Student Shadowing with Dr. Steve and Dr. Sarah…Interested in a Career in the “Eyeball World?’
If you or your college student is considering a career in health care, we definitely encourage you to consider a career in the Eyeball World.
Optometry and Ophthalmology can offer great opportunities for a fulfilling and long lasting career in helping patients improve and preserve their vision.
Dr. Steve and Dr. Sarah will be offering shadowing times (usually 2-4 hours) all summer long. Please contact us if you would like to set up a time for you or your college student to visit our office.
Remember, there are a lot worse places to look in the human body than the eye!
Thank you!
Descriptions of Optometry, Ophthalmology, and related careers
Optometrist:
Education Requirements: Four year degree with emphasis on the sciences and four years of optometry school. Residency after optometry school is optional. Optometrists are licensed to diagnose and treat conditions of the eye with glasses, contact lenses, topical eyedrops, and oral medications.
Ophthalmologist:
Education Requirements: Four year degree with emphasis on the sciences and four years of medical school. Residency after medical school is required to specialize in different areas of eye surgery such as cataract, retinal, glaucoma, LASIK, etc. surgery. Ophthalmologists are licensed to diagnose and treat conditions of the eye with glasses, contact lenses, topical eyedrops, and oral medications, and surgery.
Other Careers in the Eyeball World
Ophthalmic Technician: Two year degree with on the job training. Work directly with Optometrist and Ophthalmologists to do all preliminary and special testing as well as assist in surgical procedures and follow up care.
Optometric Technician: One to two year degree with on the job training. Preliminary and special testing, contact lens training, and direct patient care. General knowledge of optics, glasses, and contact lenses.
Orthoptist: Two to Four year degree. Work with Optometrists and Ophthalmologists who specialize in strabismus (crossed eye problems) and amblyopia (lazy eye).
Optician: One to Two years of usually on the job training. General knowledge of optics to help patients choose the best eyewear lenses for their needs. Also “dispense” (fit and adjust) eyewear as well as help patients find the perfect look in their eyewear.