an optometrist begins with earning a four-year Bachelor’s degree, often in a science-related field. Optometry school candidates usually complete coursework in:
- Biology
- Microbiology
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Organic chemistry
- Inorganic chemistry
- Psychology
- Physics
- Calculus
- Statistics
Optometry Admissions Test
Students who wish to attend optometry school must take the OAT. It is taken after completing at least two years of undergraduate studies but before applying to optometry school. The OAT measures a student’s understanding of scientific information and academic abilities.
Optometry School Application
After completing their undergraduate studies and passing the OAT, students can apply to optometry programs. They can use a program called the Optometry Centralized Application Service (OptomCAS) to apply to multiple schools at once. This service streamlines the application process.
Optometrist Education & License Requirements
Becoming an optometrist requires the completion of an optometry program, a board exam, and other steps for licensure.
Optometrist Education Requirements
Optometry programs take about four years to complete. During the program, students study subjects like:
- Eye anatomy and physiology
- Optics
- Vision conditions
- Body systems
- Neurosciences
- Pharmacology
- Other sciences
Optometrist schooling also includes clinical training, which typically occurs in the final year. This may take place in the school’s eye clinic, VA clinics, hospitals, or private practices.
The student earns an OD degree once all aspects of optometrist schooling are complete.
Residency Programs
After optometry school, students may choose to expand their training by attending a one-year residency program. This gives them the expertise needed to specialize in a specific area of eye health.
Around 1 in 4 optometry school graduates attend a residency, and this number continues to grow.
Optometry Licensure Process
Optometrists must be licensed to practice in their state. Each state has its own licensure requirements. While this involves passing the NBEO exam, some states may require additional exams. These can include oral, written, clinical, or state law assessments.
Licensure Renewal
An optometry license must be renewed periodically. This renewal period varies per state but generally ranges between one and three years. Certain requirements must be met for licensure renewal. These include completing the designated number of continuing education units (CEUs) and CPR certification (if required).
International Candidates
International optometry candidates who wish to practice in the U.S. must have an OD degree from an accredited school. They must also fulfill the NBEO and their state licensure requirements. There are three general options for taking this path:
- Complete a customized curriculum at a participating optometry school
- Gain advanced standing* admittance to a participating optometry school
- Secure sponsorship to take the NBEO from an accredited or pre-accredited optometry school.
(*Advanced standing means a student receives credit for courses completed at another school or institution. This often shortens the time frame for degree completion.)
Types of Optometrists
Some optometrists undergo advanced training to specialize in a specific area of eye or vision health. There are many types of optometry subspecialties, some of which include:
- Pediatric optometry
- Neuro-optometry
- Geriatric eye care
- Ocular disease
- Anterior segment care
- Glaucoma care
- Retina care
- Cornea care
- Contact lenses
- Vision therapy and rehabilitation
- Low vision
Board Certification
Optometrists may become board-certified through the American Board of Optometry. This voluntary credentialing process represents a doctor’s commitment to life-long learning and providing the highest standard of care.
A Vital Role in Eye Care
Eye doctors play a crucial role in helping people maintain their vision and quality of life. Despite the competitive nature of the field, the demand for vision care is expected to grow due to aging populations and other factors. Becoming an optometrist offers the chance to enjoy a fulfilling career while making a difference in the lives of others.
