How is the optometrist educated?
The preparation for a license to practice optometry begins with a 4-year post-graduate program at the level of the classroom, laboratory and clinical. Today’s optometry students are trained to treat a variety of visual and ocular disorders and diseases. Their training occurs in multiple settings, which prepare them to independently treat, manage and/or co-manage patient problems. After graduating from this program, students receive a Doctor of Optometry degree (OD). They must then pass State and National exams to receive their license.  

To maintain licensure, optometrists must complete the continuing education requirements for their State. Massachusetts optometrists must demonstrate that they have successfully completed at least 18 hours of continuing education when they apply for their license renewal every year.  

When changes in State law expand scope of practice, optometrists must pass transcript-quality courses and apply for State Board certification to practice at the increased scope. In 1997, Massachusetts expanded the scope of optometric practice to include the use of therapeutic pharmaceutical agents (TPAs) to medically treat eye and lid diseases. To be TPA-certified in Massachusetts, optometrists must have successfully completed 90 hours of didactic training and 30 hours of clinical training or have received first licensure on or after January 1, 1994.