Know more about Masters in Pediatric Optometry. Pediatric optometry is a specialized field of optometry that focuses on the eye health of children from infancy through adolescence.
A pediatric optometrist not only provides comprehensive eye exams but also manages and treats vision problems such as amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes), and refractive errors.
With the growing demand for specialized eye care for children, a Masters in Pediatric Optometry has become a popular choice among optometry students who wish to pursue a career in this field.
See: Gain an Advantage With A Masters In Optometry
What is Pediatric Optometry
Pediatric optometry involves the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of eye conditions in children.
In addition to the standard eye exams that adults undergo, pediatric optometrists also assess visual acuity, eye tracking, and coordination to ensure that children’s eyes are developing correctly.
Early detection and treatment of eye conditions in children are crucial to prevent permanent vision loss and to ensure that children reach their full potential in terms of academic and social development.
What is a Masters in Pediatric Optometry
A Masters in Pediatric Optometry is a specialized degree program that provides students with the knowledge and skills required to become a pediatric optometrist.
The program typically takes two years to complete and covers topics such as pediatric vision assessment, developmental optometry, binocular vision disorders, and vision therapy.
Students also gain practical experience through clinical rotations in pediatric eye care setting.
Benefits of a Masters in Pediatric Optometry
A Masters in Pediatric Optometry offers several benefits to graduates, including
Specialized training: The program provides students with specialized training in pediatric eye care, allowing them to diagnose and treat eye conditions specific to children.
Career opportunities: With the growing demand for pediatric eye care, graduates of the program have several career opportunities in private practice, hospitals, clinics, and academic setting.
Higher earning potential: As a specialized field, pediatric optometrists typically earn higher salaries than general optometrist.
Personal satisfaction: Helping children achieve optimal vision and eye health can be personally rewarding for pediatric optometrist.
Top 5 Universities that offer Masters in Pediatric Optometry
Several universities offer a Masters in Pediatric Optometry program. Here are the top 5 universities that offer the progra
- Indiana University School of Optometry
- University of Houston College of Optometry
- State University of New York College of Optometry
- Southern College of Optometry
- Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University
How Long Will it Take to be Completed?
Masters in Pediatric Optometry is a two-year graduate program that requires a Bachelor’s degree in optometry or a related field as a prerequisite.
The program is designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in pediatric optometry, including clinical management, binocular vision, pediatric ocular disease, and visual development.
Students are also required to complete a research project, which provides them with the opportunity to conduct original research in the field of pediatric optometry.
During the program, students attend lectures, participate in clinical rotations, and work with pediatric patients under the supervision of experienced pediatric optometrists.
They also receive training in the latest diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, including the use of specialized equipment such as visual evoked potentials, electroretinography, and optical coherence tomography.
Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the board certification examination in pediatric optometry, offered by the American Board of Optometry.
Board certification is a voluntary process that demonstrates the optometrist’s expertise in pediatric optometry and provides a competitive advantage in the job market.
List of Top Pediatric Optometry Jobs
Masters in Pediatric Optometry graduates have a wide range of job opportunities in various settings, including private practices, hospitals, clinics, and schools. Some of the top pediatric optometry jobs available include:
Pediatric Optometrist: A pediatric optometrist provides comprehensive eye care to infants, children, and adolescents, including performing vision screenings, prescribing eyeglasses, fitting contact lenses, and managing eye diseases such as amblyopia, strabismus, and myopia.
Clinical Director: A clinical director is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a pediatric optometry clinic. They ensure that the clinic provides quality care to pediatric patients, manage the clinic’s staff, and develop and implement policies and procedures.
Researcher: A researcher in pediatric optometry conducts original research in the field of pediatric optometry, including clinical trials, epidemiological studies, and basic science research.
They may work in academic settings, private research firms, or government agencies.
Educator: An educator in pediatric optometry teaches and trains optometry students and residents in pediatric optometry. They may work in academic settings or in clinical settings, providing continuing education to practicing optometrists.
Consultant: A consultant in pediatric optometry provides expert advice to healthcare organizations, government agencies, and so on.
