Employment of optometrists will also grow due to greater recognition of the importance of vision care, rising personal incomes, and growth in employee vision care plans. Employment of optometrists would grow more rapidly were it not for anticipated productivity gains which will allow each optometrist to see more patients. These gains will result from greater use of optometric assistants and other support personnel, and the introduction of new equipment and procedures. New surgical procedures using lasers are available that can correct some vision problems, but they remain expensive. In addition to growth, the need to replace optometrists who leave the occupation will create employment opportunities.
Incomes vary depending upon location, specialization, and other factors.
Salaried optometrists tend to earn more initially than optometrists who set up their own independent practice. In the long run, those in private practice generally earn more. The Board of Optometry in each state can supply information on licensing requirements. For information on specific admission requirements and sources of financial aid, contact the admissions officer of individual optometry schools. The following sample curriculum is intended to provide advice to students regarding a possible course of study for this program.