As your trusted local optometrist, we know you rely on us for the very best eye care. We wanted to give you some insight into what it took for us to become optometrists. This way, you can understand the extensive education and dedication we undertook to provide you with the highest quality vision care.

The Rigorous Optometry School Experience

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, optometrists need a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree, which takes four years to complete post-undergraduate. This intensive program provided us with specialized training across all aspects of eye care. We took courses in optics, anatomy, physiology, neuroscience, pathology, pharmacology, and advanced ocular disease diagnosis and treatment. We also completed rotations in specialty clinics focused on contact lenses, vision therapy, pediatrics, geriatrics, glaucoma, and ocular disease. The curriculum immersed us in the science behind vision and thoroughly prepared us for clinical optometric practice. We spent countless hours in lectures, laboratories, and clinics under the supervision of highly experienced faculty members. This comprehensive education allowed us to provide complete optometric care with the expertise to enhance and protect your vision over a lifetime.

Navigating the Licensing Process

After surviving the rigors of optometry school, every state requires licensing before optometrists can practice independently. We had to pass a three-part national board exam assessing our grasp of theory, knowledge, and clinical skills. Then we took an additional state exam focused on diagnosing and treating ocular diseases particular to this region. These challenging licensing exams covered every aspect of optometry in great depth. We had to demonstrate proficiency in refractive care, contact lenses, binocular vision, ocular pharmacology, and treatment of eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. Passing these stringent exams allowed us to become fully licensed doctors of optometry in this state.

The long journey to becoming an optometrist required many years of intense education and training. But it was all worth it to gain the clinical experience and judgment necessary to provide you with the highest quality vision care. Our goal is to enhance your visual clarity, comfort, safety, and health so you can enjoy all aspects of your life to the fullest. We consider it a privilege to be your optometrists. Please let us know if you have any other questions about our background and capabilities. It is our pleasure to serve your eye care needs. When you need an appointment with an optometrist, reach out to Westgrove Vision Center.