Why Become An Optometrist?

“Can you read the line five?”
“No.”
“How about line four?”
“A. Y. E. J. K.”
“Great.”
“Is option one better or is two?”
“One.”
“Great.”
This scenario is unfolded many times daily in optometrists offices across the country. Being an optometrist is an important job. If one is interested in becoming an optometrist they must look at how to become prepared, abilities and personalities needed to be an optometrist, education to become an optometrist, job outlook, environment, schedule, duties, and and salary.
There are many ways to become prepared to be an optometrist. According to COPSystem Comprehensive Career Guide joining speech or cultural awareness clubs is a great way to get experience. Volunteering at an optometrist practice, hospital,
According to COPSystem Comprehensive Career Guide an optometrist should be about their patients and their needs. An optometrists should be able to gain trust in their patients. They should be able to handle their patients in stressful environments. One should be able to tell patients instructions they need to follow. An optometrist must be able to make decisions on their own quickly especially in an emergency settings. Being able to read charts and reference materials is a must for optometrists. Being patient with the patients that don't follow directions or listen well is very important. Understanding government programs is also vital for optometrists (“Service, Professional.”
A student can major in pre-optometry, pre-medicine, or biology for their bachelors degree. According to the Occupation Outlook Handbook it takes three to four years to obtain a bachelors degree. According to the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry, after they have gotten my bachelors degree, they have to take the the Optometry Admission Test (OAT). It is a standardized test that measures general academic ability and comprehension of scientific information. Then one can apply for optometry schools. Optometry schools look for students that not only are good students but who have leadership ability, a disposition to serve others, and a work ethic characterized by dedication and persistence. According to Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry there are, 20 accredited schools in the United States. This are in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Arizona, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, Florida, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, California, Tennessee, New York, Alabama, California, Missouri, Texas, and Puerto Rico. After being accepted, one will have 4 more years of college. Someone can expect to pay $21,556 to $51,420 a year (“Frequently Asked Questions”). After graduating from optometry school, they have the choice to complete one year of residency. According to the Occupation Outlook Handbook all fifty states and the District of Columbia require Doctors of Optometry to take a licensing test and to