Optometry
EYE CARE
Description Of Job
Optometrists examine patients' eyes, test their sight, give advice on visual problems and prescribe and fit spectacles or contact lenses when needed. They are trained to recognize diseases of the eye, such as glaucoma and cataract, as well as general health conditions such as diabetes.
Perks Of The Job
Sociable hours: Unlike medicine the working hours for an optician is generally 9 – 5.30 with little or no over time ever required. There are no late nights or on calls which are the norm for doctors which is a major plus point for Optometry.
No take home work: The minute you walk out of the door after your days’ work you are essentially done for the day. There are no reports to write, meetings to prepare for etc., which means you can live your social or family life to the full.
Pay: This job pays very well even the low end of the pay is good.
Salary Per Year
High-$144,185
Median-$161,343
Low-$94,314
Education
You need three years of post secondary school including coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, English, and math. Then you must enroll in a Doctor Of Optometry program.
Job Outlook
Employment of optometrists is projected to grow 24 percent from 2012 to 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations. Because vision problems tend to occur more frequently later in life, an aging population will require more optometrists.