2 answers
Nes
Student
Berkeley, California
1
Question
Asked
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Is it necessary to take a National board exam for optometry to be hired in an optometry clinic/office/primary vision center? If so where can you take it and what is the cost?
I want to be an optometrist and I'm not sure what the exam entails, how licensure works, the cost, where, and why.
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2 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Nes !
As an Optometrist, you will exam, diagnose and treat patients. You would not be doing surgery or treating or diagnosing systemic disorders that medical doctors do. You would be able to do procedures like remove something from peoples' eyes or possible laser surgery but that depends on your state regulations. You wouldn't be doing cataract removal, surgery for detached retina, or corneal transplants which are done by ophthalmologists.
The process to becoming an Optometrist in California is that first you would go for your Bachelors Degree at which you would take three years of English, Chemistry, Math, Physics and Biology. The next step is to attend Optometry School and receive your Doctor of Optometry Degree (O.D.).
You would then go for the exams. Your state requires the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) Exam, California Law and Regulations Exam and once you pass both exams, you then apply for the Licensure Application to obtain your license to practice in California.
While you are in college and then Optometry School, you will learn all you need to know for the exams. It's not helpful to think about the exam when you haven't even gone to Optometry School yet. That is why you have questions because you haven't begun. Have you chosen an Optometry School yet ? If so, review their website for specifics and then return there when you are ready to graduate undergrad school to obtain accurate updated information. If you really want to jump that far ahead of things, have a look at some sample National Board exams at the link I have left for you below. You can get a clear idea of what will be on the California Law exam by reading a study guide at the link I have left for you below. Although this may seem interesting to know, you will be instructed at your Optometry School as to where and when to take the test and most likely, updated and current study guides will be offered to the students. The information available now is for 2024 so you will learn the information you need six or seven years from now. I imagine, as well, that any cost for any of the exams that you will hear about now will not be accurate either as prices for things change over the years. Also, it is not too helpful to get general information about this. You should ask specifically about a college because all colleges are different as well all states are different in their requirements and exams. Also, you could probably order a hard copy of the study guides for the exams online or buy them at a book store if you want to know the structure and details of the tests.
For now, I would advise learning all you can about optometry school admissions and requirements for the particular school you want to attend, but dedicate yourself to your undergraduate studies, too.
Best wishes in all you do !
SAMPLE NATIONAL BOARD EXAM FOR OPTOMETRY https://www.nbeo.org/part_samples.cfm
2024 LOCATIONS OF THE CALIFORNIA LAW EXAMS (THAT IS JUST FOR THIS YEAR) https://optometry.ca.gov/faqs/cbt_lawexam.shtml
As an Optometrist, you will exam, diagnose and treat patients. You would not be doing surgery or treating or diagnosing systemic disorders that medical doctors do. You would be able to do procedures like remove something from peoples' eyes or possible laser surgery but that depends on your state regulations. You wouldn't be doing cataract removal, surgery for detached retina, or corneal transplants which are done by ophthalmologists.
The process to becoming an Optometrist in California is that first you would go for your Bachelors Degree at which you would take three years of English, Chemistry, Math, Physics and Biology. The next step is to attend Optometry School and receive your Doctor of Optometry Degree (O.D.).
You would then go for the exams. Your state requires the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) Exam, California Law and Regulations Exam and once you pass both exams, you then apply for the Licensure Application to obtain your license to practice in California.
While you are in college and then Optometry School, you will learn all you need to know for the exams. It's not helpful to think about the exam when you haven't even gone to Optometry School yet. That is why you have questions because you haven't begun. Have you chosen an Optometry School yet ? If so, review their website for specifics and then return there when you are ready to graduate undergrad school to obtain accurate updated information. If you really want to jump that far ahead of things, have a look at some sample National Board exams at the link I have left for you below. You can get a clear idea of what will be on the California Law exam by reading a study guide at the link I have left for you below. Although this may seem interesting to know, you will be instructed at your Optometry School as to where and when to take the test and most likely, updated and current study guides will be offered to the students. The information available now is for 2024 so you will learn the information you need six or seven years from now. I imagine, as well, that any cost for any of the exams that you will hear about now will not be accurate either as prices for things change over the years. Also, it is not too helpful to get general information about this. You should ask specifically about a college because all colleges are different as well all states are different in their requirements and exams. Also, you could probably order a hard copy of the study guides for the exams online or buy them at a book store if you want to know the structure and details of the tests.
For now, I would advise learning all you can about optometry school admissions and requirements for the particular school you want to attend, but dedicate yourself to your undergraduate studies, too.
Best wishes in all you do !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much, this is really helpful!!
Nes
I think this is the correct link for the study guide: https://www.optometry.ca.gov/formspubs/study-guide.pdf
Gurpreet Lally, Admin
You are very welcome, Nes !
~ Gurpreet, Thank you so much for catching that jumbled up URL and giving a good link ! : )
Michelle M.
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
549
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Nes,
To become a licensed optometrist in the United States, you must pass the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) exams. Here’s an overview of what you need to know:
National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) Exams:
1. NBEO Part I: Applied Basic Science (ABS)
- Content: Basic sciences relevant to optometry, such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, microbiology, and immunology.
- Format: Computer-based test with multiple-choice questions.
- Cost: Approximately $975.
2. NBEO Part II: Patient Assessment and Management (PAM)
- Content: Clinical management skills, diagnosis, and treatment of eye and vision disorders.
- Format: Computer-based test with multiple-choice questions.
- Cost: Approximately $975.
3. NBEO Part III: Clinical Skills Examination (CSE)
- Content: Hands-on clinical skills, including patient assessment, diagnostic techniques, and treatment procedures.
- Format: Practical exam taken at the National Center of Clinical Testing in Optometry (NCCTO) in Charlotte, North Carolina.
- Cost: Approximately $1,300.
4. TMOD (Treatment and Management of Ocular Disease)
- Content: Focuses on the treatment and management of ocular diseases.
- Format: Computer-based test with multiple-choice questions, often taken concurrently with Part II.
- Cost: Included in the Part II fee if taken concurrently, otherwise approximately $300 separately.
Licensure:
After passing these exams, you must apply for licensure in the state where you intend to practice. Each state may have additional requirements, such as jurisprudence exams or background checks.
Locations:
- Part I and II are taken at Prometric testing centers nationwide.
- Part III is taken at the NCCTO in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Why Take the NBEO Exams?
Passing the NBEO exams is necessary because:
- It ensures you meet the national standards for optometry practice.
- It is a requirement for state licensure.
- It enhances your credibility and employability as a qualified optometrist.
Total Cost:
The total cost for all parts of the NBEO exams is approximately $3,250. Additional costs may include travel expenses for Part III and state licensure fees.
For more information, you can visit the [NBEO website](https://www.optometry.org).
Best wishes!
To become a licensed optometrist in the United States, you must pass the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) exams. Here’s an overview of what you need to know:
National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) Exams:
1. NBEO Part I: Applied Basic Science (ABS)
- Content: Basic sciences relevant to optometry, such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, microbiology, and immunology.
- Format: Computer-based test with multiple-choice questions.
- Cost: Approximately $975.
2. NBEO Part II: Patient Assessment and Management (PAM)
- Content: Clinical management skills, diagnosis, and treatment of eye and vision disorders.
- Format: Computer-based test with multiple-choice questions.
- Cost: Approximately $975.
3. NBEO Part III: Clinical Skills Examination (CSE)
- Content: Hands-on clinical skills, including patient assessment, diagnostic techniques, and treatment procedures.
- Format: Practical exam taken at the National Center of Clinical Testing in Optometry (NCCTO) in Charlotte, North Carolina.
- Cost: Approximately $1,300.
4. TMOD (Treatment and Management of Ocular Disease)
- Content: Focuses on the treatment and management of ocular diseases.
- Format: Computer-based test with multiple-choice questions, often taken concurrently with Part II.
- Cost: Included in the Part II fee if taken concurrently, otherwise approximately $300 separately.
Licensure:
After passing these exams, you must apply for licensure in the state where you intend to practice. Each state may have additional requirements, such as jurisprudence exams or background checks.
Locations:
- Part I and II are taken at Prometric testing centers nationwide.
- Part III is taken at the NCCTO in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Why Take the NBEO Exams?
Passing the NBEO exams is necessary because:
- It ensures you meet the national standards for optometry practice.
- It is a requirement for state licensure.
- It enhances your credibility and employability as a qualified optometrist.
Total Cost:
The total cost for all parts of the NBEO exams is approximately $3,250. Additional costs may include travel expenses for Part III and state licensure fees.
For more information, you can visit the [NBEO website](https://www.optometry.org).
Best wishes!
That's a lot to save up for but I'll work hard, thank you for your help!
Nes
Glad I could help!
Chinyere Okafor