Optometry College Essay

Introduction

Optometry is the career I have been considering for most of my high school life. Optometrists are the doctors of every aspect of the eyes. According to NSU Florida “The Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) is a professional degree which requires four years of professional study” (“Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) Program”). They diagnose and try to treat/inform people about their vision and or eye diseases. The reason I've been interested in going into Optometry is that I've finally realized how much my parents had struggled in the past to pay for my vision equipment. Contacts at my certain clinic are $160 a month which is hard considering my parents also have to pay for my gas money, food, and other necessities. My dream is to make eye care

The requirements include having a high school diploma, bachelor's degree, and completing the Doctor of Optometry program. Which usually takes around 7-8 years out of high school schooling. In order to be accepted into most optometry schools it is required to major in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or physics. There are other options for majors in a four year college but those are the best options to get into a good optometry school. Earning a high undergraduate GPA is also a big factor into getting into a good four year college. To be accepted into any optometry school you will need to score high on the OAT (Optometry Admission Test). This is a very tedious and important tes that plays into my future. It is also a great idea to shadow an optometrist before applying to any jobs. Shadowing is a good way to get experience. Choosing a field of study may be a challenging experience. If you’re like me you’re like me, sciences aren’t a good option for you to major in. Optometry school also often accepts students who major in humanities. Doing well in school is a very important factor in doing well. Optometrists also need “decision making skills, to be detail oriented, and have interpersonal and speaking skills” (“Optometrists : Occupational Outlook

An eye exam consists of doing a letter test to assess the eyes. “optometrists counsel people on the correct use and care of the eyes, supervise exercise and training programs that are designed to treat problems of vision, and help rehabilitate patients who have low or severely restricted vision” (“Optometry”). Optometrists also fit you for the perfect fitting and looking glasses. They also fit you and prescribe you with contact lenses. Optometrists also help manage eye issues Glaucoma, cataracts diabetic retinopathy, and strabismus etc. I especially love the fact that optometrists can change peoples lives. The fact that they can prescribe lenses and some small surgeries is amazing. I have always loved watching videos of colorblind people getting prescribed color blind glasses and seeing certain colors for the first time. Optometrist can perform what some people would consider miracles. I want to be able to be apart of those miracles and be able to put a smile on people’s faces. Dr. Gurwood says he “I see patients at Einstein from 8 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, generally 15-25 cases per four-hour session. I’m at PCO 40 hours each week, where I supervise second- and third-year students as they work with patients at The Eye Institute. I’m able to head home by 5 p.m. on most days.” (“A Day in the Life of an Optometrist). I hope to one day be able to open my own practice