Career in optometry a top pick by U.S. News and World Report
January 21, 2011U.S. News and World Report once again listed optometrist as one of the 50 Best Careers of 2011, citing the likelihood of strong growth over the next decade.
“The American population is quickly becoming more elderly,” according to U.S. News and World Report. “So demand for visual aids is expected to grow considerably. But eye-care technology is improving as well, allowing each optometrist to care for more patients. Still, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects more than 24 percent growth, or 8,500 new jobs, for the profession through 2018.”
The article rated optometrists highly in terms of money, upward mobility, activity level, stress level, and education and preparation.
In the article, AOA Clinical & Practice Advancement Group Executive Committee Chair Barbara Horn, O.D., offered advice to those considering optometry as a career: networking should be the No. 1 goal.
“Get involved early as an optometry student and become a member of the AOA and your state affiliate organization,” she said. “Networking is key, so don’t overlook participation in local optometric societies as well.”
“Also, if you specialize in an area, like sports or geriatric vision, be sure to target practices that don’t already offer those services. Often, new skills are sought after. ‘If you bring a different speciality into a practice, you can grow that practice,’ she says.”
For the full U.S. News and World Report article, visit http://money.usnews.com/money/careers/articles/
2010/12/06/best-careers-2011-optometrist.html.
