A person who wants to become a behavioral optometrist usually takes the traditional route of completing his or her undergraduate studies and then enrolling in an accredited optometry school. These studies are frequently followed by or supplemented by a behavioral optometry education, also known as functional optometry or vision therapy. Becoming a behavioral optometrist necessitates the acquisition of additional skills, such as training in visual therapy techniques. The most common ways to obtain advanced training are to complete a clinical residency or to enroll in one of the few academic programs specializing in behavioral optometry, depending on your location. Doctors of optometry are required to be licensed in most jurisdictions, including the United States, regardless of their specific specialties.
Behavioral optometry is classified as an alternative or complementary therapy because it deals with issues that aren’t usually addressed by traditional treatments. A behavioral optometrist performs visual therapy exercises to strengthen the eyes or correct vision problems in addition to prescribing eyeglasses or contact lenses. Color perception problems, peripheral vision problems, and the negative effects of poor vision on fine and gross motor skills are just a few of the common issues this doctor may treat.
To become a behavioral optometrist, you must first complete your undergraduate education, then pursue a degree in optometry from an accredited school. Some schools accept applicants after three years of undergraduate study, allowing them to complete a bachelor’s degree while enrolled in an optometry program; others choose to complete their bachelor’s degrees first and then apply to graduate programs. Regardless of your course of study, you will be expected to have completed a diverse set of courses in order to prepare for a career in optometry. Courses in science, both in the classroom and in the laboratory, as well as training to recognize eye diseases and perform eye surgery, are usually included in a standard curriculum.
Becoming a behavioral optometrist typically necessitates additional training beyond the basic optometry program. A clinical residency in a specialized area, such as pediatrics or vision rehabilitation, can help you gain practical experience. Holistic methods of treating the whole patient rather than focusing only on the structure of the eye could be an example of a useful course for someone who wants to become a behavioral optometrist.
Hand-eye coordination problems are common in behavioral optometry, as is helping patients recover from strokes or other brain or eye injuries. Many behavioral optometrists believe that vision problems and learning disabilities are linked. However, there is currently little conclusive evidence regarding the effectiveness of vision therapy in the treatment of certain learning disorders, such as dyslexia. Despite the controversy, there is still a demand for behavioral optometrists, and there are plenty of opportunities for those who want to work in the field.