About Optometry Profession
Looking for a dynamic and challenging career which allows you to help people, achieve personal growth, community respect, job flexibility, financial success and offers virtually unlimited opportunities? Consider OPTOMETRY!
As primary eye care providers, doctors of optometry examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eyes and associated structures as well as diagnose related systemic conditions.
Optometrists examine the internal and external structure of the eyes to diagnose eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts and retinal disorders; systemic diseases like hypertension and diabetes; and vision conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia. They also determine the patient's ability to focus and coordinate the eyes, to judge depth and to see color accurately.
They prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses, low vision aids, vision therapy and medications to treat eye diseases as well as perform certain surgical procedures.
Optometrists work in private practices, multidisciplinary medical practices, hospitals, teaching institutions, research positions, community health centers and the ophthalmic industry. Optometrists can also build successful careers in the military, public health or government service.
There is a need for optometrists in all types of practice, particularly in the areas of pediatric and gerontological optometry. Practice opportunities exist throughout the U.S. with a particular need in rural areas.
Optometrists are required to complete a four-year post-graduate degree program to earn their doctor of optometry (O.D.) titles. The program includes classroom and clinical training in geometric, physical, physiological and ophthalmic optics, ocular anatomy, ocular disease, ocular pharmacology, neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of the vision system, color, form, space, movement and vision perception, design and modification of the visual environment, and vision performance and vision screening.
Unique to the educational requirements for optometrists is the advanced study of optics, the science of light and vision, and extensive training in lens design, construction, application and fitting.
Since optometrists are members of the primary health care team, optometric education also includes a thorough study of human anatomy, general pharmacology, general pathology, sensory and perceptual psychology, biochemistry and epidemiology.
After graduation from an accredited school or college of optometry, optometrists must successfully complete a state board examination to become licensed to practice in a particular state.
With full deliberation I freely and solemnly pledge that:
- I will practice the art and science of optometry faithfully and conscientiously, and to the fullest scope of my competence.
- I will uphold and honorably promote by example and action the highest standards, ethics and ideals of my chosen profession and the honor of the degree, Doctor of Optometry, which has been granted me.
- I will provide professional care for those who seek my services, with concern, with compassion and with due regard for their human rights and dignity.
- I will place the treatment of those who seek my care above personal gain and strive to see that none shall lack for proper care.
- I will hold as privileged and inviolable all information entrusted to me in confidence by my patients.
- I will advise my patients fully and honestly of all which may serve to restore, maintain or enhance their vision and general health.
- I will strive continuously to broaden my knowledge and skills so that my patients may benefit from all new and efficacious means to enhance the care of human vision.
- I will share information cordially and unselfishly with my fellow optometrists and other professionals for the benefit of patients and the advancement of human knowledge and welfare.
- I will do my utmost to serve my community, my country and humankind as a citizen as well as an optometrist.
I hereby commit myself to be steadfast in the performance of this my solemn oath and obligation.
Visit ASCO's Website at: www.opted.org and
read the "True Stories" about Optometry
“Today I returned the joy of bird watching to a homebound senior.”
“Today I helped save the life of a young mother.”
“Today I gave a hockey player another shot at the Stanley Cup.”
“Today I showed a baby a world full of small wonders.”
“Today I shortened a wounded warrior’s road to recovery.”
“Today I made sure a working man would keep working.”
“Today I kept a survivor’s hope from dimming.”
