"" (p. 1).
Where Do Doctors of Optometry Work and .
What Are the Working Conditions?.
Optometrists can practice in a wide variety of places. The Pennsylvania College of Optometry (2001) presents several options:.
Private practice.
Group practice.
Private industry.
Public health services.
Armed forces.
Community health centers.
Health maintenance organizations (p. 1).
Many optometrists prefer private practice. This is probably because of the quiet, comfortable and sterile working environment. However, many practice in other environments such as the ones described above. These could include a wide range of hospitals, clinics, and even retail vision stores, such as the Wal-Mart vision center. Wherever there are eyes, optometrists are needed. .
Optometrists have relatively pleasant working conditions compared to other doctors. They usually work normal office hours, aren't on-call and have very few emergencies. The Pennsylvania College of Optometry (2001) sums the working conditions up nicely, "Optometry is one of the top ten income-earning professions in the country today- a profession offering you regular hours, flexibility in the type of practice, and a myriad choices in geographic location."".
What Schooling/Training Do .
Doctors of Optometry Need?.
Although undergraduate students do not need to major in pre-optometry or other science majors to gain admission to optometry school, a strong science background is helpful when taking the admissions tests. (California 1) While completing courses in biology, mathematics, psychology, chemistry, physics and English, students should apply for optometry school and take the Optometry Admissions Test (OAT). .
In respect to the application, schools are looking for students who demonstrate high academic aptitude, have scored well on the OAT test and hold a Bachelor's degree or higher (although a degree is not required). It is worth noting that most students who are accepted to optometry school do hold a Bachelor's degree.