Optometrists provide primary vision care. They diagnose and treat eye diseases and disorders. They determine whether vision correction is needed and if it is they prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses. Some optometrists specialize in a particular clientele or type of treatment. For example some treat patients with low vision and others provide post-operative care to patients who have undergone surgery. Other practitioners who provide vision care are ophthalmologists and opticians. Ophthalmologists are physicians who, unlike optometrists, can perform eye surgery. Opticians fit eyeglasses and make adjustments to them but do not examine eyes, make diagnoses or treat diseases and conditions.
Working Conditions
Optometrists work in settings (usually their own offices) that are clean, well-lit and
comfortable. Most full-time optometrists work about 40 hours a week. Many work Saturdays
and evenings to suit the needs of patients. Emergency calls, once uncommon, have
increased with the passage of therapeutic drug laws expanding optometrists' ability to
prescribe medications.
Education
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, which measures academic ability and scientific comprehension. Most applicants take the test after their sophomore or junior year. Competition for admission is keen. Optometry programs include classroom and laboratory study of health and visual sciences, as well as clinical training in the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders. Courses in pharmacology, optics, vision science, biochemistry, and systemic disease are included. The OD degree requires completion of a four-year program at an accredited optometry school, preceded by at least three years of undergraduate study at an accredited college or university. Most optometry students hold a baccalaureate or higher degree.
Salary
Optometrists earned a median annual salary of $94,690 in 2011 and median hourly earnings of $45.53. Median annual earnings of salaried optometrists were $88,410 in May 2000. The middle 50 percent earned between $63,840 and $118,320. Median annual earnings of salaried optometrists in May 2009 were $87,430 in offices of optometrists. Salaried optometrists tend to earn more initially than do optometrists who set up their own practices. In the long run, however, those in private practice usually earn more. According to the American Optometric Association, median net annual income for all optometrists, including the self-employed, was $114,000 in 2009. The middle 50 percent earned between $84,000 and $166,000.
Sources
http://explorehealthcareers.org/en/Career/11/Optometrist#Tab=Overview
http://careerplanning.about.com/od/occupations/p/optometrist.htm
http://www.schoolsoup.com/careers/career_info.php?career_id=68
No comments:
Post a Comment