OPTOMETRISTS

Nature of the Work

Over half the people in the United States wear glasses or contact lenses.  Optometrists (doctors of optometry, also known as O.D.'s) provide most of the primary vision care people need.

Optometrists examine people's eyes to diagnose vision problems and eye disease.  They treat vision problems, and in most States, they treat certain eye diseases such as conjunctivitis or corneal infections, as well.  Optometrists use instruments and observation to examine eye health and to test patients' visual acuity, depth and color perception, and their ability to focus and coordinate the eyes.  They analyze test results and develop a treatment plan. Optometrists prescribe eyeglasses, contact lenses, vision therapy, and low vision aids.  They use drugs for diagnosis in all States and, as of 1993, they may use topical and oral drugs to treat some eye diseases in 37 States.  Optometrists often provide postoperative care to cataract patients.  When optometrists diagnose conditions that require care beyond the optometric scope of practice such as diabetes or high blood pressure, they refer patients to other health practitioners.

Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement

All States and the District of Columbia require that optometrists be licensed.  Applicants for a license must have a Doctor of Optometry degree from an accredited optometry school and pass both a written and a clinical State board examination.  In many States, applicants can substitute the examinations of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry, usually taken during the student's academic career, for part or all of the written examination.  Licenses are renewed every 1 to 2 years and in most States, continuing education credits are needed for renewal.

The Doctor of Optometry degree requires completion of a 4-year program at an accredited optometry school preceded by at least 3 years of preoptometric study at an accredited college or university (most optometry students hold a bachelor's degree).  Requirements for admission to schools of optometry include courses in English, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology.  A few schools require or recommend courses in psychology, history, sociology, speech, or business.  Applicants must take the Optometry Admissions Test (OAT), which measures academic ability and scientific comprehension.  Most applicants take the test after their sophomore or junior year.  Competition for admission is keen.

Job Outlook

Employment of optometrists is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2005 in response to the vision care needs of a growing and aging population.  The maturing of the baby-boom generation, together with rapid growth in the elderly population will drive this growth.  Persons over the age of 45 visit optometrists and ophthalmologists more frequently because of the onset of vision problems in middle age and the increased likelihood of cataracts, glaucoma, diabetes, and hypertension in old age.  Employment of optometrists will also grow due to greater recognition of the importance of vision care, rising personal incomes, and growth in employee vision care plans.

Earnings

According to the American Optometric Association, new optometry graduates in their first year of practice earned median net income of about $45,000 in 1992.  Overall, optometrists earned median net income of about $75,000.  Optometrists in private practice generally earned more than salaried optometrists.

Sources of Additional Information

For information on optometry as a career, and a listing of accredited optometric educational institutions, as well as required preoptometry courses write to:

American Optometric Association, Educational Services, 243 North Lindbergh Blvd., St.  Louis, MO 63141-7881.

The Board of Optometry in each State can supply information on licensing requirements.

For information on specific admission requirements and sources of financial aid, contact the admissions officer of individual optometry schools.


