Training For Optometry and Qualifications For the Job Majority of students joining an optometry course must have a bachelor's degree. In order to be accepted in the program, at least three years of pre-optometric learning is required. Accredited optometry curriculum normally takes 4 years of study to finish. For admission in optometry school, you must pass the Optometry Admission Test. This test determines the comprehension of science and also the academic capacity. This test is usually taken after the sophomore or junior year of the student. This provides them enough time if needed, to take again the examination for a higher result. Students must have to take courses in mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, English before applying to the school. Other courses in business, psychology, sociology, history and speech are required also. Several students pick to finish science bachelor's degree due to the strong science practice given. Once accepted in an optometry curriculum, courses in vision science, optics, pharmacology, systemic diseases and biochemistry are taken. The programs give clinical training in the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders, and also classroom study in health and visual sciences. To become an optometrist, it is essential to be oriented in detail, to have excellent people skills, tough business sense and also self-discipline. To perform research for career, optometrists generally take a master's degree or Ph.D. in health education, visual science, health administration, neurophysiology, health communication and information, physiological optics or public health. If an optometrist likes to concentrate in ocular diseases, contact lenses, primary care, family practice, pediatric optometry, vision therapy or elderly optometry, they must have to attend postgraduate medical residency which normally lasts for one year.