There is also a larger than average proportion of men over the age of 45 in this occupation. This is a small occupational group, and average employment growth will only result in a small number of new jobs. The total number of job openings between 1998 and 2008 is estimated at 620, or an average of only 60 openings per year. Industry sources agree that opticians will experience an average employment growth rate. The potential growth predicted by COPS is a result of the increase in population, the aging of the population and the increasing demand for preventive and corrective vision care.
Population growth brings increased demand.
The maturing of the baby boom generation and the rapid growth of the elderly population will be the main driving forces for employment growth. They may begin using corrective lenses and therefore require the services of opticians. People are also more aware of preventive vision care than in the past. It is not only people with vision problems who will need the help of opticians. Those without specific problems may also use optical products, such as sunglasses.