Optometry: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries

Program Overview

Optometry is a specialized health science discipline dedicated to the comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis, and management of visual system conditions. This program equips students with the clinical expertise and scientific foundation required to deliver independent, patient-centered eye care services.

• Visual System Assessment: Mastery of advanced techniques to evaluate eye health, visual acuity, and ocular function through clinical testing and diagnostic instrumentation.
• Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Conditions: Training in identifying and managing disorders of the eye and visual pathways, including refractive errors, ocular diseases, and neurological visual impairments.
• Prescription of Vision Correction: Expertise in determining and fitting corrective lenses, including eyeglasses and contact lenses, tailored to individual patient needs.
• Use of Optical Aids and Therapies: Instruction in selecting and applying specialized optical devices and non-surgical visual rehabilitation strategies to improve functional vision.
• Patient Counseling and Communication: Development of skills to educate patients about eye health, treatment options, and long-term care plans in a clear, empathetic manner.
• Interprofessional Collaboration: Understanding when and how to refer patients to medical specialists for systemic or surgical interventions, ensuring coordinated care.
• Practice Management and Administration: Core knowledge in operational aspects of optometric practice, including scheduling, billing, compliance, and healthcare technology integration.
• Professional Ethics and Standards: Emphasis on ethical decision-making, legal responsibilities, and adherence to established professional codes in clinical practice.