What Do They Do?
What Do They Do?
Optometrists, also known as Doctors of Optometry, are vision care professionals who diagnose vision problems, test eye function, and prescribe corrective lenses or treatments like vision therapy. They provide pre and post operative care for eye surgeries, test for glaucoma and other eye diseases, and diagnose conditions related to systemic diseases like diabetes, referring patients to specialists when necessary.
Where Do They Work?
Where Do They Work?
The majority of optometrists are in general practice and work in private offices, sometimes solo or with partners. Other optometrists work at hospitals, outpatient clinics, retail stores, or eye care centers.
How Much Do They Earn?
How Much Do They Earn?
Annual median salary: $162,240
Entry-level salary: $99,572
For More Information:
New York State Department of Labor Searchable Wage Database: https://dol.ny.gov/occupational-wages-0
Supply and Demand
Supply and Demand
Optometrists are expected to grow statewide by 19% between 2022 and 2032, with 154 average annual openings.
For More Information:
New York State Department of Labor Employment Projections: https://dol.ny.gov/employment-projections
Educational Requirements
Educational Requirements
Optometrists must earn a Doctor of Optometry degree, which involves a 4 year program at an accredited optometry school, preceded by at least three years of pre-optometric study in subjects like biology, chemistry, and physics. The program includes classroom, lab work, and clinical training in diagnosing and treating eye disorders, covering topics like pharmacology, optics, and systemic diseases. Admission is competitive, with most applicants majoring in sciences, and requiring the Optometry Admission Test. Postgraduate residency is available for specializations like glaucoma, pediatric, geriatric, or neuro-optometry.
For More Information:
Accreditation Council on Optometric Education: https://theacoe.org/resources-and-directories-of-programs?sso=y#Degree
Licensure Requirements
Licensure Requirements
To be licensed in New York State, optometrists must complete a professional program in optometry registered by the New York State Department of Education and accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education and pass a licensure exam administered by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry. An additional test is required if the optometrist is seeking to use therapeutic medication.
For More Information:
New York State Education Department: https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/optometry/license-requirements
National Board of Examiners in Optometry: https://nbeo.optometry.org/
Financial Support
Financial Support
Financial support can come from various federal, state, and private sources. Contact your college or university to learn about the financial aid options they offer, as well as other potential sources of funding that may be available.
For More Information:
American Optometric Association: https://www.aoa.org/education/studying-optometry/financial-aid?sso=y
Education Programs
Education Programs
| Institution | Degree | City/Town | Region | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
SUNY Collge of Optometry | OD | New York City | New York City | Visit |