Optometrists, or Doctors of Optometry, provide primary vision care. They diagnose and treat vision problems and eye diseases, prescribe contact lenses and glasses, and provide vision therapy. Optometrists can administer prescription drugs, and they also provide pre- and post-operative care to patients who undergo eye surgery.
Ophthalmologists can also perform these functions, but they are also licensed physicians who perform eye surgery. Opticians fit people for eyeglasses, and sometimes for contacts.
Optometrists usually work in general practice, either independently or in a group. They must know how to run an office, including how to keep medical records, make appointments, supervise staff, and order supplies.
There were about 32,000 optometrists in 2002. Some held more than one job, such as working in a clinic and in their practice. About 1 in 3 optometrists is self-employed. Most work 40-hour work weeks, and some practices are open evenings and weekends, too.
The field of optometry is expected to experience average growth through 2012. It is hoped that an increase in companies offering vision plans will help, as well as productivity gains that allow optometrists to see more patients. Advances in optical medicine may somewhat slow employment growth - for example, patients who successfully undergo laser eye surgery may not need new glasses or contacts for many years.
The median annual earnings of optometrists in 2002 were $86,090. The middle 50% earned between $62,030 and $115,550. Salaried optometrists (those working in the offices of other practitioners) earned slightly more. In the long run, however, independent optometrists usually earned more than salaried ones. The average income for all optometrists, including the self-employed, was about $110,000 in 2002.
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