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Optometry

What Does an Optometrist Do?

Doctors of Optometry (or ODs) are the independent primary health care professionals for the eye. Optometrists examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases, injuries and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures. They also identify related systemic conditions affecting the eye. ODs diagnose and treat, prescribe medications, perform certain surgical procedures, provide vision therapy and low vision rehabilitation and assist patients with eyeglasses and contact lenses.
 
They counsel patients regarding surgical and non-surgical options to meet their visual needs. In cases involving surgery, they provide both pre-operative and post-operative consultation and care. ODs also diagnose systemic conditions that have eye-related symptoms (i.e., diabetes or high blood pressure) and refer patients to other health practitioners, as needed. Optometrists should not be confused with ophthalmologists or dispensing opticians. Ophthalmologists are physicians who perform eye surgery, in addition to diagnosing and treating eye conditions. Dispensing opticians fit eyeglasses and contact lenses, following prescriptions written by ophthalmologists or optometrists.
 

What should I major in?

 Although the majority of Optometry Schools do not require a specific undergraduate major, due to the academic preparation required for Optometry School application, the most common Pre-Optometry major at NMSU is: Biology

Required Courses:

General Biology (BIOL 2610G/2610L and BIOL 2110G/2110L)
General Chemistry (CHEM 1215G and CHEM 1225G)
Organic Chemistry (CHEM 313, 314 and 315)
Biochemistry (BCHE 395)
Physics (PHYS 1230G/1230L or PHYS 2230G/2230L & PHYS 1240G/1240L or 2240G/2240L)
Mathematics (MATH 1511G)
Statistics (MATH 1350G or A ST 311G)
Human Anatomy & Human Physiology: BIOL 353/BIOL 353L and BIOL 354/BIOL 354L or SPMD 2210/2210L and SPMD 3210/3210L
General Microbiology (BIOL 311/311L)
General Psychology (PSYC 1110G)
English Composition (ENGL 1110G and 2210G)

Recommended Courses:

Cell BiologyGenetics Calculus II EconomicsBusiness Computer Literacy Public SpeakingSociology EthicsAnthropology

*Although coursework listed is recommended by most Optometry Schools, admissions requirements may vary from school to school. Please check specific optometry school admission websites for detailed prerequisite requirements.

Career Opportunities

Some optometrists spend much of their time providing specialized care, particularly if they are working in a group practice with other optometrists or physicians. Others may focus on treating infants and children.
Many optometrists own their practice and may spend more time on general business activities such as hiring employees, ordering supplies, and marketing their business.
Optometrists also may work as postsecondary teachers, do research in optometry colleges, or work as consultants in the eye care industry.


Optometrists should not be confused with ophthalmologists or dispensing opticians. Ophthalmologists are physicians who perform eye surgery and treat eye disease.
Dispensing opticians fit and adjust eyeglasses and, in some states, fill contact lens prescriptions that an optometrist or ophthalmologist has written.

Salary and Job Outlook

Midwestern University Arizona College of Optometry

Glendale, Arizona

 


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University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry

San Antonio, Texas


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University of Houston College of Optometry

Houston, Texas


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Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry

Pomona, California


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Ketchum University of Southern California College of Optometry

Fullerton, California


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