Have you ever thought that you would like to be an optometrist? If so, Today we are going to talk to you about what you should study to develop the career of your dreams. This professional is the one in charge of examining the eyes and also each of the parts of the visual system of people.
In addition, he is also the professional in charge of diagnosing visual problems and the appropriate treatments in each specific case. It will monitor for possible visual illnesses, injuries, or vision problems. ¿Do you want to know more about how to become an optometrist? So don't miss a thing!
What do they do?
Before knowing what you should study to be an optometrist, it is important that you take into account what these professionals do in their day-to-day life. Although we have given you some brushstrokes above, below we are going to explain in more detail what are the most common duties of these professionals:
- Perform tests with what has to do with the eyes and analyze the results
- Diagnose vision problems or diseases
- Prescribe glasses or other visual aids
- Perform minor surgical procedures
- Provide pre and postoperative care in eye surgery
- Give treatments such as vision therapy or vision rehabilitation
- Conduct medical evaluations
- Counseling to improve eye health
Normally, These professionals offer personalized attention to people in clinical centers, Although it will depend on your tastes that you dedicate yourself only to adults or to children and adolescents or to all ages.
But in addition to all this, an optometrist can also become a university professor with his corresponding degree or with scientific research carried out. Although in reality, most of these professionals choose to open their own business, an eye clinic being freelancers and heads of their work. In this sense you could:
- Have your own clinical center
- Work in medical centers
- Work in health stores
- Work on your own
- Work for the government
What do you need?
If you want to be an optometrist, it is important that you know that you must meet some requirements in order to be one. First of all, you will have to be a patient and detailed person with everything you do. Think that your work has to do with one of the most important and sensitive organs of the human body. You must have a good pulse and be precise in all your movements.
In addition to this, you must also have a "gift of people" and know how to communicate with others. Speak in such a way that everything you want to convey to the people in front of you is understood, with an appropriate vocabulary so that anyone understands what you are saying. And of course, you must have a lot of desire to help people.
Studies you need
In addition to the above, it is important that you know what you have to study. In our country, optometrists are normally doctors who study this specialty, although in other parts of the world, such as the United States, You can study this career directly from the university.
Also, if you study vision sciences, then you can do a postgraduate degree in optometry. Although to be able to take any of the comments, you must have the compulsory studies established (branch of science) to be able to take the higher studies mentioned.
Each university has its own requirements and you should know what are the requirements that are required in your specific case to be able to study the postgraduate degree. You should also get in touch with different institutions (the university can give you the information you need depending on the country you are in), to find out if you need to get any special certifications.
What do you have to do to be an optimetrist
Next we are going to give you some keys that you need to know to become an optometrist and that you can develop this profession that you like so much:
- Earn a college degree in medicine or health sciences
- Get a doctorate or graduate degree
- Take the Optometry exam
- Obtain your license following the regulations of your country
If you already have thought that this is the path you want to follow, then do not hesitate and get going. Call your university to find out what are the requirements you need and get to work to get a good future through this profession that you are passionate about. Being an optometrist may be the best decision you have ever made if you have a vocation for it!