The field of optometry is growing rapidly due to modern advances in ophthalmology. Therefore, whether one is considering the position as a first career or wishes to change careers, the possibility of becoming an optometrist is worthy of serious consideration. The optometrist salary range will vary from state to state, but the overall job outlook for the position is positive in most areas of the country.

Job Description

An optometrist is a skilled health care professional who examines patients' eyes, diagnoses vision problems, and recommends the appropriate corrective devices for those with poor eyesight. However, such professionals are not general health care practitioners and therefore do not treat serious illnesses. Rather, their scope of practice is limited to the aforementioned functions as well as the treatment of minor conditions of the eye. Should a serious eye disorder occur, an ophthalmologist must be consulted.

Job Duties of an Optometrist

Optometrists primarily evaluate patients for the presence of presbyopia, astigmatism, nearsightedness and farsightedness. In addition, they determine if the person has adequate depth perception, and if his or her eyes have the ability to coordinate and focus as they should. Optometrists also screen for color-blindness.

In addition to the standard evaluations listed above, optometrists examine both the external and internal structures of the eye to screen for eye disorders such as cataracts, glaucoma and specific retinal conditions. They also check for signs of systemic diseases such as diabetes or high blood pressure. If the presence of such conditions is suspected, the patient is referred to a general health care practitioner.

Work Environment

Optometrists have a wide selection of work environments from which to choose, such as hospitals, private medical practices, teaching institutions, research positions and community health centers. It is also possible for such individuals to build successful careers in the military or in government settings. In certain types of practices, an optometrist is required to enter prisons or nursing homes to evaluate patients who are unable to travel to the optometrist's office, but the working conditions for this position are generally pleasant and the optometrist salary substantial. A person who wishes to become an optometrist in New York must meet the following requirements:

New York State Education Requirements

To practice in the state of New York, an optometrist must complete 60 semester hours at an approved New York State college. Such programs are offered by the following universities:

• Pace College of Health Professions

Westchester, New York

• University of Rochester School of Optometry

Rochester, New York

• State University of New York College of Optometry

New York, New York

New York optometrists must obtain a four-year post-graduate degree in order to be awarded a doctor of optometry. Programs typically include both clinical and classroom training in ocular disease, ocular anatomy, ocular pharmacology, myotology, neurophysiology of the eyes, neuroanatomy, vision and movement perception, visual screening, and performance and environment. Because optometrists also screen for systemic conditions, their training includes human anatomy, perceptual and sensory psychology, general pharmacology and physiology.

Certain programs in the state of New York also offer internships, which may be located within the state or in another area of the country. During the internship, the prospective optometrist will acquire clinical experience at a health care facility under the direction of a both general practitioners and ophthalmologists.

Upon completion of a professional optometry program, one must achieve a passing grade on the National Board of Examiners in Optometry exam and submit an application for licensure in the State of New York. The cost of the license was $375 as of 2011.

Continuing Education

Additionally, optometrists are required by New York State law to complete a certain number of continuing education hours each year in order to keep their license current. In the state of New York the required number of hours was 16 per yer as of 2011. After this education has been obtained, one must offer proof of completion before his or her license can be renewed.

Future Employment Outlook

Optometrists are needed in many types of practices, but there is a special need for such professionals in the field of gerontology. As the aging population increases, additional need for the services of optometrists is likely. This is because the onset of many eye conditions and vision problems do not occur until one reaches a mature age.

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for optometrists is likely to grow at a substantially faster rate than most other health care positions until the year 2020. For this reason, it is predicted that a high number of job opportunities will be available to current and future optometrists.

Optometrist Salary Considerations

An optometrist salary averaged approximately $106,800 as of May 2009. However, in the state of New York the average wages associated with this position were $113,950 during that same year, making the salary for such a position in the state of New York slightly higher than the national average. In addition, the highest paid professionals of this type in the State of New York were those employed in doctors' offices where they earned a salary of approximately $124,900. Anyone who wishes to pursue a career as an optometrist in the State of New York should weigh all the pros and cons of his or her decision. However, it is likely that anyone who chooses this profession will discover it a worthwhile career through which a substantial income can be earned.

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