How to become an eye doctor

10 States Where Optometrists Earn the Most Money

The national average annual wage of an optometrist is $119,980, according to the BLS, well above the e average annual salary for all occupations, $51,960. In the best-paying state for optometrists, the average salary is $55,110 more than the national average.

To become an optometrist you usually have to study optometry at university. Alternatively, you can complete a degree in vision science or a relevant area at university, followed by a postgraduate qualification in optometry.

Optometrists are referred to as doctors of optometry (DO), although they are not required to go to medical school. The main job function of an optometrist is to provide specialized vision care.

Think of it this way: optometry school is a medical school and residency (7+ years), condensed into 4 years by stripping out much of the non-vision stuff. It’s easier in that you become a medical specialist in almost half the time.

It isn’t super difficult or anything, but you have to get good at being realistic about how much time you have and getting work done before it piles up. The way optometry courses are set out though, balances that factor by circumstance.

But optometry isn’t dying. Indeed, the need for optometrists is going to be greater than ever in the coming decade. Our current population of 315 million will swell to almost 350 million by 2025. That’s another 700 patients for every licensed optometrist.

It is a dynamic and challenging career which could achieve personal growth, community respect and offers job flexibility, financial success and unlimited opportunities. Optometrists or optometric physicians are primary eye care and health professionals concerned with vision care.

Optometry is a great career choice for many reasons—including work-life balance, the ability to help others and opportunities for growth. Optometry is a great career choice for many reasons—including work-life balance, the ability to help others and opportunities for growth.

Optometry is frequently on a list of highest paid low stress jobs. While it may not be ‘stressful‘ in the traditional sense, the repetitive nature of it and lack of challenge may get to you!

Becoming an optometrist takes a lot of hard work, diligence and dedication. It requires 4 years of undergraduate study (with a primary focus in sciences/math) plus 4 years of optometry school.

Job Outlook

Employment of optometrists is projected to grow 4 percent from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Because vision problems tend to occur more frequently later in life, an aging population will lead to demand for more optometrists.

Demand for Eye Care Services

The demand for routine refractive vision care is expected to increase by 3.2% between 2015 and 2025, from 110 million annual exams to 113.4 million annual exams. Consequently, ECPs need to be in a position to deliver 3.4 million additional exams per year by 2025.

“Optometrists” will almost certainly not be replaced by robots. This job is ranked #188 out of #702. A higher ranking (i.e., a lower number) means the job is less likely to be replaced.

Excellent Career Opportunities

The ability to participate in interdisciplinary care with other health care providers to treat patients holistically. Opportunities to go into ocular research and explore new avenues for diagnoses, treatments, and cures for eye conditions and diseases.

The single biggest issue facing optometry today is the continued discrimination against ODs by significant numbers of medical insurers in significant parts of the country.

Optometry can certainly be a rewarding career as it helps people improve their eyesight and maintain eye health. And along with this eye care career an OD can earn a nice living. But the problem is that income has stagnated and private practice isn’t as lucrative as it used to be.

I enjoy that optometry involves a great deal of problem solving and critical thinking when coming up with a diagnosis and treatment plan for each patient. Optometry is also a very social profession and I love being able to interact with and learn about so many different people every day.

Although most students who are working toward a career in optometry choose to pursue a major in a basic science such as Biology, Chemistry, or Physics, applied health majors are also common such as Health Science and Exercise Science.

Math and Physics are used a lot in Optometry school. That said, the math isn’t calculus level math and the math in the physics isn’t that hard. If you can score well on the OAT (Optometry Admissions Test), you’ll be able to handle the Math and Physics in Optometry school.

To do the degree, you will usually need at least five GCSEs (A-C), including English, maths and science, plus three A levels (with at least two in science-based subjects). Check with individual course providers as other qualifications may also be accepted.