11/03/2025
Optometrist

11/03/2025 – Optometrist 

What Optometrists Do

Optometrists are, in simple words, eye doctors. They monitor your eyes’ health, whether you need glasses or not, what your prescription might be, and inform you if there are any problems with your eyes, along with other jobs. If you need surgery of some sort, then they will most likely refer you to an ophthalmologist, or eye surgeon, so you can receive the medical attention you need. Although optometrists are also doctors, they have a very different pathway they need to study in. Instead of getting an M.D. (medical doctors) or a D.O. (doctors of osteopathy) degree, optometrists get an O.D. (doctor of optometry) degree. Also, instead of going to medical school, they go to optometry school.

Optometrists’ Study

During High School

In order to build a strong base to assist you with your college and optometry school coursework, take classes like biology, chemistry, and physics. Consider taking AP versions of these courses if possible, so you can strengthen your knowledge in these crucial areas. It is also extremely vital to take Advanced Math courses, including pre-calculus and calculus. These courses help build you a strong foundation, which is essential for your optometry school work. Take as much math in high school as you can. For extracurriculars, volunteer as much as possible in places like homeless shelters, soup kitchens, etc. This shows well-roundedness and improves the college’s opinion of you as a whole. Also find opportunities to shadow professional optometrists in your local area. This will give you an idea of what it’s like to be an optometrist and also show that you have some experience in this field. Try exploring different fields as well, and taking on a leadership role in any other clubs or extracurriculars that you join.

After High School

After completing high school, your next steps would be to pursue an undergraduate degree in either biology, chemistry, or a pre-optometry program. Once completing your bachelor’s degree, most students take the OAT (Optometry Admission Test) before applying to optometry school. Taking this test is usually a requirement for applying to optometry school. Some schools may accept other tests like the GRE, but the OAT is the most common requirement. Once completing the OAT, you would apply to an accredited optometry school and complete a 4-year OD, or Doctor of Optometry, program. Once acquiring this degree, you would only have one step left to become a licensed optometrist—passing the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) exams. Once passing these exams, you would officially be a licensed optometrist. Some students decide to complete a 1-year residency after these exams, if they want to specialize further in the field of optometry. This is also an option available.

AI in Optometry

AI is used in most, if not all, careers across the globe. In optometry, it is used in the form of recognizing patterns in patients’ eyes, helping the optometrist diagnose any problems and suggest possible solutions for the patient. AI works alongside optometrists, raising any issues that may have gone unnoticed and enhancing the accuracy of prescriptions. In some cases, autonomous AI may be used to make independent decisions, but this is very rarely the case. Most of the time, AI works alongside optometrists and not by itself. AI can be very useful in this field. It can help with monotonous tasks, such as sending patients follow-up texts, commencing scans, scheduling software and reminders, and catching any errors. Contrary to the common belief, it is very unlikely that AI will replace optometrists any time soon.