Future in Optometry? good or bad?

Question

I've been hearing that they have an over supply of them.. Ive even heard "soon youll be able to get your eyes checked at 7-11"

Answer 1

This is what the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook has to say about the Job Outlook for optometry:

Employment of optometrists is expected to grow faster than average for all occupations through 2014, in response to the vision care needs of a growing and aging population. As baby boomers age, they will be more likely to visit optometrists and ophthalmologists because of the onset of vision problems in middle age, including those resulting from the extensive use of computers. The demand for optometric services also will increase because of growth in the oldest age group, with its increased likelihood of cataracts, glaucoma, diabetes, and hypertension. Greater recognition of the importance of vision care, along with rising personal incomes and growth in employee vision care plans, also will spur job growth.

Employment of optometrists would grow more rapidly were it not for anticipated productivity gains that will allow each optometrist to see more patients. These expected gains stem from greater use of optometric assistants and other support personnel, who will reduce the amount of time optometrists need with each patient. Also, laser surgery that can correct some vision problems is available, and although optometrists still will be needed to provide preoperative and postoperative care for laser surgery patients, patients who successfully undergo this surgery may not require optometrists to prescribe glasses or contacts for several years.

In addition to growth, the need to replace optometrists who retire or leave the occupation for another reason will create employment opportunities.

If you are interested in this field as a career choice, you might want to take a look at the whole article: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos073.htm

Answer 2

I see good things in your future...haha ! More and more people are staring into computer screens and reading small print in the dark... so I guess business will be booming and the demand for more Optometrists will be greater and greater... It's a living !!!

Answer 3

good