Optometric physicians, also known as optometrists, need a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree in order to practice. In order to be accepted into a program to become an optometric physician, you first need to graduate high school and attend an undergraduate institution. When you are close to completing your bachelor's degree you can begin to apply for programs, which entail four years of full-time study plus one year of postgraduate study, if you wish to specialize in a particular area of optometry. After you have finished your education you can take the necessary examinations for licensure, if they are required in your area. At this point you can apply for positions with established optometry offices, work in a hospital, or establish your own practice to become an optometric physician.
The first step to become an optometric physician is graduate high school and attend a four-year undergraduate institution. Since the OD program requires certain courses as prerequisites, particularly in the sciences, many students choose to major in an area such as chemistry or biology. Other majors are acceptable as well, including subjects such as English, the humanities, and psychology, depending on your interests. Once you have completed at least your third year of your undergraduate studies, you can begin to apply to programs that offer a OD to become an optometric physician. These programs are competitive, so it is important to maintain a good Grade Point Average (GPA) while finishing your undergraduate degree, and to take part in volunteer and extracurricular activities.
A OD program generally takes four years of full-time study to complete, and includes courses in the sciences, health studies, and a laboratory, where hands-on work is completed. Particular emphasis is placed on the study of the diagnosis and treatment of eye problems due to the nature of the job. Upon completion of the degree, you can continue your education to complete postgraduate study in a specialization such as family practice, pediatric optometry, or vision therapy. You will also need to take any required examinations for licensure in the jurisdiction where you live. To find out the exact requirements, contact your local government's health department.
After you have obtained licensure, you can begin applying for jobs with various facilities who offer optometry services. There are many places that will hire an individual to become an optometric physician, including hospitals, clinics, and government agencies. Another alternative is to begin your own practice, which requires that you do marketing to attract and retain clients.