If you care about people and their vision, and want an exciting career where you can make a difference in the lives of those you help, you may want to go to optometry school.

To become a Doctor of Optometry, you must attend one of the 16 accredited schools of optometry in the United States. Because the field is so popular and competition to get into the schools is tough, most of the schools expect students to have an undergraduate degree in order to apply, such as biology, chemistry, human anatomy and physiology, social science, English, or microbiology. Potential students also need to already have some knowledge about the field and take what is known as the Optometry Aptitude Test (OAT).

There are several degrees in optometry one can go for, including Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree, Associate of Science in Optometric Technology/Opticianry (A.S.). One can also earn a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy (M.S., Ph.D.) degree, which is meant mainly for those who wish to go into researching and teaching the field of vision. Some optometry schools will offer several bachelor courses for those who have entered the Doctor of Optometry program without first having completed a bachelor degree, such as a Bachelor of Science in Optometry (B.S.).

Courses involved in earning an optometry degree are varied, depending on the level of degree you are pursuing. Some examples of courses include office procedures, ophthalmic procedures, contact lens methods and procedures, lens finishing, through to basic introductions to vision science, refractive anomalies, retinal imaging, ocular surfaces, diseases of the eye and surgery.

Because graduates are in such demand, most optometry schools will have some form of employment placement program to help graduates find a work. Financial aid is usually available and many have robust student service and alumni programs available.