T H E
PROF E S S ION 2 0 2 2-2 0 2 3
A Doctor of Optometry is an independent
What is required to become an optometrist?
What does an optometrist do?
primary health care
Most students enter optometry
To receive an optometric
Optometrists provide eye and
school after completing a
license to practice in a given
vision care by examining the
provider who examines,
bachelor’s degree. To practice
state, graduates must also pass
internal and external structure
diagnoses, treats and
in the United States, students
National Board Examinations
of the eyes to assess function
must graduate from a four-
that are administered during
and health. Optometrists
manages diseases and
year Doctor of Optometry
the last two years of optometry
diagnose and/or treat vision
disorders of the eye,
(OD) program from a U.S.
school. Some states require an
conditions like near/farsighted-
accredited optometry school
additional board examination
ness, astigmatism and pres-
the visual system and
such as Southern College of
for licensure. Once licensed,
byopia, which is the gradual,
Optometry (SCO). The optometry
optometrists must complete
age-related loss of the eyes’
associated structures.
curriculum emphasizes the
continuing education hours
ability to focus actively on
Optometrists are the
biological, medical, visual and
to maintain their licensure
nearby objects. Optometrists
optical sciences, as well as the
throughout their years of
also treat eye diseases like
understanding of the health care
practice.
glaucoma, cataracts and
major providers of eye care in America and
delivery system.
retinal disorders. Optometrists can also evaluate the eyes for
the only providers
signs of systemic diseases
thoroughly trained in
hypertension and diabetes.
all aspects of vision
Optometrists can also provide
science and optics.
the quality of their patients’ lives
that manifest in the eye like
services which seek to enhance in the home, workplace and leisure activities. These services include:
• •
Specialty Contact Lenses
•
Vision Therapy / Rehabilitation
•
Sports Vision Enhancement
•
Occupational Vision Assessments
Geriatrics / Low Vision Care
In many cases, optometrists may also provide pre- and postoperative care to eye surgery patients.
What is the potential income?
with dedicated practitioners who
Optometrists practice in rural communities, suburban areas and large cities in a variety of settings. Within the private practice setting, optometrists may be practicing alone or in a group practice with other ODs and/or MDs. Where a practice is established and the mode of practice can both affect the potential income for optometry.
provide services to a diverse patient population, addressing issues related to general health, eye health and visual function. The Eye Center, one of the largest
Data from the American Optometric Association’s 2019 Survey
of Optometric Practice shows the average net incomes ranging from $144,228 for the primary practice of optometry to $170,006 for optometrists who own all or a portion of their practice. The graphic below from Review of Optometry’s 2021 Salary Survey illustrates the average income of full-time optometrists in each region of the
state-of-the-art vision and eye care facilities of its kind in the United States, was specifically designed to meet patient care and the clinical education needs of our students. Among other advanced features, The Eye Center boasts one of the most complete optometric technology centers in the nation.
United States.
Faculty clinicians serve not only as teachers but as role models and mentors, demonstrating to students how $195,283 159,555
to effectively relate to and manage patients, and how to gain patient confidence and compliance with treatment plans. The SCO externship program, which occurs during a student’s
fourth-year and runs over the course of eight months, gives
$168,507 219,656 $168,334 152,793
$$169,469 187,142
students the opportunity to work directly with doctors in private practice and multi-disciplinary settings where additional patient care experiences and one-on-one “coaching” is possible. SCO is a great choice for any student whose desire is to become an excellent, compassionate and successful Doctor of Optometry.
$$194,782 174,519
What are the prospects for finding a position following graduation? At SCO, we offer a comprehensive placement service to our graduates. Career counseling begins in the first year and continues throughout the four-year program. It is intended to prepare students for a career in optometry, while complementing their interests and long-
How does SCO prepare students to practice full-scope optometry? SCO has a long tradition of developing outstanding clinical Doctors of Optometry. The college prepares its students with a talented, diverse and dedicated faculty; an integrated and challenging curriculum; and comprehensive clinical training. Students gain clinical experience by working
term goals for practice. Students may utilize the online placement service listing, and those who do, typically receive four to six practice opportunities as a result. Although the primary source of listings for practice opportunities is our alumni, other sources for listings are welcome. To further assist, the American Optometric Association maintains an additional practice opportunity network database that is available to all optometry graduates.
The three O’s: optometry, ophthalmology and opticianry — what are the differences? Optometry should not be confused with ophthalmology or opticianry. Although the three are related and work together closely, there are distinctions between the preparation for each, as well as various roles each plays. OPTOMETRY
Optometry is not an outgrowth of the medical profession. It is an independent profession that has evolved over many years. The scientific roots of optometry come from the field of physics; however, over time, the profession has integrated information from the physical, biological and behavioral sciences. Within this broad body
students may spend another year in a specialty
of knowledge are the advanced study of optics, the
fellowship. That is over 10 years of education before
science of light and vision, as well as the study of
an ophthalmologist is able to practice, compared
human anatomy, pharmacology, pathology, sensory
to the four years of optometry school optometrists
and perceptual psychology, biochemistry, statistics
must complete before practicing.
and epidemiology.
OPTICIANRY
OPHTHALMOLOGY
Opticians fill prescriptions for corrective eye wear,
Ophthalmologists specialize in the medical and
including glasses, contact lenses, low vision aids and
surgical care of the eyes and visual system, and in
ocular prostheses. They grind lenses and fabricate
the treatment of eye disease and injury.
eye wear as well as adjust, replace and repair
To become an ophthalmologist — after completing
ophthalmic devices.
a bachelor’s degree — students must enroll in
Opticians are not required to complete any specific
medical school. After four years of medical school,
academic program in most states. They can receive
one or more years must be spent in general clinical
on-the-job training and become a certified optician
training, and three or more years in a hospital-based
by passing an examination administered by the
ophthalmology residency program. Additionally,
Optician’s Association of America.
1245 Madison Avenue • Memphis, Tennessee 38104-2222 • 901-722-3224 • 800-238-0180 • sco.edu Information for this publication was gathered from the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry, the American Optometric Association (AOA), the Journal of the AOA, the Academy of Ophthalmology and the Opticians Association of America.