What is an Optometrist?
- What is an Optometrist?
- What Training does an Optometrist Complete?
- What is the Difference between an Optometrist (O.D.) and an Ophthalmologist (M.D. or D.O.)?
• A 4-year doctor of optometry (O.D.) degree from an accredited college of optometry.
• A 1-2 year residency and/or fellowship is available for eye doctors. Many choose to complete residencies to expand their clinical knowledge. Eye doctors can specialize in areas such as ocular disease, pediatrics, and low vision.
• Licensing by both the American Board of Optometry and the state in which they practice.
• Required yearly continuing education to make sure eye doctors are current and up-to-date on the most recent treatments and techniques in eye health care.
Ophthalmologists complete 4 years of general medical school and then begin their eye-related training through a 3 year residency program. They can also choose to specialize in areas such as surgery or retina, which requires additional specialty training.