Guide to Health Careers

Optometrist

from: http://www.communityhealthcareers.com/careers_optometrist.htm

Optometrists test for vision problems and diagnose diseases and disorders of the eye. They also write prescriptions for eyeglasses and contact lenses as well as therapeutic drugs and other non-surgical treatments. Some optometrists are involved with fitting eyeglasses and contact lenses as well.

The Cool Things They Do:

Examine and test patients’ eyes using ophthalmoscopes, biomicroscopes and other specialized instruments
Diagnose vision problems and eye diseases and refer patients to ophthalmologists or other physicians and surgeons when ocular or other diseases are found
Recommend treatments to conserve, improve and correct vision and other eye disorders
Prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses, and teach patients about the use and care of these products

Working Conditions:

Most optometrists are self-employed and work in office environments or examining rooms. They usually work with opticians, who may complete supervised pre-testing procedures. Although they may work weekends or evenings to accommodate patients’ schedules, they often have a great deal of flexibility in determining working hours.

Most Optometrists Work In:

Private practices
Department and optical stores
Hospitals
Manufacturing companies that make safety glasses for various industries

Personal Characteristics/Skills:

Patience
Ability to listen and communicate effectively
Ability to operate specialized instruments and analyze information
Spatial and form perception required for interpreting results and identifying visual defects
Capable of instilling confidence
Strong interpersonal skills
Problem-solving skills
Business knowledge and training helpful

Education and Training Required:

2 years University or Bachelor of Science Degree and Doctor of Optometry degree

Length of Study/Training : 7-8 years post-secondary

Certification (s):

National : the Canadian Standard Assessment in optometry

Ontario : Licensing with College of Optometrists of Ontario

Helpful High School Courses:

Math
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
English

Employment Prospects - GOOD

Canada’s growing and aging population should require more care and more Canadians will have insurance for these services. The rate of retirement and employee turnover will likely be more than twice the average, creating more jobs than there are people to fill them.

Earnings:

Average annual salary: $50,000 to over $100,000 depending on experience, specialization, and geographic location.

More Information:

Canadian Association of Optometrists
http://www.opto.ca

College of Optometrists of Ontario
http://www.collegeoptom.on.ca

School of Optometry - University of Waterloo
http://www.optometry.uwaterloo.ca

Optometry Electronic Library, University of Waterloo
http://www.lib.uwaterloo.ca/discipline/opt/index.html

Canadian Association of Optometry Students
http://www.optometry.uwaterloo.ca/~caos/caos.htm

American Optometric Association
http://www.aoanet.org

Future Optometrists (US)
http://www.futureoptometrist.com

Job Futures: Optometrists, Chiropractors and Other Health Diagnosing and Treating Professionals
http://jobfutures.ca/noc/312.shtml