Optometrists are a type of healthcare provider whose tasks include the performance of eye exams, diagnosing of vision conditions, and prescription of corrective therapy. While optometrists are commonly confused with ophthalmologists, the two are related but distinct. Both are healthcare professionals possessing an education from medical/graduate schools. Still, optometrists focus on diagnosing, examining, and treating your eyes, while an ophthalmologist goes beyond that to perform surgical and medical interventions to treat eye conditions. Another confused role in the care of your eyes is the optician, who helps fit vision-correcting devices such as eyeglasses and contact lenses. The following guide explores how to become an optometrist.
Importance of Optometrists
Eyesight is a vital tool, truly invaluable, for such everyday tasks as driving a car or simply walking through doorways. It is necessary for such pleasures as viewing films, taking in the glorious colors of a striking sunset, or partaking in such pastimes as drawing and painting. Optometrists help correct vision problems and can even catch early signs of diabetes. They seek to assist patients in reaching their best vision possible daily. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021), this job has positions opening up, which projects a 4.3% employment growth for the role between 2019 and 2029.
Employment Projections and Salary Data
Recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Glassdoor indicates that the employment outlook for optometrists remains steady, with moderate growth over the next decade. According to Glassdoor, the median salary for optometrists in 2025 is estimated at around $130,000 per year. This represents an increase from previous years, reflecting higher demand for quality eye care as the population ages. Updated projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show steady growth in the field, although exact figures may vary by region.
Financial Considerations
Tuition and associated costs for optometry schools have risen in line with inflation. In 2025, the overall cost of completing an OD program—including tuition, supplies, and living expenses—can range from $80,000 to over $250,000, depending on the institution and geographic location. Scholarships and financial aid remain critical, and many schools now offer more robust financial support packages to help mitigate these expenses.
Duties of an Optometrist
An optometrist examines and treats the eyes and vision of their patients. Their responsibilities include diagnosing diseases related to the eyes, treating injuries to the eyes, and prescribing lenses for visual correction. Optometrists generally work in private practice with such coworkers as optometry nurses and staff for administrative duties.
The duties of an optometrist include performing detailed eye examinations, performing and interpreting vision tests, diagnosing and treating vision issues and diseases of the eyes, prescribing corrective lenses and assisting patients in purchasing glasses or contact lenses, building and maintaining a working relationship with each patient, and responding to and addressing eye-related emergencies. If an optometrist notices non-ocular symptoms in a patient, a referral can be made to general care doctors if necessary.
Recent trends have seen a greater emphasis on sub-specialties. Areas such as pediatric optometry, ocular disease management, and low‑vision rehabilitation are becoming more defined. These emerging fields offer additional career opportunities and higher earning potentials for those who pursue further certification or specialized training.
Necessary Tests for Licensed Optometrists
The board certification exam optometry students face is divided into three parts. First, there is the exam that covers basic science in addition to ocular physiology. It takes place in the middle portion of the third year of optometry school. The second segment is a written exam that covers the treatment and diagnosis of ocular diseases. It takes place within the fourth year of school. The final segment of the board, a practical exam, evaluates you while you demonstrate your knowledge working with a patient.
Many optometry schools have integrated updated clinical rotations and modern simulation training methods, ensuring graduates are well‑prepared for contemporary practice. The certification process still requires passing the National Board of Examiners in Optometry, with periodic recertification requirements to maintain licensure.
Optometry as a Goal: Quick Overview
When your goal is to become an optometrist, there is a very brief means of summing up the process. First, pursue an education. Second, gain experience. Third, become licensed so you can practice. Fourth, consider certification options. And finally, fifth, apply for jobs in your desired type of practice. But this is a brief overview. It is worth examining the stages in closer detail.
Step 1: Your Undergraduate Degree
Most students who are admitted to colleges or schools of optometry have undertaken a bachelor’s degree in the sciences, including chemistry, biology, and physics. This degree will be from an accredited university. Such degrees prepare students for the challenges of optometric study. Of course, each Optometry College has its minimum prerequisite requirements of particular science courses. These requirements must be met to be considered as an applicant for admission. Each Optometry College will contain the necessities on its website.
Step 2: The OAT
The step following graduation with an undergraduate degree is to pass the OAT or Optometry Admission Test. You must pass This standardized exam to be accepted by an optometry program. The Association of Schools and College of Optometry administer it with four components. This exam determines your basic academic ability and understanding of knowledge of science.
The four components are physics, natural sciences, quantitative reasoning, and reading comprehension. You can sit for this exam after one year of undergraduate education. Despite this, most students wait to complete two or more years before sitting for this exam. While you are permitted to take this computerized test multiple times if necessary, a 90-day waiting period is mandatory between attempts.
Step 3: Optometry School
Four years of studying make up the OD degree, or Doctor of Optometry, after completing the Bachelor’s degree. This program focuses on the function, disorders, and structure of the visual system and the eyes in particular. An emphasis is placed on clinical patient care. Involved courses include optics, pharmacology, vision science, human anatomy, human physiology, ocular and general pathology, and vision science. Among the most important courses are those for diagnosing, managing, and treating all manner of vision disorders and eye diseases.
Extensive clinical training goes into becoming a Doctor of Optometry, exploring all aspects of vision care and care of the eyes. Many ODs decide to complete further residencies in eye care’s specialized fields. The goal of acceptance into optometry school is a competitive one. Admissions are more likely to go to students with high OAT scores, high GPAs, and a strong chemistry, math, and physics background.
In typical optometry schools, the initial two years involve basic science, such as neuroscience, histology gross anatomy, and biochemistry. Then, in years three and four, students will complete clinical rotations. These go through optometry school facilities to working with practicing optometrists. In this fashion, students get to have supervised hands-on experience with real patients.
Step 4: Choosing an Optometry School
Before facing the challenges of Optometry school, you must make the correct choice to find a place to help you reach your goals. As of 2015, the United States boasted 23 accredited optometry schools. Consider, when examining the potential options, the school’s admission requirements, curriculums, and program structures, the types of training available as well as clinical education opportunities, average class size and the size of the university in general, its geographic location, the campus setting and its facilities, licensure pass rates, graduate employment rates, degrees awarded, student demographics, and opportunities for internships and extracurricular activities.
Step 5: Considering Paying for Your Optometry Education
As with most doctorate education programs, optometry school is a significant investment that does not come cheap. Tuition and fees can range from $70,000 to over $220,000 over four years. For this reason, many students begin planning and saving as early as possible while researching various scholarship programs. Another consideration is whether loan forgiveness and repayment programs are an option.
Step 6: Complete Your Residency and Gain Experience
While you need not complete a one-year residency to become an optometrist, it can offer valuable training and experience. You gain this clinical experience under a licensed optometrist’s supervision. Afterward, or after the culmination of your education at a college of optometry, gain further experience working for a practice. If no job positions are open, consider volunteering or job shadowing. This gives an up-close idea of an optometrist’s duties as you observe patient care and assist practitioners.
Step 7: Get Licensed to Practice
Upon earning your O.D., you must pass all of the sections of a four-part test, the National Board of Examiners in Optometry exam. All optometry professionals must pass these four exam parts to practice in the United States. Some states may require further clinical exams or exams on medical ethics. Your license must be renewed regularly as your state requires. Continued education is often required to keep your license renewed and up-to-date.
Step 8: Consider Certifications
Finally, to improve your prospects for employment as you go through the stages of how to become an optometrist, you may choose to prove your commitment to the pursuit of advanced optometry knowledge by seeking certifications from the ABO or the American Board of Optometry. This process includes taking an exam, which is offered two times a year, and, of course, passing it.
Optometrist’s Skills
While the required technical skills are covered in an optometrist’s degree, you can develop several other skills that will prove helpful in your future career. The first is listening skills. Listen actively and carefully to your patients while asking questions, consulting with nurses, and consulting the patient’s family. Attention to detail in listening skills helps an optometrist to diagnose and accurately and effectively treat patients. The second type of skill is communication. You need to explain your diagnosis and treatment plans efficiently and clearly. Ensure that all you have to say is accurate and easy to understand. You also need to communicate with your coworkers and administrative team.
A third helpful skill is critical thinking. Along with problem-solving, critical thinking helps you solve the problems patients bring. You must examine the symptoms, listen to complaints or problematic issues, and decide on a course of action. Being able to think outside of the box and then follow a methodical plan will help you gain success as an optometrist. Finally, you need interpersonal skills. These will help you interpret your patients’ nonverbal cues and assist you in convincing patients to follow your treatment plan closely. If you can build your patient’s trust by establishing a positive and professional relationship, the patient is more likely to heed your judgment.
How International Medical Aid Boosts Direct Patient Care Experience for Optometry Students
International Medical Aid isn’t just for future physicians but empowers aspiring optometrists. IMA’s global internship programs offer optometry students a unique, hands‐on opportunity to work directly with patients in real clinical settings abroad. By gaining direct patient care hours through IMA, students can sharpen their diagnostic skills, learn cutting‐edge clinical techniques, and enhance their cultural competence—all vitally important in today’s increasingly diverse healthcare landscape.
How IMA Supports Optometry Students
Immersive Clinical Internships Abroad
IMA partners with accredited optometry clinics and hospitals in underserved regions, where interns work under the guidance of experienced optometrists. Through structured rotations, students perform eye exams, practice contact lens fittings, assist with diagnostic imaging, and engage in patient counseling. These experiences provide valuable direct patient care hours and exposure to a broad spectrum of ocular conditions.
Structured, Mentored Learning
Each internship includes detailed orientation, continuous on-site support, and regular performance reviews. With 24/7 safety and travel assistance, IMA ensures that optometry interns can focus on learning while practicing real-world skills—preparing them for optometry school and future residency or clinical practice.
Real-World Experience in Diverse Settings
From rural communities with limited access to high-tech eye care to urban centers offering advanced diagnostic services, IMA’s optometry internships expose students to various patient demographics and clinical challenges. This diversity builds adaptability, enhances problem-solving skills, and boosts confidence—key traits for any successful optometrist.
Benefits of Gaining Direct Patient Care Hours in Optometry
- Enhanced Clinical Skills: Direct patient interaction allows you to refine essential optometric skills such as visual acuity testing, refractive assessments, and ocular disease management.
- Competitive Edge: Accumulating hands-on patient care hours makes your application stand out when applying to optometry schools or residency programs.
- Cultural Competence: Working in an international setting broadens your understanding of diverse healthcare needs and practices, preparing you to serve patients from various backgrounds.
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By joining an IMA optometry internship, you gain direct patient care hours that are critical to your professional growth. With structured mentorship, diverse clinical exposure, and a focus on hands-on learning, IMA paves the way for you to excel in optometry. Take the next step toward building a competitive and compassionate optometric career with International Medical Aid.
Ready to enhance your optometry training? Apply now and begin your journey today!
Picking a Specialization
If you have a particular area of interest in optometry, you can undergo optional residencies for further clinical training. When looking to become an optometrist specialist, the most common options are geriatric optometry, ocular disease, and pediatric optometry. Others include sports vision, neuro-optometry, low vision therapy, behavioral optometry, and education and research.
Consider an internship in an exciting new landscape with International Medical Aid’s extensive programs. The experience you gather need not be in the areas you are used to. You can encounter other cultures while helping in developing areas of the world. You can rest assured of the program’s safety on your adventure while gaining invaluable expertise and experiences.
