Optometrist

Description:

Optometry is the diagnosis and treatment of disease, optical deficiencies and deformities, and visual and muscular irregularities as related to the human eye and adjacent tissue.

Optometrists are independent primary health care providers who examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system.

Licensing Requirements:

New York licensed optometrists have completed a four-year postgraduate program of classroom and clinical training that resulted in the doctor of optometry (O.D.) degree. Most practitioners have also completed an undergraduate degree with an emphasis in chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, and physics.

Optometry programs include advanced studies in optics (the science of light and vision) and the human visual system, as well as extensive training in lens design, construction, application and fitting. Optometric education also includes studies in human anatomy, general pharmacology, general pathology, sensor and perceptual psychology, biochemistry, statistics and epidemiology.

New York State licensed optometrists have also passed an intensive three-part examination, including a practical or "hands-on" examination.

Fees

The fee for licensure and first registration is $377.
The fee for certification in the administration of topical diagnostic pharmaceuticals is $60.
NOTE: If you are applying for both, you may submit one check for $437 for both fees.

Licenses Issued and Active:

In 2018, there were 192 licenses issued for this occupation.
In 2019, there were 179 licenses issued for this occupation.

As of July 1, 2020, there were 2,893 currently registered licenses for this occupation.

Licensing Authority:

New York State Education Department
Office of the Professions
State Board for Optometry
Education Building, 2nd Floor
89 Washington Avenue
Albany, New York 12234
Phone: (518) 474-3817 Press 1 then Ext. 591
Fax: (518) 473-0567
Email: optombd@nysed.gov

Standard Occupational Classification:

29-1041 - Optometrists
To learn more about this occupation search the Occupational Information Network (O*Net).

Additional Information:

American Optometric Association
Education Services
243 North Lindbergh Boulevard
St. Louis, Missouri 63141
Phone: (800) 365-2219

New York State Optometric Association, Inc
230 Washington Avenue Ext., Suite 101
Albany, New York 12203
Phone: (518) 449-7300
E-mail: nysoa2020@gmail.com.

Disclaimer:

Fees stated and other information contained in this report are subject to change. Please contact the licensing authority listed above for the most current information.

This page was last updated on 2/1/21.