Online Optometry Courses and Classes Overview

Online optometry courses are available for continuing medical education credits and are generally only open to practicing optometrists. State medical boards have varying requirements for continuing education which may be fulfilled by enrollment in online courses.

Overview of Online Optometry Courses

Optometry is a branch of medicine that focuses on the eye and vision disorders. Optometrists must undergo the rigorous education that is required of all medical doctors to practice in the U.S.; this training includes four years of undergraduate studies and four years of medical school followed by 3-8 years of internships. Due to the formal education requirements of optometrists, most online courses are open to practitioners for continuing education credits, which may be applied toward state regulatory medical licensing board requirements. Courses are available in standalone format and are generally available at various university medical schools; some may result in a certificate.

Course Requirements

Courses require the use of a computer with streaming media player and Internet access. Software such as Adobe Reader and Microsoft PowerPoint is used to present course materials. Web discussion forums and e-mail are used for communication with faculty and classmates. A printer may be needed to print out teaching materials and certificates of completion.

List of Courses

Ethics and Optometric Laws Course

Students learn about substance-abuse disorders and how to identify addiction along with treatment strategies. They review state laws and ethical issues in optometry and keep current with changes in policies.

Oral Medications in Eye Care Course

This course covers some uncommon eye disorders, such as herpetic eye disease, which require oral medication for treatment. It presents case studies in order to illustrate effects and treatment strategies. Lessons inform on the prescription of oral medications that are commonly used in optometry.

Glaucoma Course

Glaucoma refers to a class of ocular disorders that gradually lead to vision loss. In this course, students use progression software showing case studies in order to diagnose and interpret visual field defects in glaucoma. They also review the many different presentations of glaucoma to increase familiarity.

Optometric Laser Surgery Course

Lasers are used to treat many eye diseases and conditions. This course explores various laser procedures and techniques such as Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty and Iridoplasty. It also discusses postoperative complications.