OPTOMETRISTS California Occupational Guide Number 467 Interest Area 13 1995
THE JOB
An estimated sixty percent of the people in California wear glasses or contact lenses. OPTOMETRISTS (doctors of optometry) provide much of the vision care these people need. They examine people's eyes to detect vision problems, diseases, and other abnormal conditions. They may use pharmaceutical agents for diagnostic purposes. They also test to insure that the patient has proper depth and color perception and the ability to focus and coordinate the eyes. When necessary, they prescribe lenses and treatment. Where evidence of disease is present, the Optometrist refers the patient to the appropriate health care practitioner. Many Optometrists supply the prescribed eyeglasses and fit and adjust contact lenses. Optometrists also prescribe vision therapy or other treatment which does not require medication or surgery.
Although most Optometrists are in general practice, some specialize in work with the elderly or with children. Others work with partially sighted persons, who use microscopic or telescopic lenses. Still others concentrate on contact lenses or vision therapy. Optometrists teach, conduct research, and serve on health advisory committees of various kinds.
Optometrists should not be confused with either ophthalmologists or dispensing opticians. Ophthalmologists are physicians who specialize in medical eye care, eye diseases, and injuries, perform eye surgery, and prescribe drugs or other eye treatment, as well as lenses. Dispensing opticians fit and adjust eyeglasses and contact lenses according to prescriptions written by ophthalmologists or Optometrists; they do not examine eyes or prescribe treatment.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Optometrists work in offices that are clean, well lighted, and comfortable. Some also work in retail optical stores. The work requires a lot of attention to detail. Optometrists who are self-employed have considerable flexibility in setting their hours of work, and may continue to practice after the normal retirement age.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of
Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division.
Estimated number of workers in 1990 3,120 Estimated number of workers in 2005 4,980 Projected Growth 1990-2005 60% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 1,460
(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.)
Employment of Optometrists is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2005. Demand for vision care services is projected to increase because of rising per capita income, an increase in employee vision care plans, and expanded Medicare coverage. Increased demand for vision care will also result from population growth, an increasing population of older people, and more emphasis on prevention in health care. The public is also showing a greater awareness of how good vision relates to driving, industrial production, student achievement, and adjustment to aging. All of the above should contribute to increased employment prospects. In addition, job opportunities should continue to expand because a large percentage of practicing Optometrists will soon reach retirement age, creating opportunities for new Optometrists to work as partners in existing practices, replacing those who retire or otherwise leave the labor force.
Approximately 4,500 persons hold active licenses to practice optometry in California. Although employment opportunities are generally favorable in major metropolitan areas, some small areas in California may have an adequate supply of practicing Optometrists.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Incomes vary greatly, depending upon the geographic area, specialization, number of years in practice, professional reputation, and other factors. Earnings of new optometry graduates without experience range from $22,000 to $52,000 annually, while those with four to five years of experience range from $30,000 to $85,000 annually. Earnings of Optometrists in private practice in major metropolitan areas can sometimes exceed $125,000 annually. Salary surveys show the average earnings for all Optometrists range from $67,000 to $88,000, depending upon location and practice size. Optometrists who are employed by the State earn between $32,800 and $40,000 per year.
Optometrists who start out by working on a salaried basis tend to earn more money initially than Optometrists who set up their own practice. However, in the long run, those with their own private practice have the potential to earn more than those employed by other Optometrists, hospitals, health agencies, or other firms.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
In California, Optometrists must be licensed by the State Board of Optometry. Applicants for this license must possess a Doctor of Optometry degree from an accredited school or college of optometry. In addition, applicants must pass a written exam given by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry, followed by a test of practical application given by the State Board of Optometry.
Most optometry students complete a Bachelor's degree before entering a four- year program at a school of optometry. However, exceptional students may be accepted by a college of optometry after a minimum of two or three years of undergraduate work.
Presently, there are 14 schools and colleges of optometry in the United States accredited by the Council on Optometric Education of the American Optometric Association. The University of California, Berkeley, College of Optometry and the Southern California College of Optometry in Fullerton are accredited colleges of optometry in California.
Requirements for admission to these schools usually include courses in English, mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, anatomy and physiology. Some schools also require courses in psychology, social studies, literature, philosophy, and foreign languages. All applicants must take the Optometry College Aptitude Test (OCAT). Admission to optometry schools is keenly competitive. Therefore, superior grades in pre-optometric college courses may enhance one's chances for acceptance.
Because many Optometrists are self-employed, business ability, self- discipline, and the ability to deal with patients tactfully are necessary for success.
Many beginning Optometrists enter into associate practice with an Optometrist or other health professional. Others purchase an established practice or set up a new practice. Some take salaried positions to obtain experience and either work into a partnership or earn the necessary funds to start their own practice.
ADVANCEMENT
Optometrists wishing to advance in a specialized field may study for a master's or Ph.D. degree in visual science, physiological optics, neurophysiology, public health, health administration, health information and communication, or health education. One-year graduate clinical residency programs also are available in the optometric specialties of family practice optometry, pediatric optometry, low vision rehabilitation, contact lenses, neuro-optometry, and hospital optometry. Optometrists who enter the Armed Forces as career officers have the opportunity to work toward advanced degrees and to do research on vision problems.
FINDING THE JOB
Applicants should contact practicing Optometrists, clinics, hospitals, public health agencies, and health maintenance organizations. Openings are sometimes posted in college placement offices, trade journals, and in newspaper classified ads.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
California Optometric Association P.O. Box 2591 801 12th Street Sacramento, CA 95812 (916) 441-3990
Board of Optometry State of California Department of Consumer Affairs 400 R Street, Suite 3130 Sacramento, CA 95814-6200 (916) 323-8720
For information on admission requirements and sources of financial aid, including federal loans and scholarships, contact individual optometry schools.
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Optical Lab Technicians/Optical Mechanics No 97 Dispensing Opticians No 167 Optometric Assistants No 470
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1) Optometrist 079.101-018
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Optometrists 321080
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916)262-2162.
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