The Profession of Optometry

Doctors of optometry are independent primary health care providers who examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures as well as diagnose related systemic disease. 

Prior to optometry school, optometrists typically complete four years of undergraduate study, culminating in a bachelor’s degree.  Required undergraduate coursework for pre-optometry students covers a wide variety of advanced health, science, and mathematics.  Optometry school consists of four years of post-graduate, doctoral-level study concentrating on the eye, vision and associated systemic disease.  Upon graduation of optometry school, candidates must pass a rigorous National Board Examination Series.

In addition to formal professional training, licensed optometrists participate in continuing education courses to stay current on the latest standards of care, new treatments, procedures and prescription medicines.  In part due to training and the quality of the care provided, optometrists have the lowest malpractice rates of all professionally licensed, doctoral-level health care providers.