Optometrists must pass a rigorous national examination administered by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO). The three-part exam includes basic science, clinical science and patient care. All optometrists are required to participate in ongoing continuing education courses to stay current on the latest standards of care. Minnesota requires 40 hours of licensure for license renewal. For details on Minnesota Optometric licensure renewal please visit http://www.optometryboard.state.mn.us

Curriculums and continuing education are updated on an ongoing basis to reflect technological advances, including surgery techniques, prescriptive medications and other medical treatments related to eye diseases and disorders. Dr. Tyler is one of the few optometrists in the country to have completed training in advanced laser techniques. Dr. Tyler has completed his laser vision correction course on April 6-8, 2001 at the Northeastern State University College of Optometry. Dr. Tyler also completed his VISX excimer laser training course.

In addition to being the experts on eye and vision diseases and disorders, doctors of optometry have the education and training to diagnose the ocular manifestations of diseases that affect the entire body, such as diabetes and hypertension. They also are qualified to evaluate their patients for surgery when appropriate and often manage their patients' care pre- and post-operatively.

In virtually every state in the country optometrists are allowed to prescribe and administer oral medications for the treatment of eye diseases. In Minnesota optometrists have been using oral medications for the treatment of eye diseases since 2003.