Optometrist

Optometrists (ODs) provide vision care and treatment. They treat diseases of the eye, and test for visual acuity and problems such as glaucoma. They prescribe eyeglasses, contact lenses and vision therapy. They do not perform surgery, as only ophthalmologists are qualified to do that. Optometrists may work in concert with ophthalmologists and help treat patients before and after eye surgery

Optometrists typically don’t specialize, but some specialize in sub-fields like elderly, children, or partially sighted persons, job safety, and creating methods for protecting the eyes of workers from injury. Optometrists spend a lot of time making and configuring contact lenses and glasses, and some focus on sports vision, or vision therapy. A small number teach, consult, or perform research. Optometrists are typically in business for themselves and manage all aspects of their business.

Optometrists need to be tactful and compassionate, have good manual dexterity and attention to detail. Those intending to practice independently need good business sense as well.

Education and Credentials Required
Optometrists have to have a Doctor of Optometry degree from an accredited optometry school and pass a written and clinical exam. The degree entails three years of pre-optometric study followed by four years at one of the seventeen accredited schools in the US. Students typically have a bachelors degree before beginning their studies. Optometrists are required to be licensed in the state in which they practice.

Future Prospects
Employment opportunities for optometrists are expected to rise as fast as average. Opportunities will be best in rural and low-income areas, due to the lower concentration of physicians practicing in these areas.

Salary Range
The median salary, as of 2002, for optometrists was $110,000. Self-employed Optometrists can expect to earn significantly more than salaried Optometrists. Experience, location, skill, reputation, hours worked and other factors impact income. Optometrists pay for their own health benefits and retirement.