Optometrists (O.D.s) and Optometry Schools
Optometrists (O.D.s), the
major providers of primary vision care in the United States,
examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the
visual system. Treatments include glasses, contacts, and in some
states therapeutic drugs for sight. They work in close conjunction
with ophthalmologists (M.D.s) and opticians on the visual health
care team. In addition to seeing patients, optometrists determine
safe vision standards in the industry and determine who may safely
drive an automobile. The optometrist usually practices
independently; however, now many join Health Maintenance
Organizations.
Personal Characteristics
and Future Outlook. Before entering any health care profession,
examine your own personal attributes and inclinations. Clearly
outgoing qualities and an aptitude for science (especially physics)
define optometrists. They need to manipulate fine instrumentation
and measuring devices. Of course, this requires good manual
dexterity. Furthermore, optometrists have some knowledge of the
business world since many still operate their own practice.
According to the American
Optometric Association, as the demand for better eye care increases
and new technologies become available, demand for optometrists will
stay high in the future. Generally, optometrists earn an excellent
income and work flexible hours, allowing them to have a very
fulfilling personal life.
How to Get into Optometry Schools
Preparation. With 17
accredited optometry schools in the United States, many have dif
ferent entry requirements. So, contact each school very early to
review their requirements. Although most optometry students have
undergraduate degrees, optometry schools do not require them. Two of
the 17 schools require two years of undergraduate course work, while
the other fifteen require three years. All schools insist on one
year of physics, general chemistry, English, and math. In addition
most schools also look for either a semester or a year of biology,
psychology, microbiology, and organic chemist ry. Many optometry
schools also stress the importance of the humanities in addition to
the core sciences.
Optometry schools have a
four-year curriculum that includes basic training and clinical
experience. A major in one of the natural sciences should adequately
prepare an optometry school applicant. Like the other health
professions, maintain a solid GPA and perform well on the OAT
(Optometry Admissions Test).
Admissions. As an
applicant to optometry school, a committee of O.D.s a nd Ph.D.s from
the institution will evaluate your application. They look for
applicants who demonstrate strong intellectual ability, a good
record of personal accomplishments, and personal characteristics
that enable a person to relate to and treat patients well. Your OAT
score, required for all schools, objectively illustrates your
quality as an applicant. Admissions committees also evaluate your
GPA. The first two years of optometry school consist of traditional
lecture based learning so admissions commit tees use past academic
performance as the best indicator whether students will do well.
Consequently, committees take into account such factors as overall
course load, science GPA, and the students time management
abilities.
In addition to a good score on
the OAT and a good GPA optometry schools also read letters of
recommendation. Most schools prefer a committee letter from your
undergraduate institution. At the University of Scranton, you will
enter the Heath Professions Evaluation Committee p rocess. The
actual application process begins in the summer or early fall one
year before you start classes. Optometry schools invite the most
promising applicants for interviews. During the interview, stay
relaxed while talking about yourself and show an enthusiastic
interest in the school.
Conclusion. Although
the applicant faces a difficult application process and the
subsequent demanding training in optometry school, optometry
promises a fulfilling health professional career now and in the
future.
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