TRAITS

for Success

well-developed visual skills

attentive listener

leadership skills

good communication skills

outgoing personality

roviding primary eye and vision care, optometrists diagnose and
treat vision problems by conducting comprehensive examinations
of the internal and external structure of the eyes.  Also called Doctors of
Optometry, they determine the appropriate prescription for best vision,
and examine for vision problems as well as signs of diseases such as
cataracts and glaucoma.  They often improve eyesight by prescribing
contacts, glasses, medications, vision therapy, or low-vision rehabilitation.
Optometrists are licensed in all states to medically treat eye diseases. 
Optometrists are usually self-employed and therefore must understand how
to manage and operate a business.  Georgia and many southeastern states

are in critical need of optometrists.

 
Average Starting Salary $80,000
 
Work Environment
Education
Federal service
Health maintenance organizations
Hospital-based clinics
Private practice
Indian Health Service
Military
Public health
Research
Retail eye care centers
 
Academic Requirements
A college preparatory diploma is
recommended.  The minimum requirement
for application to a school of optometry
is three years or 90 hours of pre-optometric
study, however most schools highly recommend
a bachelor's degree or four or more years of
pre-optometric study.  Schools vary in
entry requirements, but all students must
pass the Optometry Admission Test prior
to entering a school of optometry.  A
four-year professional degree program leads
to a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.).  A
recommended residency or post-doctoral
training lasts one year.
 
Licensure, Certification and
Registration
Licensure is required in Georgia
through the Georgia State Board of
Optometry.  Written and clinical
exams given by the National Board of
Examiners in Optometry must be
passed to obtain a license.
 
 
 
Professional Organizations
American Optometric Association
  and the Accreditation Council on
  Optometric Education
(800) 365-2219
www.aoa.org
 
Association of Schools and
   Colleges of Optometry
(301) 231-5944
www.opted.org
 
Georgia State Board of Optometry
(478) 207-2440
www.sos.state.ga.us/plb/optometry
 
National Board of Examiners
  in Optometry
(800) 969-3926
www.optometry.org
 
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Georgia does not have an educational Florida
program in Optometry NOVA Southeastern University
  www.optometry.nova.edu
Alabama  
University of Alabama at Birmingham Tennessee
www.uab.edu Southern College of Optometry
  www.sco.edu
 
Table of Contents

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