How to Be Optometrist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 12, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The effects of not having regular eye exams can be serious. When an individual does not have their eyes checked by an optometrist on a regular basis, they are at risk of developing vision problems that can lead to permanent damage. This could include conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.

if left untreated, these conditions can worsen over time and often become irreversible. It is important for individuals to stay on top of their eye health by scheduling routine appointments with an optometrist. With regular exams, optometrists can detect and diagnose these conditions early, allowing for the most effective treatment plan and the best chance of preserving vision.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelors Degree. The first step to becoming an optometrist is to earn a bachelors degree in a field related to the medical sciences, such as biology, chemistry, or a pre-optometry program. A pre-optometry program usually includes a variety of courses in biology, chemistry, psychology, physics, mathematics and other sciences.
Take the Optometry Admission Test (OAT). After completing a bachelors degree, youll need to take and pass the Optometry Admission Test (OAT). This is a standardized test designed to measure academic aptitude for optometry school.
Attend Optometry School. After taking and passing the OAT, youll need to attend an accredited optometry school. Most optometry schools require two or three years of study before you can become an optometrist. During optometry school, youll learn about the anatomy of the eye, optical physics, and clinical skills such as diagnosing eye diseases.
Pass Licensing Exams. Once youve graduated from optometry school, youll need to pass a licensing exam in order to practice as an optometrist. The National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) administers the licensing exams. The NBEO offers three different exams: the Basic and Clinical Science Examination (BCSC), the Clinical Skills Examination (CSE), and the Patient Assessment and Management Examination (PAME).
Complete Residency Program. After passing the licensing exams, many optometrists choose to complete a residency program in order to gain additional experience and specialize in a certain area of optometry. Residency programs typically last one or two years.
Get Licensed. After completing all of the steps above, youll be ready to apply for licensure from your states board of optometry. Each state has its own set of requirements for licensure, so its important to research the requirements before applying.

Optometrists must stay up-to-date and qualified in order to provide the best care for their patients. To do this, they must take continuing education courses and attend conferences, read journals and books, and attend professional workshops. They must also stay engaged in the profession through networking with colleagues and engaging in professional organizations.

Doing so allows optometrists to learn about new treatments, technologies, and best practices, as well as to stay abreast of changes in the industry. By staying up-to-date and qualified, optometrists are better able to provide the best care for their patients, enabling them to diagnose and treat eye conditions more quickly and accurately.

You may want to check Ophthalmic Nurse, Glaucoma Specialist, and Refractionist for alternative.

Job Description

Perform eye examinations to diagnose vision problems and determine a patient's eyeglass or contact lens prescription
Educate patients on proper contact lens care and advise on different types of lenses
Prescribe medications to treat eye diseases, such as glaucoma or conjunctivitis
Fit and dispense eyeglasses and contact lenses
Monitor the development of a patient's eyesight and health over time
Provide vision therapy and low-vision rehabilitation
Refer patients to other medical professionals for further treatment, if needed
Counsel patients on proper nutrition and lifestyle for optimal eye health
Manage and maintain patient records
Stay up-to-date on new technologies and treatment options

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the eye
Knowledge of ocular disease and related management
Ability to perform accurate visual acuity assessments
Ability to perform refraction assessments
Knowledge of contact lenses and their use
Ability to diagnose and treat eye diseases
Knowledge of optometric equipment and its operation
Ability to interpret test results and make recommendations
Ability to provide patient counseling on eye health
Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team
Strong interpersonal skills and customer service orientation
Skilled in record keeping, documentation and reporting
Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations and professional standards
Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
Ability to work with computer applications, such as electronic health records (EHR)

Good communication skills are vital for any optometrist to be successful. Optometrists must be able to explain complex concepts in a way that is easy to understand and they must also be able to listen carefully to their patients in order to identify any problems they might have. Good interpersonal skills are also essential, as optometrists must be able to build relationships with their patients and offer support when necessary.

Furthermore, an optometrist must possess a strong knowledge of the eye and its biology, so that they can diagnose and treat any eye problems accurately. Finally, attention to detail is key, as optometrists must be able to accurately administer tests, interpret results, and provide appropriate treatments. All of these skills are essential for any optometrist to be successful, as they must be able to provide the highest standard of care for their patients.

Ocularist, Ophthalmic Medical Technician, and Laser Technician are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working as an optometrist?
What specific skills or qualities make you an excellent optometrist?
How would you handle a challenging patient?
How did you stay informed of the latest developments and trends in the field of optometry?
What methods do you use to keep up with the latest standards and regulations in the field of optometry?
What techniques do you use to diagnose eye problems and prescribe corrective lenses?
Describe your experience in fitting contact lenses.
What do you think sets you apart from other optometrists?
How do you explain treatment to patients?
Describe a time when you had to think on your feet to solve a problem in the office.

Common Tools in Industry

Optometry Software. Software used to manage patient records, billing, scheduling, and other administrative tasks. (eg: Eyecare Plus)
Visual Acuity Chart. Chart used to measure a patient's vision ability. (eg: Snellen Chart)
Retinoscope. Handheld device used to examine the eyes for refractive errors. (eg: Welch Allyn Retinoscope)
Trial Frame. Device used to present a patient with different lenses in order to test their vision. (eg: Reichert Trial Frame)
Ophthalmoscope. Handheld device used to examine the interior of the eye. (eg: Welch Allyn Ophthalmoscope)
Tonometer. Device used to measure the pressure inside the eye. (eg: Reichert Tonometer)
Visual Field Analyzer. Device used to measure a person's peripheral vision. (eg: Zeiss Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer)
Lensometer. Device used to measure the power of a lens. (eg: Marco Lensometer)
Phoropter. Device used to measure a patient's refractive error and identify the best corrective lenses for them. (eg: Topcon Phoropter)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Optometric Association
National Optometric Association
British College of Optometrists
European Academy of Optometry & Optics
Asia Pacific Optometric Association
Canadian Association of Optometrists
World Council of Optometry
Ophthalmic Mutual Insurance Company
Ophthalmology Research Foundation
Contact Lens Society of America

We also have Visual Field Technologist, Optician, and Ophthalmic Photographer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Ophthalmology. The branch of medicine and surgery concerned with the structure, functions, diseases, and abnormalities of the eye.
Visual Acuity. The ability to see clearly, usually measured by the size of a letter or symbol that can be seen from a certain distance.
Ocular Disease. Any illness or disorder affecting the eye or its structures.
Refraction Test. A test to measure how much a person's vision is affected by an eye defect, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness.
Prescription Eyeglasses. Glasses prescribed by an optometrist to correct vision problems.
Contact Lenses. Small lenses placed directly on the eye to correct vision problems.
Vision Therapy. Treatment to help improve vision problems, such as eye tracking and focusing.
Low Vision Devices. Devices used to help people with decreased vision make the most of their remaining vision, such as magnifying glasses and electronic conversion systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an Optometrist do?

An Optometrist is a healthcare professional who specializes in vision care. They provide routine vision exams, diagnose and treat vision problems, and prescribe glasses and contact lenses.

How often should people get their eyes checked?

It is recommended that adults have an eye exam every two years, or more frequently if they have a vision problem or risk factors for eye disease. People over the age of 65 should get their eyes checked every year.

What kind of tests are done during an eye exam?

During an eye exam, the Optometrist will test your vision, check the health of your eyes, and measure your eyeglass prescription. Tests may include a vision test, refraction, tonometry, slit-lamp examination, and fundus examination.

How much does an eye exam cost?

The cost of an eye exam varies depending on the services provided. A comprehensive eye exam can range from $50 to $200 or more. Many health insurance plans cover all or part of the cost of an eye exam.

What is the scope of practice for Optometrists?

The scope of practice for Optometrists varies by state. Generally, they are authorized to diagnose, treat, and manage ocular diseases, prescribe medications and corrective lenses, and perform certain vision therapy and surgical procedures.