The Canyon

Optometry

"Doctors of Optometry are independent primary health care providers who examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures as well as diagnose related systemic conditions." American Optometric Association (AOA), 1997.

Optometrists are the major providers of primary vision care in the United States. Optometrists examine the eyes and prescribe glasses, contact lenses, vision therapy, aids for low vision, and in an increasing number of states, therapeutic drugs for specific diseases. As members of the eye health care team, optometrists work with ophthalmologists, who are M.D.s licensed to perform surgery, and with opticians, who fit, supply and adjust eyewear according to prescriptions written by optometrists or ophthalmologists.

Conditions typically treated by Doctors of Optometry include:

Doctors of Optometry may also

Specialties

Although Doctors of Optometry are trained in all aspects of ocular and visual conditions, and although most practice primary care optometry, some choose to specialize. One-year residencies are available, but are not required, and there is no additional certification. The following specialties are possible:

Job Market and Salary

The 34,500 optometrists practicing in the United States enjoy the benefits of financial security, independence, and recognition in their communities. The 1999 edition of Jobs Rated Almanac ranked optometry 39th out of 250 of the top rated jobs in the country, based on income, stress, physical demands, potential growth, job security, and work environment.

Optometry is well positioned for the recent evolution of managed care in the U.S., and Doctors of Optometry are sought after by HMOs, group practices, hospitals, and veterans facilities. Established practices are looking for recent graduates to bring newer advances to their practice.

According to the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO), the total individual mean net income for optometrists in 2002 was $110,000. Income increases with the number of years in practice, but starting salaries are somewhat over $76,000.

87% are in private practice, but only 52% are in solo practice. Partnerships and group practices are growing because they reduce costs, can offer specialized services, and offer more work schedule flexibility. Approximately 3% of all optometrists work in chains and superstores.

Education and Admissions

The typical route to a Doctor of Optometry degree (O.D.) is a four year undergraduate degree followed by four years of study at one of the 17 optometry schools in the U.S.

2003 Admission Data

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements vary slightly from school to school, so applicants should carefully check school catalogues. In general, however, the requirements are:

Applicants to optometry schools must take the Optometry Admission Test, offered twice a year in February and October. The OAT consists of four sections:

Visit our OAT page.

Nearest Schools

These schools participate in the WICHE (Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education) program. This program, sponsored by the Arizona Board of Regents, allows Arizona residents preferential admission. Students pay reduced tuition, and must return to Arizona to practice for as many years as they received WICHE funding.

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