How long would I need to go to college if I wanted to pursue a career in optometry?
Q. I'm VERY interested in the field of optometry and I was just curious as to how long you had to attend school and what all would be required to get into it? Please send me feedback. Thanks. :)
A. taken directly from Wikipedia, "The American Optometric Association (AOA) and the American Optometric Society (AOS) represent optometrists nationally in the USA. Prior to admittance into optometry school, optometrists typically complete four years of undergraduate study, culminating in a bachelor�s degree. Required undergraduate coursework for pre-optometry students covers a variety of health, science and mathematics courses. These courses include: 4 semesters of chemistry to include organic and biochemistry, 2 semesters of physics and biology, as well as 1 semester of calculus, statistics, physiology, anatomy, microbiology, and psychology. Additional requirements are imposed by specific institutions. Once completing these courses in order to be admitted to an optometry doctorate program one must score well on the O.A.T., Optometry Admission Tests. There are currently 20 optometry schools in the United States, and admission into these schools is considered to be extremely competitive.
Optometrists are required to complete a four-year postgraduate degree program to earn their Doctor of Optometry (O.D. - Oculus Doctor) titles. The four-year program includes classroom and clinical training in geometric, physical, physiological and ophthalmic optics, ocular anatomy, ocular disease, ocular pharmacology, neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of the vision system, binocular vision, color, form, space, movement and vision perception, design and modification of the visual environment, and vision performance and vision screening. In addition, an optometric education also includes a thorough study of human anatomy, general pharmacology, general pathology, sensory and perceptual psychology, biochemistry, statistics and epidemiology. There are three new colleges of optometry (Midwestern University Arizona College of Optometry, University of the Incarnate Word School of Optometry, Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry) that have received the pre-accreditation status of preliminary approval from the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE). Programs with �Preliminary Approval" have shown that they are developing within the ACOE's standards. The programs have approval to begin recruiting and admitting students, and to begin offering the program.[17]
Upon completion of an accredited program in optometry, graduates hold the Doctor of Optometry degree. Optometrists must then pass a national examination administered by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO).[18] The three-part exam includes basic science, clinical science and patient care. (The structure and format of the NBEO exams are subject to change beginning in 2008.) Some optometrists go on to complete 1�2 year residencies with training in a specific sub-specialty such as pediatric eyecare, geriatric eyecare, specialty contact lens, ocular disease or neuro-optometry. All optometrists are required to fulfill continuing education requirements to stay current regarding the latest standards of care."
Basically four years of college, then four years of optometry school. Its not simple, however not as tough as Medical School.
If you can, go to Medical School and go into Ophthalmology, that is the Eye Doctors that perform surgeries and also do normal check ups.
Optometrists are limited to what they can do, it depends on what state you are in etc. Most cannot perform any type of surgery, and can only diagnose eye diseases.
Optometrists are required to complete a four-year postgraduate degree program to earn their Doctor of Optometry (O.D. - Oculus Doctor) titles. The four-year program includes classroom and clinical training in geometric, physical, physiological and ophthalmic optics, ocular anatomy, ocular disease, ocular pharmacology, neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of the vision system, binocular vision, color, form, space, movement and vision perception, design and modification of the visual environment, and vision performance and vision screening. In addition, an optometric education also includes a thorough study of human anatomy, general pharmacology, general pathology, sensory and perceptual psychology, biochemistry, statistics and epidemiology. There are three new colleges of optometry (Midwestern University Arizona College of Optometry, University of the Incarnate Word School of Optometry, Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry) that have received the pre-accreditation status of preliminary approval from the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE). Programs with �Preliminary Approval" have shown that they are developing within the ACOE's standards. The programs have approval to begin recruiting and admitting students, and to begin offering the program.[17]
Upon completion of an accredited program in optometry, graduates hold the Doctor of Optometry degree. Optometrists must then pass a national examination administered by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO).[18] The three-part exam includes basic science, clinical science and patient care. (The structure and format of the NBEO exams are subject to change beginning in 2008.) Some optometrists go on to complete 1�2 year residencies with training in a specific sub-specialty such as pediatric eyecare, geriatric eyecare, specialty contact lens, ocular disease or neuro-optometry. All optometrists are required to fulfill continuing education requirements to stay current regarding the latest standards of care."
Basically four years of college, then four years of optometry school. Its not simple, however not as tough as Medical School.
If you can, go to Medical School and go into Ophthalmology, that is the Eye Doctors that perform surgeries and also do normal check ups.
Optometrists are limited to what they can do, it depends on what state you are in etc. Most cannot perform any type of surgery, and can only diagnose eye diseases.
Dioptres limitations to laser eye treatment?
Q. I've been told that laser eye treatment is great for up to approx 2.50 dioptres but my eyes are -5.00 and -6.50 and I have been told that it's not wise to go through surgery with that measurement because it involves taking too much off the eye. Is this true? What's the opinion of a professional?
Also, I've heard that some people need to go back to wearing glasses after 10 years, is this true?
Also, I've heard that some people need to go back to wearing glasses after 10 years, is this true?
A. -5.00 and -6.50 are not necessarily too high for laser surgery. Corneal thickness is the measurement of concern when it comes to "taking too much off the eye." The cornea is the front of the eye that does most of the focusing for the eye. It is the part that is lasered in surgery. If it is too thin, then surgery is not a good idea. There is no way to tell just from your prescription if you are a good candidate or not for surgery; I suggest seeing an eye doctor for an evaluation.
I'm not sure on statistics about people needing to wear glasses again, but there is always a chance of your eyes changing again. Your eyes shouldn't get as bad as they were before, though. And remember, when you get to about your forties, you will still need reading glasses as you go through presbyopia. This is when you lose the ability to accommodate, or focus at near, because of the aging of the lens and its muscles.
Again, the best way to know if you are a good candidate for surgery is to see a doctor. Talk to your optometrist next time you go in for a checkup. Good luck!
I'm not sure on statistics about people needing to wear glasses again, but there is always a chance of your eyes changing again. Your eyes shouldn't get as bad as they were before, though. And remember, when you get to about your forties, you will still need reading glasses as you go through presbyopia. This is when you lose the ability to accommodate, or focus at near, because of the aging of the lens and its muscles.
Again, the best way to know if you are a good candidate for surgery is to see a doctor. Talk to your optometrist next time you go in for a checkup. Good luck!
What's the difference between Down Syndrome and ADHD?
Q. I know both impair the learning ability and coordination, but what else?
A. ADD/ADHD is a biological disorder that starts in the brain related to irregularities in neurotransmitter activity. But what's the difference between the two? The official name of the disorder is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, the recognized acronym being ADHD. ADHD is of three types: (a) combined (b) predominantly inattentive and (c) predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type.
The misbehavior of children or their poor academic performance were thought to be just "growing up" pains or related to the awkwardness of youth, but it appears that ADD/ADHD could explain poor grades and erratic behavior.
Statistics indicate that 4%-6% of Americans have some form of ADD/ADHD. This disorder can last a lifetime if it is not detected and treated immediately.
Common Symptoms of ADHD
Before an ADHD diagnosis is made, symptoms must exhibit three elements: they must be predominant or pervasive, they must be excessive or frequent, and they must be long term. These symptoms include (but not limited to):
� Lack of concentration
� Inability to perform simple tasks
� Talkativeness
� Losing things and forgetfulness
� Habit of interrupting others
� Restlessness
Contrary to popular belief, ADD/ADHD is not caused by an over-consumption of sugar (although people with ADD/ADHD may be allergic to some foods), too much television, a brain tumor, bad parenting or ineffective teachers.
If your child shows signs of AD/HD, ask the following questions, bearing in mind that the degree and intensity of symptoms vary from one person to another:
� Does your child's behavioral patterns evident in more than one setting; that is, does your child behave that way only in school, or also at home and in social gatherings?
� Is your child's behavior NOT typical of other children's behaviors? Do the symptoms seem highly unusual?
� Have your child's symptoms lasted more than six months?
If you answered yes to all these questions, you may want to see your doctor who will refer your child to a specialist.
ADD/ADHD: Treatment
Because there is no identifiable cause of ADHD, the decision to choose one treatment over another is a decision that your doctor can recommend after your child has been examined. In some cases, a combination of treatments may be offered: medication and behavior therapy; or a third option - counseling or psychotherapy - may also be considered. The purpose of medication is to regularize brain activity and must be taken under the supervision of your doctor. Behavior therapy, on the other hand, is intended to help children and adults cope with the emotional effects of their disorder. It might interest you to know that the federal government classifies AD/HD as an allowable disability.
To understand why Down syndrome happens, you need to understand a little about chromosomes. What are chromosomes? They're thread-like structures within each cell and are made up of genes. Genes provide the information that determines everything about people, from hair color to whether they are girls or boys.
Most people have 23 pairs of chromosomes, for a total of 46. But a baby with Down syndrome has an extra chromosome (47 instead of 46) or one chromosome has an extra part. This extra genetic material causes problems with the way their bodies develop.
Health Problems Are Common
About half of babies with Down syndrome are born with heart defects, which means their hearts developed differently and don't work as they should. Usually, these problems can be corrected by surgery. Some babies may have intestinal problems that also require surgery to fix.
Kids with Down syndrome are more likely to get infections that affect their lungs and breathing. When they do get infections, they often last longer. They may have eye or ear problems or digestion problems like constipation. Some may develop leukemia, a type of cancer. Each person with Down syndrome is different and may have one, several, or all of these problems.
Kids with Down syndrome tend to grow and develop more slowly than other children do. They may start walking or talking later than other babies. Special help, such as physical therapy and speech therapy, can give kids a boost with their walking and talking skills.
Do a Lot of People Have Down Syndrome?
About 1 out of every 800 babies born has Down syndrome, no matter what race or nationality the parents are. It is not contagious, so you can't catch it from someone else. You are born with it. No one gets Down syndrome later in life.
Now you know that Down syndrome is caused by a problem with a chromosome. You might already know that we get our chromosomes from our mother and father. Remember the 23 pairs of chromosomes � half are from your mom and half are from your dad.
But doctors aren't sure why this chromosome problem happens to some babies. It's nothing the mom or dad did before the child was born. Anyone can have a baby with Down syndrome. But the older th
The misbehavior of children or their poor academic performance were thought to be just "growing up" pains or related to the awkwardness of youth, but it appears that ADD/ADHD could explain poor grades and erratic behavior.
Statistics indicate that 4%-6% of Americans have some form of ADD/ADHD. This disorder can last a lifetime if it is not detected and treated immediately.
Common Symptoms of ADHD
Before an ADHD diagnosis is made, symptoms must exhibit three elements: they must be predominant or pervasive, they must be excessive or frequent, and they must be long term. These symptoms include (but not limited to):
� Lack of concentration
� Inability to perform simple tasks
� Talkativeness
� Losing things and forgetfulness
� Habit of interrupting others
� Restlessness
Contrary to popular belief, ADD/ADHD is not caused by an over-consumption of sugar (although people with ADD/ADHD may be allergic to some foods), too much television, a brain tumor, bad parenting or ineffective teachers.
If your child shows signs of AD/HD, ask the following questions, bearing in mind that the degree and intensity of symptoms vary from one person to another:
� Does your child's behavioral patterns evident in more than one setting; that is, does your child behave that way only in school, or also at home and in social gatherings?
� Is your child's behavior NOT typical of other children's behaviors? Do the symptoms seem highly unusual?
� Have your child's symptoms lasted more than six months?
If you answered yes to all these questions, you may want to see your doctor who will refer your child to a specialist.
ADD/ADHD: Treatment
Because there is no identifiable cause of ADHD, the decision to choose one treatment over another is a decision that your doctor can recommend after your child has been examined. In some cases, a combination of treatments may be offered: medication and behavior therapy; or a third option - counseling or psychotherapy - may also be considered. The purpose of medication is to regularize brain activity and must be taken under the supervision of your doctor. Behavior therapy, on the other hand, is intended to help children and adults cope with the emotional effects of their disorder. It might interest you to know that the federal government classifies AD/HD as an allowable disability.
To understand why Down syndrome happens, you need to understand a little about chromosomes. What are chromosomes? They're thread-like structures within each cell and are made up of genes. Genes provide the information that determines everything about people, from hair color to whether they are girls or boys.
Most people have 23 pairs of chromosomes, for a total of 46. But a baby with Down syndrome has an extra chromosome (47 instead of 46) or one chromosome has an extra part. This extra genetic material causes problems with the way their bodies develop.
Health Problems Are Common
About half of babies with Down syndrome are born with heart defects, which means their hearts developed differently and don't work as they should. Usually, these problems can be corrected by surgery. Some babies may have intestinal problems that also require surgery to fix.
Kids with Down syndrome are more likely to get infections that affect their lungs and breathing. When they do get infections, they often last longer. They may have eye or ear problems or digestion problems like constipation. Some may develop leukemia, a type of cancer. Each person with Down syndrome is different and may have one, several, or all of these problems.
Kids with Down syndrome tend to grow and develop more slowly than other children do. They may start walking or talking later than other babies. Special help, such as physical therapy and speech therapy, can give kids a boost with their walking and talking skills.
Do a Lot of People Have Down Syndrome?
About 1 out of every 800 babies born has Down syndrome, no matter what race or nationality the parents are. It is not contagious, so you can't catch it from someone else. You are born with it. No one gets Down syndrome later in life.
Now you know that Down syndrome is caused by a problem with a chromosome. You might already know that we get our chromosomes from our mother and father. Remember the 23 pairs of chromosomes � half are from your mom and half are from your dad.
But doctors aren't sure why this chromosome problem happens to some babies. It's nothing the mom or dad did before the child was born. Anyone can have a baby with Down syndrome. But the older th
What is the average pay rate for a certified ophthalmic assistant in the CA central coast area?
Q. I would like to know what the average hourly pay rate is for a California certified ophthalmic assistant and a California certified ophthalmic Technition is,
A. From the US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook 2004-2007
Median hourly earnings of ophthalmic laboratory technicians were $11.40 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $9.33 and $14.67 an hour. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $7.89, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $17.61 an hour. Median hourly earnings of ophthalmic laboratory technicians in May 2004 were $10.88 in health and personal care stores and $10.79 in medical equipment and supplies manufacturing
Ophthalmic laboratory technicians�also known as manufacturing opticians, optical mechanics, or optical goods workers�make prescription eyeglass or contact lenses. Prescription lenses are curved in such a way that light is correctly focused onto the retina of the patient�s eye, improving his or her vision. Some ophthalmic laboratory technicians manufacture lenses for other optical instruments, such as telescopes and binoculars. Ophthalmic laboratory technicians cut, grind, edge, and finish lenses according to specifications provided by dispensing opticians, optometrists, or ophthalmologists and may insert lenses into frames to produce finished glasses. Although some lenses still are produced by hand, technicians are increasingly using automated equipment to make lenses.
Ophthalmic laboratory technicians should not be confused with workers in other vision care occupations. Ophthalmologists and optometrists are �eye doctors� who examine eyes, diagnose and treat vision problems, and prescribe corrective lenses. Ophthalmologists are physicians who perform eye surgery. Dispensing opticians, who also may do the work of ophthalmic laboratory technicians, help patients select frames and lenses, and adjust finished eyeglasses. (See the statement on physicians and surgeons, which includes ophthalmologists, as well as the statements on optometrists and opticians, dispensing, elsewhere in the Handbook.)
Ophthalmic laboratory technicians read prescription specifications, select standard glass or plastic lens blanks, and then mark them to indicate where the curves specified on the prescription should be ground. They place the lens in the lens grinder, set the dials for the prescribed curvature, and start the machine. After a minute or so, the lens is ready to be �finished� by a machine that rotates it against a fine abrasive, to grind it and smooth out rough edges. The lens is then placed in a polishing machine with an even finer abrasive, to polish it to a smooth, bright finish.
Next, the technician examines the lens through a lensometer, an instrument similar in shape to a microscope, to make sure that the degree and placement of the curve are correct. The technician then cuts the lenses and bevels the edges to fit the frame, dips each lens into dye if the prescription calls for tinted or coated lenses, polishes the edges, and assembles the lenses and frame parts into a finished pair of glasses.
In small laboratories, technicians usually handle every phase of the operation. In large ones, in which virtually every phase of the operation is automated, technicians may be responsible for operating computerized equipment. Technicians also inspect the final product for quality and accuracy.
Ophthalmic laboratory technicians start on simple tasks if they are trained to produce lenses by hand. They may begin with marking or blocking lenses for grinding; then, they progress to grinding, cutting, edging, and beveling lenses; finally, they are trained in assembling the eyeglasses. Depending on individual aptitude, it may take up to 6 months to become proficient in all phases of the work.
Employers filling trainee jobs prefer applicants who are high school graduates. Courses in science, mathematics, and computers are valuable; manual dexterity and the ability to do precision work are essential. Technicians using automated systems will find computer skills valuable.
A very small number of ophthalmic laboratory technicians learn their trade in the Armed Forces or in the few programs in optical technology offered by vocational-technical institutes or trade schools. These programs have classes in optical theory, surfacing and lens finishing, and the reading and applying of prescriptions. Programs vary in length from 6 months to 1 year and award certificates or diplomas.
Ophthalmic laboratory technicians can become supervisors and managers. Some become dispensing opticians, although further education or training generally is required in that occupation.
Median hourly earnings of ophthalmic laboratory technicians were $11.40 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $9.33 and $14.67 an hour. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $7.89, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $17.61 an hour. Median hourly earnings of ophthalmic laboratory technicians in May 2004 were $10.88 in health and personal care stores and $10.79 in medical equipment and supplies manufacturing
Ophthalmic laboratory technicians�also known as manufacturing opticians, optical mechanics, or optical goods workers�make prescription eyeglass or contact lenses. Prescription lenses are curved in such a way that light is correctly focused onto the retina of the patient�s eye, improving his or her vision. Some ophthalmic laboratory technicians manufacture lenses for other optical instruments, such as telescopes and binoculars. Ophthalmic laboratory technicians cut, grind, edge, and finish lenses according to specifications provided by dispensing opticians, optometrists, or ophthalmologists and may insert lenses into frames to produce finished glasses. Although some lenses still are produced by hand, technicians are increasingly using automated equipment to make lenses.
Ophthalmic laboratory technicians should not be confused with workers in other vision care occupations. Ophthalmologists and optometrists are �eye doctors� who examine eyes, diagnose and treat vision problems, and prescribe corrective lenses. Ophthalmologists are physicians who perform eye surgery. Dispensing opticians, who also may do the work of ophthalmic laboratory technicians, help patients select frames and lenses, and adjust finished eyeglasses. (See the statement on physicians and surgeons, which includes ophthalmologists, as well as the statements on optometrists and opticians, dispensing, elsewhere in the Handbook.)
Ophthalmic laboratory technicians read prescription specifications, select standard glass or plastic lens blanks, and then mark them to indicate where the curves specified on the prescription should be ground. They place the lens in the lens grinder, set the dials for the prescribed curvature, and start the machine. After a minute or so, the lens is ready to be �finished� by a machine that rotates it against a fine abrasive, to grind it and smooth out rough edges. The lens is then placed in a polishing machine with an even finer abrasive, to polish it to a smooth, bright finish.
Next, the technician examines the lens through a lensometer, an instrument similar in shape to a microscope, to make sure that the degree and placement of the curve are correct. The technician then cuts the lenses and bevels the edges to fit the frame, dips each lens into dye if the prescription calls for tinted or coated lenses, polishes the edges, and assembles the lenses and frame parts into a finished pair of glasses.
In small laboratories, technicians usually handle every phase of the operation. In large ones, in which virtually every phase of the operation is automated, technicians may be responsible for operating computerized equipment. Technicians also inspect the final product for quality and accuracy.
Ophthalmic laboratory technicians start on simple tasks if they are trained to produce lenses by hand. They may begin with marking or blocking lenses for grinding; then, they progress to grinding, cutting, edging, and beveling lenses; finally, they are trained in assembling the eyeglasses. Depending on individual aptitude, it may take up to 6 months to become proficient in all phases of the work.
Employers filling trainee jobs prefer applicants who are high school graduates. Courses in science, mathematics, and computers are valuable; manual dexterity and the ability to do precision work are essential. Technicians using automated systems will find computer skills valuable.
A very small number of ophthalmic laboratory technicians learn their trade in the Armed Forces or in the few programs in optical technology offered by vocational-technical institutes or trade schools. These programs have classes in optical theory, surfacing and lens finishing, and the reading and applying of prescriptions. Programs vary in length from 6 months to 1 year and award certificates or diplomas.
Ophthalmic laboratory technicians can become supervisors and managers. Some become dispensing opticians, although further education or training generally is required in that occupation.
Powered by Yahoo! Answers
Title Post: How long would I need to go to college if I wanted to pursue a career in optometry?
Rating: 98% based on 3217 ratings. 4,8 user reviews.
Author: Unknown
Thanks For Coming To My Blog
Rating: 98% based on 3217 ratings. 4,8 user reviews.
Author: Unknown
Thanks For Coming To My Blog
0 comments:
Post a Comment