Optometry, a science developed over a century ago, trains healthcare professionals called optometrists to examine eyes. These professionals are qualified to test visions, prepare and provide the right optical aids for those who have to struggle with poor vision, and treat various other eye-related problems. Optometrists’ jobs are fulfilling because they deal with the most precious of our senses-eyesight. Optometry careers are not very demanding on optometrists’ time, and they are definitely profitable ventures.
Career Prospects in Optometry
The career outlook for optometry is very encouraging. The recent U.S. News and World Report’s guide to careers rated optometry as an excellent career choice. Of optometry, the report said, “Optometrists…typically work predictable hours, and they regularly watch patients walk out the door in better shape than when they came in.” The report also offers reasons for the growing demand for optometrists in the country, saying that the demand is fueled by baby boomers’ ages, the growing ubiquity of the Internet, and because “Americans seek richer, simpler lives.”
Is Optometry Profitable?
As optometry is one of the top income-earning medical professions in the U.S., doctors of optometry have several options to choose from when it comes to specialization areas—pediatrics, geriatrics, occupational vision, and near or partial-loss of vision. Unlike most other physicians, eye doctors can choose where they want to live and practice. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median income for optometrists is $114,000. That figure is higher for those with private practices. The U.S. has nearly 35,000 practicing optometrists, and the number is expected to rise between 18% and 26% by 2012 due to growing demands for new professionals.
What Does An Optometrist Do?
As optometry is a highly specialized medical field, optometrists need to be highly skilled and knowledgeable about latest happenings in the eye care industry. A successful optometrist performs certain specific duties. These include:
- Examining patients’ eyes for visual acuity, ability to focus, etc.
- Diagnosing vision errors, defects, color blindness, etc.
- Providing vision therapy and prescribing lenses or glasses as applicable (for patients’ ages)
- Suggesting treatment plans for correction
- In some cases, administering drugs for treating eye diseases
- Attending to preoperative and postoperative care for patients undergoing laser vision correction or other eye surgeries
- In select medical cases with multiple histories, referring patients to specific doctors
Most people have plenty of fears about getting their eyes checked. However, a skilled optometrist can tackle all these fears and make patients feel comfortable and cared for. The key to being an expert optometrist lies in how you deal with these factors. The following qualities will help: thorough understanding of the application of scientific principles and methods, confidence in mathematical calculations, close attention to detail and commitment to accuracy, alacrity, patience, possessing strong interpersonal skills, an easy-going and happy nature, strong business acumen, and organizational and management skills. The latter, especially, will prove handy if for an optometrist who decides to set up his or her own practice rather than join an established hospital.
Specialty Areas in Optometry Careers
Optometrists can specialize in a number of specific fields. These specializations include:
- Contact lenses and cornea specialists: treat corneal diseases, eye trauma, and all aspects of contact lenses
- Dispensing opticians: fit patients with the right pairs of glasses/lenses
- Geriatric optometrists: deal mainly with elderly patients’ age-related eye trouble
- Pediatric optometrists: deal with infants and young children’s eye care needs
- Sports optometrists: deal with athletes’ specific needs, including injury prevention and vision therapy
- Low-vision or partial-sight optometrists: prescribe visual aids to patients with near or partial-visual obstruction
- Eye (Ocular) Disease: treatment of various eye diseases including glaucoma, retinal diseases, acute
anterior-segment conditions, and others
- Vision Therapy: these optometrists help patients correct their vision through exercises such as binocular coordination, eye teaming, focusing, and depth perception
