Statistics for Careers & Jobs in Optometry

Optometry Careers Statistics

In order to practice, optometrists need a Doctor of Optometry degree from an accredited school, and they need to pass a state board exam.
Admission to optometry school is competitive.
Ophthalmologists have similar functions as DOs, but they are actually physicians.
There were 32,000 optometry jobs in 2002. Many optometrists work more than one job; some work in a clinic and at a practice, for example.
The Accreditation Council on Optometric Education, of the American Optometric Association, accredits 17 US schools (2002).
Research positions require at least a master's degree; PhDs are better.
Top optometrists can earn over $156,500 per year.
The first reading glass was probably developed around 1000 A.D. and would have been much like a magnifying glass.
In the 1300s, eyeglasses became a symbol of wealth and power used only by the rich.
It was not until the 18th century that a Parisian optician added short arms to eyeglasses. The arms only extended to the temples; an English optician extended the arms to reach the ears.
21 states require that dispensing opticians be licensed.

There are only about 63,000 jobs (2002), so job openings are limited in number.
About 2 out of 5 opticians work in the offices of optometrists or ophthalmologists.
Training in algebra and geometry, anatomy, physics, and mechanical drawing can be helpful.
Median earnings in 2002 were $25,600.

About 34% of them worked in health and personal care stores (such as eyeglasses stores).
The average earnings in this field were $10.46 per hour in 2002.