| Those who are just starting out to gain an education | | | | an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Doctors of |
| in optometry and ophthalmology must possess a high | | | | Optometry (optometric physicians or optometrists) |
| school diploma or GED as a pre-admission | | | | are independent primary health care providers who |
| requirement, preferably with courses in health and | | | | specialize in the examination, diagnosis, and treatment |
| sciences. At the vocational level, training in the field | | | | of diseases and disorders of the eye, but do not |
| will provide certificate and undergraduate degree | | | | perform surgery. An Ophthalmologist has the degree |
| options. Optometry and ophthalmic certificate | | | | Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) and is a medical/surgical eye |
| programs take several months to complete; | | | | care provider. Aspiring ophthalmologists must commit |
| Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Sciences | | | | to four years of college, four years of medical school |
| (AS) degree programs take approximately two | | | | and four years of residency and internships relating |
| years. Either credential would be a good first step | | | | to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the |
| towards advancing your education to a four-year | | | | eye, including surgery. |
| optometry and ophthalmic technician college. | | | | Graduation and certification can quickly qualify you to |
| Vocational programs will include comprehensive | | | | work under the supervision of an optometrist or |
| courses in physiology and pathology of the eye, | | | | ophthalmologist, performing a variety of necessary |
| examination, diagnostics, CPR, medical office | | | | duties. Employment for optometry assistants may be |
| administration, communication skills, and computer | | | | in private offices, clinics, and optical stores. Entry-level |
| skills. Prospective ophthalmic technicians are prepared | | | | salaries begin at about $20,000. |
| for the responsibilities of obtaining patient histories, | | | | If you are interested in learning more about |
| maintaining patient charts, customer service, adjusting | | | | Optometry and Ophthalmic Technician Training, |
| and repairing frames and eyeglasses, and prescription | | | | submit a request to a few selected schools on our |
| verification. Other coursework may include learning to | | | | website, and you will soon have all the information |
| schedule eye exams, prepare correspondence, and | | | | you need to help your future come into focus. |
| maintain and order supplies. | | | | DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and |
| What kind of training would you need to take to | | | | may or may not reflect specific practices, courses |
| learn to be an optician, or an optometrist, or an | | | | and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular |
| ophthalmologist? While these health care professionals | | | | school(s) that is or is not advertised on |
| are all qualified provide eye care services, each title | | | | Copyright 2007 - All rights reserved by Media Positive |
| requires a specific amount of optometry and | | | | Communications, Inc. |
| ophthalmic training. The differences between the | | | | Notice: Publishers are free to use this article on an |
| titles are that opticians make, verify and deliver | | | | ezine or website, provided the article is reprinted in |
| lenses, frames and other specially fabricated optical | | | | its entirety, including copyright and disclaimer, and ALL |
| devices and/or contact lenses upon prescription from | | | | links remain intact and active. |