1. Optometrists Careers

2. Nature of Work • Optometrists provide most primary vision care. • They examine people’s eyes to diagnose vision problems and eye diseases. • Optometrists prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses and provide vision therapy and low-vision rehabilitation.

3. Significant Points • Admission to optometry school is very competitive. • Optometrists must earn a Doctor of Optometry degree from an accredited optometry school. • The job outlook is very good – America is growing older.

4. Working Conditions • Optometrists usually work in clean, well-lighted offices. • Most work 40 hours per week. • Some work on nights and weekends.

5. Required Training • All states require optometrists to be licensed. • Licensees must have a Doctor of Optometry degree from an accredited optometry school and must pass both a written National Board examination and a National, regional, or State clinical board examination.

6. Job Outlook • Employment for optometrists is expected to grow faster than for the average job. • America’s population is aging and growing, requiring more vision care. • More vision problems will also occur with many people who work with computers.

7. Earnings • The median annual salary for optometrists was $88,410 in 2004. • Optometrists who set up private practices tend to earn more.