To become an optometrist, one must earn an optometry degree by completing a bachelor’s degree, passing the optometry entrance test, finding an accredited school, paying tuition fees, and completing the course. Optometrists perform eye exams, prescribe eyeglasses, and check for eye diseases. The program is competitive, and high grades are required. Accreditation is necessary, and tuition fees range from $20,000 to $35,000 USD per year. The first year includes anatomy of the eye, psychology, nervous system, oncology, and the effect of aging on vision. Specialization is available in the third and fourth years.
There are four steps required to earn an optometry degree: qualify for admission, find an accredited school, pay the tuition, and complete the course. Optometrists are responsible for performing eye exams, prescribing eyeglasses, and checking for eye diseases. Graduates of optometry programs can open their own optometry practice, work in a health care clinic, or open an eyeglass store.
An optometry degree is a medical degree and is required to work as an optometrist. To earn an optometry degree, you must first complete a bachelor’s degree and qualify for admission to optometry school. This program is very competitive and high grades are required. Many schools in the United States require applicants to complete the optometry entrance test as part of the admissions process. This test is administered in a multiple-choice format and tests scientific knowledge and academic skills.
The entrance test is used, along with the bachelor’s degree transcript, letters of reference, and a personal interview, to determine who is eligible to enter this program. Optometry is expected to have above-average growth over the next five to ten years. Many students take the entrance test in the third year of the university, so they can rewrite the exam in the fourth year and get a higher score.
When looking to earn an optometry degree, the first item to check is the school’s accreditation status. An independent third party grants accreditation. As part of the review process, it examines the school’s academic and administrative policies against a minimum standard. Credits completed at an accredited school can be transferred to other post-secondary institutions and are accepted by the certification and licensing boards.
Tuition fees for an optometry degree range from $20,000 to $35,000 US Dollars (USD) per year. Most schools require payment for each semester at least four weeks before classes start. There are some online courses that can be used to earn an optometry degree, but options are limited to liberal arts subjects such as English. If you choose to complete a course this way, please ensure it is approved by the registrar before paying the course fee. If not accepted, credit will not be given for the course and your money has been wasted.
The first year of optometry courses include anatomy of the eye, psychology, nervous system, oncology and the effect of aging on vision. Specialization is available in the third and fourth years of the program. Popular areas of expertise include laser eye surgery, eye cancer and nerve degeneration disorders.
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