An optometrist is a professional who has competed a four-year course in optometry after receiving an undergraduate degree. After receiving a doctor of optometry, or O.D., degree, this professional completes an exam that allows him to become nationally and state certified to treat and management diseases of the eye.

Like other healthcare professionals, optometrists must pursue additional optometry education and training as part of their continuing education in order to stay licensed. Learning more about education and training in optometry will help you to make a better choice if you are hiring a full-time staff member or working with an optometry consultant. Here are some areas to focus on:

1. Learn about optometry education.

2. Think about the specific needs of your organization when looking at optometrist training.

3. Consider if one of your employees might benefit from courses in optometry.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find out more about optometry education and training

If your business is involved in the field of optometry, you'll want to learn all you can about education and training in this field. Many optometry schools provide descriptions of their curriculum online, and you can find out more about what optometrists need to know by looking at the requirements for the optometry exam.

I recommend: The National Board of Examiners in Optometry site will give you an overview of the curriculum at optometry schools. You can link to the individual colleges and residency programs to get more information about optometry courses. Attending the Optometry's Meeting, an annual event sponsored by the American Optometric Association and the American Optometric Student Association, can also be helpful.

Examine a wide range of classes in optometry

Studying optometry often means specializing in certain populations or diseases. Residency programs range from a specialty in an area like contact lenses to a focus on the elderly or children. Look at online optometry courses that the applicant has taken or workshops she has attended since becoming licensed so you can match the right applicant to the needs of your organization.

I recommend: Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry provides links to residency programs throughout the country. The American Optometric Association also provides information on the hundreds of residency programs recognized by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education.

Consider classes in optometry for you and your staff

There are many opportunities for you and your staff to learn more about the constantly changing world of optometry. Online optometry courses, workshops and seminars abound in this field. If your organization has a new product, you can even consider working with your staff optometrist to teach your own classes in optometry.

I recommend: Nova Southeastern University offers online optometry courses through the Vision Care Institute. You can also access online optometry courses at the Ohio State University College of Optometry website.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If your organization is interested in presenting optometry training for a new product or technology, you can apply to teach a course at the annual Optometry's Meeting.