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Explore the possibilities of a career in optometry

Learn more about finding the right optometry school or college for you, the application process and the different modalities you can pursue.

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GREAT DECISION TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP TOWARD BECOMING A DOCTOR OF OPTOMETRY.

Right now, we're creating a personalized site for you and will email a link shortly. Can't wait? Take a peek.

Explore the possibilities of a career in optometry

Learn more about finding the right optometry school or college for you, the application process and the different modalities you can pursue.

Please fill out all required fields

{{opt.state}} {{school.name}}
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GREAT DECISION TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP TOWARD BECOMING A DOCTOR OF OPTOMETRY.

Right now, we're creating a personalized site for you and will email a link shortly. Can't wait? Take a peek.

See how these doctors are changing lives while living their best

A career in optometry compared to others

From average salary to years spent in school, see how a career in optometry compares to other healthcare careers like osteopathy, allopathy, dentistry, podiatry, pharmacy and more.

Compare Careers

Career Comparison

Role
"Dr." Title?
Career Paths
Average Hours/Week
Average Annual Tuition
Average Salary

Optometry

Role
O.D., Vision and ocular health
"Dr." Title?
Yes
Career Paths
  • Private practice
  • Hospital
  • Research
  • Academia
  • Industry
  • VA
  • Military
  • Retail practice
Average Hours/Week
~40 hours/week
Average Annual Tuition
$22k–$43k per year
Average Salary
$168K/year

Osteopathic Medicine

Role
D.O., Medical
"Dr." Title?
Yes
Career Paths
  • Private practice
  • Hospital
  • Research
  • Academia
  • Industry
  • VA
  • Public health
  • Political advocacy
Average Hours/Week
~50 hours/week
Average Annual Tuition
$37k–$74k per year
Average Salary
$188K/year

Allopathic Medicine

Role
M.D., Medical
"Dr." Title?
Yes
Career Paths
  • Private practice
  • Hospital
  • Research
  • Academia
  • Industry
  • VA
  • Public health
  • Political advocacy
Average Hours/Week
~50 hours/week
Average Annual Tuition
$40k–$56k per year
Average Salary
$208K/year

Dentistry

Role
D.M.D, D.D.S, Teeth
"Dr." Title?
Yes
Career Paths
  • Private practice
  • Academia
  • VA
  • Military
  • Partnership practice
  • Public health
Average Hours/Week
~60 hours/week
Average Annual Tuition
$36k–$56k per year
Average Salary
$164K/year

Pharmacy

Role
PharmD, Pharmaceuticals
"Dr." Title?
Yes
Career Paths
  • Academia
  • Retail pharmacy
  • Hospital pharmacy
  • Medical distribution
  • Ambulatory care
  • Specialty
Average Hours/Week
~45 hours/week
Average Annual Tuition
$18k–$40k per year
Average Salary
$128K/year

Podiatry

Role
D.P.M, Feet
"Dr." Title?
Yes
Career Paths
  • Academia
  • VA
  • Surgery
  • Orthopedics
  • Public health
  • Sports medicine
Average Hours/Week
~50 hours/week
Average Annual Tuition
$46k–$81k per year
Average Salary
$134K/year

Physician’s Assistant

Role
PA, Medical
"Dr." Title?
No
Career Paths
  • Hospitals
  • Clinics
  • Doctors' offices
  • Surgery
  • Specialty
Average Hours/Week
~40 hours/week
Average Annual Tuition
$50k–$89k per year
Average Salary
$115K/year
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Wondering how to become an optometrist? Just follow these steps:

GREAT DECISION TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP TOWARD BECOMING A DOCTOR OF OPTOMETRY.

Right now, we're creating a personalized site for you and will email a link shortly. Can't wait? Take a peek.

Explore the possibilities of a career in optometry

Learn more about finding the right optometry school or college for you, the application process and the different modalities you can pursue.

Please fill out all required fields

{{opt.state}} {{school.name}}
{{opt}}
Eye Opener Sessions

Connect with a Real OD

Interested in learning about a career in optometry? Now you can directly from an optometrist. Sign up for an Eye Opener Session to connect one-on-one with an OD. From short, online conversations to in-person shadowing opportunities, it’s an simple, no-pressure way to find out what it’s like to be an eye doctor.

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Start changing lives through one of these schools or colleges of optometry

Now that you know how to become an eye doctor, check out our academic sponsors, the 24 accredited colleges and schools of optometry across the United States. You’re sure to find the optometry program that’ll help you get started.

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