Chapter 15: Optometry

What are required for optometrists?

Graduate from accredited college of optometry and a state license administered by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry is required

Why is the demand for optometrists expected to increase?

Due to vision care needs of a growing and aging population

What are the job responsibilities of an optometrist?

• Examine people’s eyes to diagnose vision problems

• Test patients’ depth, color perception, and ability to focus and coordinate the eyes

• May prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses, or may provide other treatments including vision therapy

• Test for glaucoma and other eye diseases

• Diagnose conditions caused by systemic diseases including diabetes and hypertension

• Prescribe medication to treat vision problems or eye diseases0

What specialty do most optometrists work in?

A general practice as a primary care optometrist

What fields do some optometrists prefer to specialize in?

Contact lenses, geriatrics, pediatrics, or vision therapy

What do ophthalmologists do?

Perform eye surgery, examine, diagnose and treat eye diseases, and prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses

Where do optometrists usually work?

Their own offices, which are clean, well lit, and comfortable

Where were most of the salaried jobs for optometrists?

Primarily in offices of optometrists; offices of physicians, including ophthalmologists; and in health and personal care stores, including optical goods stores

What percent of optometrists are self-employed?

About 11%

What type of degree is required for optometrists?

Doctoral degree; doctor of optometry; OD

What is required for one to obtain a Doctor of Optometry degree?

Completion of at least 3 years of pre-optometric studies at accredited college, followed by 4 year program at accredited school of optometry

What courses are typically required for admission into optometry programs?

English, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology

What must all applicants take in order to be admitted into an optometry school?

Optometry Admissions Test (OAT), a standardized exam that measures academic ability and scientific comprehension

What types of experiences do optometry programs include?

Class and lab study of health and visual sciences, clinical training in diagnosing and treating eye disorders, and courses in pharma, optics, vision science, biochemistry, and systemic diseases

What do all states and D.C. require for optometrists?

That they are all licensed

What is available for optometrists who wish to obtain advanced clinical competence within a particular area of optometry diseases?

1 year postgraduate clinical residency programs for optometrists

What must applicants for an optometry license have?

Doctor of Optometry degree from an accredited optometry school and must pass both a written national board examination and a national, regional, or state clinical examination

How often must optometry licenses be renewed?

Every 1-3 years; all states require continuing education credits for renewal

How are job opportunities in the next decade for optometrists?

Excellent job opportunities are expected

Why are there limited number of optometry graduates each year?

There are only 26 optometry school in the U.S, including Puerto Rico

What industries for optometrists have the highest median annual earnings?

Health and personal care stores, office of physicians, and office of optometrists

Why would an Optometrist pursue a master’s or obtain a PhD?

In order to teach or conduct research

Why are there likely to be more visits to optometrists and ophthalmologists as the population ages?

Due to the onset of vision problems that occur in older ages, and the increased incidences of diabetes and hypertension that often affect eyesight

What do employers increasingly prefer dispensing opticians to complete?

Complete certification or graduate from an accredited 2 year associate degree program in opticianry; some large employers may provide apprenticeship if licensing is not mandatory in states

How many states require dispensing opticians to have a license to practice?

About half of states

What do dispensing opticians do?

• Help people see better and look good at the same time

• Help select and fit glasses

• In some states, they fit contact lenses according to prescriptions written by ophthalmologists or optometrists

• Adhere to prescriptions written by ophthalmologists or optometrists

• Recommend glasses and lens coating for customers

• Prep work orders that give ophthalmic laboratory technicians the information they need to grind and insert lenses into a frame

Where do most dispensing opticians work?

41% work in offices of optometrists, mainly ophthalmologists; others work in health and personal care stores, offices of physicians, or are self-employed

What is the minimum requirement to become a dispensing optician?

A high school diploma; most have completed at least some college courses or a degree

What has the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation done?

Accredited 18 associate’s degree and certificate programs in 13 states

States may require individuals to pass one or more of the following for licensure for dispensing opticians:

• State practical examination

• State written examination

• Certification examinations offered by the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) and the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE)

Who can opticians apply to for certification of their skills?

The ABO and the NCLE; renewed every 3 years through continuing education

Why is the employment of dispensing opticians expected to grow as fast as the average for all occupations?

The population ages and demand for corrective lenses increases; good job prospects

What is a low-vision society?

A society growing in number of people who view things that are closer in distance, such as computer monitors, over the course of the day; expected to cause an increase in need for eye care services

Why will employment opportunities for opticians in offices of ophthalmologists be particularly good?

An increasing number of ophthalmologists are expected to utilize opticians to handle more tasks, allowing ophthalmologists to see more patients

How is the use of Laser Surgery affecting the Optometry Industry?

Somewhat moderating the need for optician services, although, the surgery remains more expensive than eyewear

How many states require licensure for dispensing opticians?

Half of the states

How are the job opportunities for ophthalmic lab techs?

Favorable because few people seek these positions

What are ophthalmic laboratory technicians also known as?

Manufacturing opticians, optical mechanics, or optical goods workers

What do ophthalmic laboratory technicians do?

• Make prescription glasses or contact lenses

• Manufacture lenses for other optical instruments, including telescopes and binoculars

• Cut, grind, edge, and finish lenses according to specifics provided by dispensing opticians, optometrists, or ophthalmologists

• May insert lenses into frames to produce finished glasses

How do ophthalmic lab techs learn their skills?

They learn their craft on the job; usually begin as helpers and learn new skills as they gain experience

What do employers look for in ophthalmic lab technicians?

Many employers prefer to hire people with formal training or at least a high school diploma

How many hours do salaried lab technicians work per week?

40 hours

What is a Lensometer?

An instrument used to verify the prescription of eyeglasses or contacts