Optometry

Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO)

Optometrists:

Diagnose, manage and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system

Examples of Disease Management

Unfortunate National Statistics- 6.3% of US population has diabetes- 15% are predicted to have diabetes by 2015

First organ affected by diabetes is the EYE!

1 in 5 adults over 55 years old gets glaucoma which optometrists treat

Optometry will play even bigger future role in helping patients to manage these diseases!

Modes of Practice

Individual Private Practice Partnership or Group Practice Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) Optometry/Ophthalmologic Professional Settings Military/Public Health Interdisciplinary Care Academic/Research Corporate Retail/Optical Settings

Optometry has once again received superior career forecast rankings:

13 Best Careers for 2010-2020 – Kiplinger.com

“Optometrist” Makes CNNMoney’s 100 Best Jobs in America at #12

US Bureau of Labor Statistics

Federal data indicate employment of optometrists is projected to grow 24% from 2008 to 2018

Reasons:– A growing population that recognizes the importance of good

vision care will increase demand for optometrists– Most health insurance plans now include vision care

Why is optometry such a great career choice?

One-on-one helping career which improves quality of life Get to work with all age patients with potential for lasting

doctor/patient relationships Great work/life balance – flexibility in scheduling and minimum

emergency calls Broad scope of practice including privileges to prescribe

therapeutic drugs Pleasant and professional work environment Not physically demanding – a long professional life

Compensation

The average net income from the primary practice of optometry was $129,385,

according to the 2012 Survey of Optometric Practice

The Students– Caliber of your prospective peers– Your “Fit”– Community– Class Size– Diversity

The Learning Environment– Optometry Curriculum– Timing and Extent of Preclinical Training– First Real Patients– Number and Diversity of Patientcs– NBEO Pass Rate

The Place– Big University vs. Small Private– Urban vs. Non-Urban

Things to Consider in Choosing an Optometry School

Common Prerequisite Courses

General biology with labs General chemistry with labs Organic chemistry/biochemistry with labs General physics with labs Microbiology with labs Calculus Psychology Statistics English Social Science Other Humanities

Check with EACH optometry school/college for specific prerequisites!

Apply to multiple schools using OptomCAS – single-based application at www.optomcas.org

Comprehensive online checklist and instructions

No need for duplicate transcripts/LORs when applying to multiple schools

Electronic tool for applicants to request LORs

Real-time for checking status of application, transcripts, and LORs

Single point of contact for assistance from knowledge support staff

Admissions Process

Doctor of Optometry Degree Four Year Program

First and Second Year: Basic sciences, preclinical with first patient care middle of second year

Third Year: Specialty courses with patient care

Fourth Year: Rotations

Residencies (optional)

One year duration

Residencies are located within hospitals, VA facilities, outpatient clinics, or clinical facilities of the various schools and colleges of optometry

Some areas of emphasis include: Pediatrics, Geriatrics, Cornea and Contact Lenses, Low Vision Rehabilitation, Vision Therapy, Binocular Vision and Sports Vision

Summary

Optometry is a well respected profession with a great future job outlook (good news in this economy)

Excellent potential salary and work/life balance

Wide variety of modes of practice

And now it will be easy to apply through OptomCAS!

Thank You!