Optometrist Salary

Optometry is derived from the Greek words 'optos' meaning vision and 'metria' meaning measurement. The American Optometric Association (AOA) is the authority in this profession and represents many doctors of optometry, students, assistants and technicians. The work settings of an optometrist are varied, with employment available in schools, hospitals and clinics. The average salary of an optometrist depends on the size of the organization one is working for and the work setting. About a quarter of optometrists are self-employed and most of them have an annual income that is very envious. Most of them have their own private practice or work in partnership with other health care professionals.

Optometrist Educational Qualifications

Optometrists are generally referred to as doctors of optometry (ODs) and are skilled in testing for defects of vision to prescribe corrective glasses. One needs to complete a 3-year degree program to enroll in an optometry school. To earn the Doctor of Optometry degree, a 4-year course in optometry from a school recognized by the AOA is required.

There are around 19 optometry colleges and schools that are accredited by the accreditation council of the AOA. The courses necessary for admission to most optometry schools include mathematics, chemistry, biology and English at the college level. If you major in a science subject like chemistry or biology you stand a better chance of getting into a good optometry school.

The competition is very tough for getting admission into an optometry school. All applicants have to give the Optometrist Admission Test, a standardized test, to assess the scientific and academic skills of the applicants. The admission requirements may vary for different colleges, so an applicant is required to check the admission criteria of the college he is applying to.

You need to have a license to practice as an optometrist in all the states and regions of the United States. You have to pass a written and clinical exam of the National Board to acquire a license. Renewal of the license is also required every 1 - 3 years.

Optometrist Job Description

Optometrists play a pivotal role in the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders in patients. They examine the patients' eyes and diagnose vision problems and eye coordination. Influencing the patients to go for regular eye checkups is also an integral part of the job description of optometrists. Pre- and post-operative care is also provided by optometrists to patients who have had a cataract surgery. Optometrists also provide vision therapy, conduct tests for eye diseases like glaucoma and promote hygiene education to their patients.

Optometrists also prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses to help patients correct vision problems like short sightedness and long sightedness. They also prescribe drugs and medication to treat eye problems and might also refer patients to other health care professionals, if required.

Optometrist Salary Range

The starting salary of an optometrist in the healthcare industry, who has just finished school is around USD 52,000. If the employment is offered by lens manufacturers, hospitals and Federal Government, the average salary is USD 90,000 annually. Optometrists working for optical chains earn an enviable salary of around USD 110,000.

The salary also depends on the number of years of experience an individual has and the organization one is working for. According to a survey, around 10 percent of optometrists earn a salary which is higher than USD 150,000 annually.

The annual salary of optometrists differs from state to state. In Texas the salary range is USD 92,000 - USD 175,000. In Indiana the salary range is USD 60,000 - USD 115,00 and in California it is USD 90,000 - USD 105,000. The optometrist salary 2010 predictions by the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed a steady rise in this field and they have predicted a 24 percent growth between 2008 - 2018.

The salary of optometrists is predicted to show a steady rise because of the inclusion of vision care in a number of insurance plans. The job prospect for optometrists is also quite good and this is due to the general growth in the healthcare industry.