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Optometrist: the path

Diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system. Examine eyes and visual system, diagnose problems or impairments, prescribe corrective lenses, and provide treatment. May prescribe therapeutic drugs to treat specific eye conditions. Description from O*NET

Also called: Optometrist, Optometry Doctor (OD), Therapeutic Optometrist

Typical pay$136,570Median yearly pay, BLS 2025
Job outlook+9.5% jobsProjected change, 2025–35. All jobs: +3.5%.
Time after high schoolAbout 8 yearsTypical full-time study and training
  1. Step 1Bachelor’s degree4 years, with science prerequisites
  2. Step 2OAT examOptometry school entrance test
  3. Step 3Doctor of Optometry (OD)4 years
  4. Step 4National exams and state license

Typical education to start: Doctoral or professional degree · More on the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

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Colleges for this path

Related majors: Biology, General · Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology · Chemistry

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1,355 colleges match

College Scorecard, 2024 data. Earnings are the median for graduates of the related majors, 4 years after graduating. All figures are estimates.

Best value = earnings ÷ (net price × years of study). Net prices under $1,000 count as $1,000.

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