Optometry Field: Career Outlook

What Does an Optometrist Do?

Optometrists examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases, injuries, and disorders of the eye and the broader visual system. They prescribe medications, provide low vision rehabilitation, vision therapy, and prescribe spectacle lenses as well as contact lenses. Optometrists counsel their patients regarding surgical and non-surgical options that meet their visual needs.

Pursuing a Degree in Optometry at MCPHS

To be licensed to practice, optometrists must complete their preprofessional undergraduate education in a college or university as well as four years of professional education at a college of optometry, leading to the doctor of optometry (O.D.) degree.

On-Site Clinic

At our on-site Eye and Vision Clinic in Worcester, students work alongside expert faculty to provide comprehensive eye and vision care to patients from the Worcester community. Learn more about the Eye and Vision Center.

A Comprehensive Education

We provide the highest levels of clinical education by rotating students through a range of clinical programs focused on primary care, cornea, contact lens, low vision, pediatrics/binocular vision, glaucoma, and developmental disabilities.

Leaders in the Field

Students gain insight from faculty members with advanced training and experience in the field of optometry. Many faculty members are also clinical researchers, Fellows and/or Diplomates in the American Academy of Optometry, and authors of journal articles and textbooks.

10 Optical

Student interns work alongside registered dispensing opticians in MCPHS’s own retail store—10 Optical. Students help patients select glasses and educate them on the latest in lens technology. Find out more about 10 Optical.

Inside the MCPHS Optometry Experience

From its own Eye and Vision Center to expert faculty dedicated to mentoring students, MCPHS offers an outstanding opportunity to build a career as an optometrist.

Female optometry student looking through a Phoroptor.

Stats and Facts

MCPHS adds up to be a strategic choice for a career in optometry.

#13

Ranking in "Best Healthcare Jobs 2022"

U.S. News & World Report

10%

increase in jobs by 2028

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

#37

ranking in “100 Best Jobs”

U.S. News & World Report

Optometrist vs. Ophthalmologist: The Difference Between Eye Doctors

Enhance your knowledge and understanding of vision care by learning the key differences between optometry and ophthalmology.

Explore the Difference

News and Features

Keep up with the latest news from the MCPHS School of Optometry.

Community members sitting at tables at the IPE Fall Awareness event.

Falls Awareness Activity Receives National Honor for IPE Excellence

‘Choose Growth Over Fear’: MCPHS Celebrates the Class of 2025

MCPHS Optometry Students standing in front of a van

Eyes on Service: Optometry Students Bring Care to Rural Tennessee Families

Pathways to a Career in Optometry

A Doctor of Optometry degree is required to be eligible for the licensing exam and to begin a career as an optometrist. At MCPHS, we offer both a doctoral degree and an accelerated bachelor’s-to-doctoral degree option.

Bachelor of Science in Premedical Health Studies — Optometry Pathway (BS/OD)

Four-year, full-time program on the Boston campus.

Details

Doctor of Optometry

Full-time, four-year program on our Worcester campus.