An optometry residency is a period of training during which licensed professionals provide on-the-job training to individuals with optometry degrees. Individuals who want to specialize in one area of optometry, such as pediatric or geriatric care, are often placed in residencies. An optometry residency usually lasts a year, though training for more complex procedures can take longer.
Undergraduate students in optometry study the same science topics as other medical students, such as biology, chemistry, and anatomy. After completing an optometry degree, a student may choose to take a licensing exam preparation course. This entails attending a series of classes, which are typically taught by licensed optometrists, and culminates in a written and practical examination. As a result, some optometrists begin practicing without having completed residency programs. Some countries’ laws mandate that all optometry graduates work as residents for a period of time before taking the licensing exam.
Residents in optometry residency programs work alongside practicing optometrists, and in many cases, they are able to perform basic eye examinations. Patients are frequently asked to complete simple reading tests to determine the extent of their vision. The results of these tests must be used by residents to determine whether a patient is long-sighted, short-sighted, or has other minor vision problems. Before recommending a course of treatment for a patient, the resident must consult with a licensed optometrist, and in most countries, only fully qualified optometrists are allowed to write prescriptions for glasses, contact lenses, and other vision aids.
While some vision problems can be treated with glasses or other devices, others require surgery. Minor procedures, such as cataract removal, are frequently performed by optometrists, whereas more complex operations may necessitate hospitalization. Students may be asked to assist an optometrist during surgical procedures while enrolled in an optometry residency program. Students may be allowed to make incisions or participate in other aspects of the surgical procedure in some cases, but they must work under the direct supervision of a trained optometrist.
Aside from hands-on training, optometry residents are required to read textbooks and attend seminars where they are taught how to diagnose and treat various eye conditions. Residents also receive basic training in writing prescriptions and filling out paperwork, as many countries have strict medical record-keeping regulations. Individuals who pass the written or practical examination can obtain licenses and begin working as fully qualified optometrists after completing the residency program.