Your guide to know everything you need about studying Optometry

An Optometry degree is a higher education program that trains you to become an eye-care professional who can consult patients, perform eye tests, and prescribe medication and corrective eyeglasses. Not to be confused with Ophthalmology.

There are several specializations or areas of focus that Optometrists can pursue, depending on the type of patients or the challenges they treat. The most common specializations in Optometry include Paediatric Optometry, Geriatric Optometry, Contact Lens and Cornea, Low Vision Rehabilitation, and Sports Vision.

During an Optometry degree, you’ll learn a range of skills to excel in this profession. You’ll learn about the structure and function of the eye, get clinical practice, learn about the use of drugs and medications in the treatment of various eye conditions, and gain knowledge on the business and management aspects of optometric practice

Here are some common courses in Optometry:

1. Ocular Anatomy and Physiology: This course teaches you about the different parts of the eye such as the cornea, lens, retina, and optic nerve.
2. Optics and Refraction: This course teaches you about the principles of light, optics, and refraction as they relate to the eye.
3. Contact Lenses Practice: This course is needed to know how to fit contact lenses.
4. Paediatric Optometry: This course has a focus on children’s eyes and vision problems.
5. Low Vision: This course teaches about impaired vision that cannot be corrected by glasses or surgery.

An Optometry degree is valuable because it allows you to have a stable medical practice, keeps regular business hours, and requires fewer years of study than a medical degree. This degree allows you to have a rewarding professional life.

The main Optometry degree requirement is a solid foundation in scientific subjects. Apart from that, an ability for clinical skills is also very important because you will do consults and will need confidence and precision. Finally, Optometry also requires empathy and communication skills to interact with patients successfully.