Education · 1 of 5
The path
Undergraduate study, then a four-year clinical doctorate. No residency is required, which is why this route is shorter than medicine.
- 1
High school
Grades 11 and 12
Biology, chemistry, physics and calculus. Physics matters more here than in most health careers because optics is the whole foundation.
- 2
Undergraduate study
3 to 4 years
At least three years of college covering biology, chemistry, physics, math and English, and in practice almost everyone finishes a bachelor's degree first.
- 3
Optometry admission test
A few months of study
A standardized exam covering the sciences, reading and physics. Taken in your third or fourth year of college.
- 4
Doctor of optometry
4 years
Four years at one of the 25 schools and colleges of optometry in the United States. Classroom science first, then clinic rotations with real patients.
- 5
National board examinations and state license
Across the final two years
Three parts covering basic science, patient management and live clinical skills, then apply to your state board for a license.