What is an optometrist?
An optometrist perform eye exams, check for vision disorders and eye diseases. They also prescribe corrective glasses or contact lenses if needed. Most optometrists have got their offices along with eye glass store. Additionally some work in doctor's clinics, outpatient clinics or hospitals. In most cases this is a full time condition and requires evening and weekend hours to handle patient's schedules.
Salary of an optometrist.
The salary of an optometrist can vary depending on the fact where he is working and the number of hours he puts into practice. According to some surveys, an optometrist on average earns around $100,000 per annum or about $46.00 per hour. In the beginning, however earns much less from the average earnings while on the other hand an optometrist with several years of experience can certainly gain higher incomes than the average.
How to become a Toronto optometrist?
Becoming an optometrist requires a great deal of education. The person requires a minimum of three years of undergraduate education preferably science followed by a four to five year of a university program in optometry from a recognized by accreditation council on Optometric Education. After that the graduate is required to satisfy provincial board requirements in the province or territory where he is intended to practice. The process also includes a national examination administered by the Canadian examiners of optometry. One also requires licensure by provincial and territorial governing body. This whole process is intended to assure public receives highest standards of optometric care.
While in college it would be helpful to take a part time job in eyeglass store or as an assistant to an optometrist. This will give you helpful experience and prepare you for the upcoming career in optometry. After the completion of course, most optometrists work as partnership with other doctors or with larger corporations. With experience under their belt, they can decide to move on and become a self employed business owners. This removes salary caps as well.
What can help you become an optometrist?
To be a good optometrist, you have to be attentive with eyes for details. Mistakes and omissions can cause serious disorders in individual's sight. Besides the technology and innovations with eye care are ever present and emerging. Besides an optometrist with good organizational skills and business acumen can become successful.
Optometry is a rewarding and lucrative career options provided you have the interest in this field. If you want to pursue this as a career, you have to start preparing for it right from the beginning. This requires so much skills and knowledge and lacking any of these attributes can make your journey tough.
Author Resource:
Graham Sandras is a freelance article author with special interests in health care issues. Right now he is writing on Eye Care Mississauga and Eye Doctor Toronto .