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Is Optometry for Me?
Most students settle on optometry somewhere between high school and junior year. This page covers what the job is, what the path asks of you, and the cheapest ways to find out before you commit.
Last checked Nov 2, 2026.
What an Optometrist Does
An optometrist is an eye doctor who examines and treats vision disorders and diseases of the eye. Southern California College of Optometry's admissions blog says that includes diagnosing vision problems, prescribing glasses and contact lenses, and making sure each patient's eyes are healthy. For how the job differs from an ophthalmologist's, read optometrist vs. ophthalmologist.
Where Optometrists Work
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) counts 45,100 optometrist jobs. Here is where they work, with each setting's median pay in May 2025:
| Setting | Share of jobs | Median pay |
|---|---|---|
| Offices of optometrists | 61% | $129,250 |
| Offices of physicians | 14% | $145,630 |
| Retail trade | 13% | $159,250 |
| Self-employed | 5% | Not reported |
| Outpatient care centers | 4% | $207,030 |
BLS projects 10% employment growth from 2025–35 and reports a median of $136,570 a year overall. Projections can miss, and pay depends on where you practice. The careers guide goes into settings and what comes after the degree.
What the Path Asks of You
- College first. There's no required major. The courses every program asks for are in the prerequisites guide, and a school's list can differ from the next school's.
- A standard admissions test. The Optometry Admission Test (OAT) is given by the American Dental Association. See the OAT, explained.
- Four years of optometry school. There are 25 accredited programs in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, and OptomCAS counted 2,897 applicants in 2024–25. See every step in order.
- A real cost. Compare it with the pay before you commit: Is Optometry Worth It?
Ways to Test the Fit
Southern California College of Optometry's advice to high school students is to try the profession rather than guess:
- Shadow an optometrist and ask questions. Keep notes, since you can use them when you apply. Most schools expect shadowing later anyway, so the hours you log now carry forward. See shadowing and experience, and log them in the hours tracker.
- Go to an open house. Many optometry schools hold admissions events open to prospective students. Check the admissions page of schools near you on the schools page.
- Talk to your counselor about the science and math courses that fit your goal, and bring your parents into the research if you want their view.
Questions Worth Asking Yourself
These aren't scored, and none has a right answer. They're prompts for your first shadowing day.
- Did the exam-room routine of examining, testing and explaining hold your attention for a full day?
- Does the mix of vision correction and eye disease treatment match what you pictured?
- Would you want to work in the setting you observed, such as a private office, a retail location or a medical office?
- Does the cost of four more years of school after college still make sense to you once you've seen the pay table above?
If You're Leaning Yes
- In high school: some programs let you lock in a seat early. See early admission and 3+4 programs.
- In college: follow the year-by-year plan.
- Coming from another field? Read switching to optometry.
Job counts, pay and growth are from BLS, May 2025 and 2025–35. The advice to high school students is from one school's admissions blog, not a national body.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Optometrists
- ADA, Optometry Admission Test
- Southern California College of Optometry admissions blog, information for high school students
- ASCO, school-specific prerequisites, May 2026
- Each school's admissions pages and catalog, checked October 2026 and linked from that school's page
Requirements and dates change each cycle. Always confirm with each school before you apply.
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Keep Reading
- The OAT, ExplainedWhat's on the Optometry Admission Test, how it's scored, what it costs and the rules for retaking it.
- What's a Good OAT Score?Entering-class OAT averages for every school, and what score to aim for.
- Which OAT Prep?The main OAT prep options side by side, what they cost, and which one fits your budget and study style.
- OAT Study PlanFree 8-week and 12-week OAT schedules, week by week, with what to study for each section.