How to Start Your Optometry Career: Training, Licensure, and Growth

Optometrists play a vital role in diagnosing, managing, and treating eye conditions. As primary eye care providers, they perform vision tests, prescribe corrective lenses, detect diseases like glaucoma and diabetes-related complications, and improve overall visual health. But what does it take to become one?

This comprehensive guide will walk you through every stage—from prerequisites and optometry school to licensing, specializations, and how internships (including international ones) can fast-track your success.

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What Is an Optometrist?

An optometrist (OD) is a healthcare professional trained to:

Perform comprehensive eye exams
Diagnose and treat vision disorders
Prescribe corrective lenses
Detect systemic health issues like hypertension and diabetes through eye screenings

Optometrists differ from:

Ophthalmologists, who are medical doctors performing eye surgeries and managing complex conditions
Opticians, who fit eyeglasses and lenses but do not diagnose or treat eye issues

Why Are Optometrists Important?

Vision is essential to daily life—from driving and reading to identifying signs of chronic illness. Optometrists not only improve quality of life but also serve as frontline detectors for conditions like diabetes and hypertension. With the aging population, demand for optometrists is steadily increasing.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field is projected to grow by 4–5% through 2032, and the average annual salary for optometrists in 2025 is estimated at $130,000.

How to Become an Optometrist: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Complete a Bachelor’s Degree

Most optometry schools require applicants to complete a four-year undergraduate degree, typically in:

Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Health Sciences

It’s crucial to complete prerequisite coursework—each school has slightly different requirements, which are listed on their admissions pages.

Step 2: Take the OAT (Optometry Admission Test)

Administered by the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry, the OAT assesses:

Natural sciences
Physics
Quantitative reasoning
Reading comprehension

Most applicants take the OAT after 2–3 years of undergraduate coursework. You must wait 90 days between attempts.

Step 3: Apply to and Complete Optometry School (4 Years)

Doctor of Optometry (OD) programs typically include:

Two years of foundational science coursework (anatomy, optics, pathology, pharmacology)
Two years of clinical rotations under licensed optometrists

Admissions are competitive, favoring high GPAs, strong OAT scores, and relevant clinical experience.

Step 4: Pass the NBEO Exams and Get Licensed

Licensure requires passing all three parts of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO):

Basic science and ocular physiology
Diagnosis and management of ocular diseases
Clinical patient care exam (hands-on)

Some states also require a jurisprudence exam on medical law and ethics.

Step 5: Consider a One-Year Residency

Although not required, residencies offer further training in subspecialties such as:

Pediatric Optometry
Geriatric Eye Care
Low Vision Rehabilitation
Ocular Disease

This additional training enhances job opportunities, especially in hospitals and academic settings.

Step 6: Pursue Board Certification (Optional)

For optometrists looking to demonstrate expertise beyond licensure, board certification from the American Board of Optometry (ABO) is available. This process involves periodic exams and continuing education.

Top Skills Every Optometrist Should Have

Communication:

Explain diagnoses and treatment plans clearly

Empathy:

Understand patient concerns and fears

Attention to detail:

Detect subtle signs of disease or injury

Critical thinking:

Determine the best course of care based on symptoms

Teamwork:

Coordinate with nurses, ophthalmologists, and other specialists

Costs and Financial Planning for Optometry School

In 2025, total costs for an OD degree ranged from $80,000 to over $250,000, including tuition, fees, supplies, and living expenses. Fortunately, scholarships, grants, and loan forgiveness programs are increasingly available, especially for those who serve in underserved communities.

Boosting Your Application with Clinical Experience

Most optometry schools strongly prefer applicants with direct patient care experience. One of the most effective ways to gain this is through internships and clinical shadowing, ideally in diverse healthcare settings.

Pre-Optometry Internships Abroad: A Competitive Edge

Programs like Go Elective’s pre-optometry internships in Kenya and Tanzania offer unmatched exposure for students seeking global health experience.

Interns:

Shadow experienced optometrists in busy outpatient clinics
Conduct visual acuity tests and assist in screenings
Participate in eye health education in underserved communities
Learn to practice with limited resources—sharpening diagnostic skills and adaptability

These internships satisfy direct patient care hour requirements and help students build standout personal statements for optometry school applications.

Top Career Paths After Optometry School

Optometrists can work in various settings, including:

Private practice
Group clinics or hospitals
Government health programs
Nonprofit eye health initiatives
Academic or research institutions

Subspecialties Include:

Pediatric Optometry
Sports Vision
Low Vision Rehabilitation
Neuro-Optometry
Contact Lens Specialist

Start Your Journey with Go Elective

At Go Elective, we empower pre-health students—including aspiring optometrists—with meaningful, hands-on global health internships. Our programs in East Africa offer:

Safe, mentored clinical placements
Cultural immersion experiences
Verified clinical hour documentation
A powerful addition to your optometry school application

Whether you’re in undergrad or preparing for your OAT, our immersive pre-optometry internships are designed to help you succeed in competitive admissions and beyond.

Ready to see the world and shape your future in optometry? Apply today to secure your spot in an upcoming pre-optometry internship.