292 Anatomy & Physiology at Work CAREER CORNER A variety of career paths are available that involve working with and treating conditions of the sensory organs. A few of these options are discussed below. Ophthalmologist An ophthalmologist (ahp-thal-MAHL-oh-jist) is a medical doctor who specializes in treating injuries, disorders, and diseases of the eye through both medicine and surgery. Training for ophthalmologists in the United States includes a college degree, medical school, and a residency in ophthalmology. Four years of residency training after medical school is required. The first year of residency training usually consists of a supervised internship in surgery, internal medicine, or pediatrics. During the following three years, residents receive specialized training in ophthalmology. Most residency programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and are board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. Optometrist Although optometrists (ahp-TAHM-eh-trists) are not doctors of medicine with the MD or OD credential, they are licensed medical professionals trained to prescribe and fit corrective lenses for improving vision (Figure 7.25). Optometrists can also diagnose and treat diseases of the eye and can prescribe needed medications. In some states in the United States, optometrists can also perform certain types of laser surgery. Training for optometrists begins with a four-year college degree that includes successful completion of required courses in math, chemistry, physics, physiology, anatomy, microbiology, and psychology. Students applying for admission to an optometry doctoral program must score well on the standardized Optometry Admission Test. Admission to optometry school is highly competitive, with many more candidates applying than can be accepted. The four-year doctoral program in optometry involves specialized classroom and clinical training in all aspects of the anatomy and physiology of the eye, treatment of disorders and diseases of the eye, and procedures for screening and correcting vision deficits. In addition, students receive general training in anatomy, physiology, and systemic diseases of the entire human body. Upon completion of a four-year, accredited optometry program, the optometry degree (OD) is awarded. To be certified to practice, optometrists must pass a national examination administered by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO). This exam encompasses basic science, clinical science, and patient care. Some optometrists elect to complete one- to two-year residencies with training focused on pediatric or geriatric eye care, specialty contact lens prescription, or diseases of the eye. Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock.com Figure 7.25 An optometrist tests a patient’s vision. Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.