Optometrists

Careers

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.

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.

Working Conditions

Optometrists usually work in clean, well-lighted offices.

Most work 40 hours per week. Some work on nights and weekends.

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.

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.

Earnings

The median annual salary for optometrists was $88,410 in 2004.

Optometrists who set up private practices tend to earn more.

Gross annual income $88,410

Yearly take-home pay $60,665

Monthly take-home pay

$5,055

Monthly housing allowance

$2,652

Mortgage amount avaliable

$402,015