3 answers
zeinab
Student
Dearborn, Michigan
1
Question
Updated
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How many years does it take to become an eye doctor?
i want to become an eye doctor but im not sure how many years it takes to complete that. #medicine #eye-care #eye-doctor #doctor #optometry
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3 answers
Jared Cox
Optometrist
11
Answers
Updated
Jared’s Answer
To become an eye doctor (Optometrist) it typically takes 4 years for a BS and pre reqs and another 4 years of Optometry School. Optional add ons that can make the program longer include a sub specialty residency, research or business master's degrees, and research fellowships. These are not commonly pursued.
optometry
optometry
Ana Felix
Clerkship Director at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
6
Answers
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Updated
Ana’s Answer
Working as a doctor is a privilege and a joy - ophthalmologists train as physicians -4 years undergrad (pre-Med) and then 4 years of Medical School (some take a year to get additional research experience). Then there are 4 years of residency and 1-3 years of fellowship. Ophthalmology allows for a good quality of life and is very competitive. Typically only the top performers in any class will be accepted into residency in opthalmology.
Estelle Archer
Gynecologist
1321
Answers
United States
Updated
Estelle’s Answer
My daughter is a 4th year optometry student. These were her steps:
4 year college degree with excellent grades (3.75 or better)
Your major is not as important as your undergraduate grades, your OAT score, your letters of reference, and your personal statements on your optometry school application. For now, just focus on finding a college that fits you and your budget and a major that really interests you in college so that you will make great grades and get strong letters of recommendation from professors that recognize your potential.
She then worked part time as an assistant at an optometry office for experience and to learn the language of optometrists.
She studied for the optometry entrance exam know as the OAT. (She purchased a study guide which was very helpful.)
Applied to approximately 6 programs in out state and the surrounding area.
Optometry school is another 4 years. Some students then go into one year fellowships, but these seem less common than going straight into practice.
4 year college degree with excellent grades (3.75 or better)
Your major is not as important as your undergraduate grades, your OAT score, your letters of reference, and your personal statements on your optometry school application. For now, just focus on finding a college that fits you and your budget and a major that really interests you in college so that you will make great grades and get strong letters of recommendation from professors that recognize your potential.
She then worked part time as an assistant at an optometry office for experience and to learn the language of optometrists.
She studied for the optometry entrance exam know as the OAT. (She purchased a study guide which was very helpful.)
Applied to approximately 6 programs in out state and the surrounding area.
Optometry school is another 4 years. Some students then go into one year fellowships, but these seem less common than going straight into practice.