Doctors of Optometry examine, diagnose, treat and manage eye diseases and conditions. An optometrist, in many circumstances, prescribes, prescribes and administers drugs for these diagnostic and treatment purposes. Traditionally, O.D.s prescribe eyeglasses, contact lenses, vision therapy and low-vision aids. An optometrist may also specialize in working with children, the elderly or partial-sighted patients. Almost all optometrists maintain their own private practices and set their own hours.
Other sources of employment for an optometrist are in the health maintenance organizations, multidisciplinary practices, commercial optical facilities and even the military.
Optometry school typically takes four years. To practice in Texas, optometrists must pass a state licensing exam and hold a Doctor of Optometry degree from an optometric program accredited by the American Optometric Association's Council on Optometric Education.
Related career fields: optician, optometric assistant, optometric technician, ophthalmologist (physician), ophthalmic assistant and ophthalmic technologist.
Expected January, August 2025
College of Sciences and Mathematics
Miller Science Building, Suite 127,
NACOGDOCHES,
Texas,
75962, United States
To apply for admission to an optometry school in Texas, you’ll need to:
Earn a bachelor’s degree
Take the Optometry Admissions Test
You must score at least a 79 on the TOEFL, 6.5 on the IELTS, or 53 on the PTE.
Application Deadlines: Application deadline for fall semester: June 1; Application deadline for spring semester: October 1
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.