Should I be an optometrist?

Are you "eyeing" a career in optometry?

Photo by CDC on Unsplash

Optometrists can make a huge impact on a person's vision health and care. Knowing the ins and out of this career will help you make the best call.

Here are some qualities and main tasks of an optometrist:

Qualities

• excellent communication skills

• improve people's quality of life

• love of science and technology

• ability to ease patient's nerves

• high level of concentration

• performing repetitive tasks

• growth mindset

• highly organized

Main Tasks

• perform and analyze comprehensive eye and vision tests

• identify sight problems

• prescribe corrective lenses and eyeglasses

• advise patients on proper eye care techniques

• refer to an ophthalmologist when needed

• provide personalized temporary and permanent solutions to sight issues

Check out this video from www.careeronestop.org that gives a visual insight into the tasks technology optometrists use on a daily basis.

What steps do you need to take to become an optometrist?

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• Complete a 3-4 year bachelor's degree. Ensure to take courses in biology, chemistry, physics, English, and math.

• Complete a 4-year Doctor of Optometry program.

• Pass the National Board of Examiners in Optometry exam.

• Get licensed to practice in a state or province .

Check out these websites for more information on how to become an optometrist in the United States and in Canada.

Here are some statistics about salary and the future of optometry for the United States and Canada.

Salary range in the United States:

$61,590- $192,390; Median $124,000

Annual projected job openings:

1700

Employment prospects by 2030:

43, 300- 47, 200

Salary range in Canada:

$24,746.00- $167,858.00; Median $86, 115

Annual projected job openings:

1700

Employment prospects by 2030:

43,000

Crystal

Photo by Christopher Campbell on Unsplash

Crystal is near the end of her second year of university. She hasn't declared her major yet but has taken many English, math, and science courses and performed well in all of them.

She's currently volunteering at the local Optimist Club. She finds joy in contributing to the organization and can visualize herself helping youth with vision impairments.

David

Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

David has a passion for eyewear. He holds a bachelor's degree in culinary arts. While in high school, he had an average performance in English, math, and science. He only took the required courses in those subject areas while in university.

He doesn't enjoy being in school or interacting with different people. After being a food critic for two years, he has come to enjoy working alone.

Photo by nrd on Unsplash

Are you ready to "see" your way to a career in optometry?