OPTOMETRIST
Optometrists (doctors of
optometry) examine people's eyes to diagnose vision problems and eye diseases.
They use instruments and observation to examine eye health and to test
patients' visual acuity, depth and color perception and their ability to
focus and coordinate the eyes. Optometrists prescribe eyeglasses and contact
lenses and provide vision therapy and low vision rehabilitation. They prescribe
drugs to treat some eye diseases. Optometrists often provide pre- and post-operative
care to cataract and other surgery patients. They also diagnose conditions
due to systemic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure and refer
patients to other health practitioners as needed. Optometrists should not
be confused with ophthalmologists, physicians who examine eyes, prescribe
corrective lenses, perform eye surgery and diagnose and treat eye diseases
and injuries.
Education
The Doctor of Optometry degree
requires completion of a four-year program at an accredited optometry school
preceded by at least three years of pre-optometric study at an accredited
college or university (most optometry students hold a bachelors degree).
There are 17 accredited school and colleges in the United States. Kentucky
students can attend optometry school on state contracts with the University
of Alabama in Birmingham, the School of Optometry at Indiana University
or the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis.
Registration/Certification/Licensure
All states require that optometrists
be licensed. Applicants for a license must have a Doctor of Optometry degree
from an accredited optometry school and pass both a written and a clinical
state board examination.
Optometrists are regulated
by the Kentucky Board of Optometric Examiners.
Salary
$55,000-100,000
Employment Opportunities
Although many optometrists practice
alone, a growing number are in a partnership or group practice. Some optometrists
work as salaried employees of other optometrists or ophthalmologists, hospitals,
health maintenance organizations, retail optical stores, teaching institutions,
research and the military. A few optometrists are consultants for industrial
safety programs, insurance companies, manufacturers of ophthalmic products
and health maintenance organizations.
Programs
No programs are offered in Kentucky.
However, contract agreements with the following schools assist with tuition
for Kentucky residents:
Professional Associations
Last updated: June 25, 2001