Confused Foreign qualified optometrists options in the U.S

[Jemimah]

I am very confused about wher to start and your input will be highly appreciated. I am a southafrican qualified optometrist basically i have qualified with a 4 year bachelor is science degree.
I have recently moved to the united states permanently and will love to know what my options are?
Ive been doing some searching and i know for sure to be able to practice in the u.s i will need lincensure. But what are my options? Can i do optometry assistance as i study towards getn my lincensure? And whats the way forward for me? Will i need to enroll in another 4 year of optometry school to get the lincencure? Will i need to take the OAT test? So confused

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[362.04]

Jeremiah,

There is very little that you can do as an independent practitioner in any of the 50 states with just your South African registration. Here are some options:

(1) Ophthalmology office as a refracting ophthalmic technician
(2) Ophthalmology residency program as a refracting ophtahlmic technician
(3) Advanced standing of 1+ year in a US optometry program
(4) Industry position in lenses (e.g. Essilor, Hoya, etc) where US registration as an optometrist is not required. You might get paid less, though.

 

[Loptometriste]

(5) Apply to Optometry Schools with a new application and OAT for normal admissions for a 4 year program.

I must say, South Africa is a beautiful country. I lived in the western cape for a bit.

 

[Jemimah]

That will be starting all over again, and i have seen the fees at the optometry schools, frankly will not be able to afford it, with no job.But thatnks a lot.

 

[kelee O]

H

That will be starting all over again, and i have seen the fees at the optometry schools, frankly will not be able to afford it, with no job.But thatnks a lot.

Hiiii just saw your forum now. Have you gotten help yet,maybe you could help me. I am an Optometrist from Nigeria and I just settled in the US. Really want to practice Optometry here. I wrote the California Optometry law exam 3months ago but I havnt heard from the board yet. Really confused. Don't know the next step to take.

 

[Laurac]

H



Hiiii just saw your forum now. Have you gotten help yet,maybe you could help me. I am an Optometrist from Nigeria and I just settled in the US. Really want to practice Optometry here. I wrote the California Optometry law exam 3months ago but I havnt heard from the board yet. Really confused. Don't know the next step to take.

 

[Laurac]

You need to start with the National Boards. There are several parts. All states require passing all parts. But be advised, I don't believe any foreign graduate has ever passed the National boards. They are made purposely tough, especially the optics portion. U.S. Students have over a year of optics. We really don't need to be able to design complex telescopes...only pass part 1 of the boards. I am sorry.