Included are courses in pharmacology, optics, vision science, biochemistry, and systemic disease. Optometrists wishing to teach or do research may study for a master's or Ph.D. degree in visual science, physiological optics, neurophysiology, public health, health administration, health information and communication or health education. One-year postgraduate clinical residency programs are available for optometrists who wish to specialize in family practice optometry, pediatric optometry, geriatric optometry, vision therapy, contact lenses, hospital based optometry, primary care optometry or ocular disease. Sometimes their practice includes a retail optical shop or laboratory. Some attend medical school and become ophthalmologists.
Incomes vary depending upon location, specialization and other factors.
Salaried optometrists tend to earn more initially than optometrists who set up their own independent practice. In the long run, those in private practice generally earn more. The number of jobs is greater than the number of practicing optometrists because some optometrists hold two or more jobs. For example, an optometrist may have a private practice, but also work in another practice, clinic, or vision care center. According to the American Optometric Association, about two-thirds of practicing optometrists are in private practice.