Pre-Optometry

Program

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS

FACTS ABOUT OPTOMETRY

Doctors of optometry are independent primary health care providers who examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures, as well as diagnose related systemic conditions.

Optometrists examine the internal and external structure of the eyes to diagnose eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal disorders; systemic diseases like hypertension and diabetes; and vision conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia.

Optometrists:

Medicare has recognized optometrists, practicing within the scope of their state licensure, as physicians for the purposes of Medicare reimbursement. Optometry uses the same diagnosis and procedure codes as medicine.

More than 70% of an estimated 88 million primary eye examinations, including refractions, in the United States each year are conducted by optometrists.

Optometrists are located in nearly 7,100 communities throughout the United States. In more than 4,300 communities nationwide, optometrists are the only primary eye and vision care providers. Optometry has greater geographic distribution and is more accessible than other eye care professions. Optometrists frequently have accessible evening and weekend hours, which makes them an important alternative to emergency room care.

A recent poll indicates two-thirds of surveyed employees would trade at least one vacation day for vision coverage, and most of them would trade two.

There are approximately 147 million wearers of corrective lenses (either eyeglasses and/or contact lenses) in the United States, representing about 55% of the population.

A minor vision problem may be the cause of end-of-the-workday irritability, headaches, or body aches and pains.

In The State of Managed Care Quality 1998, the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) suggests that to eliminate one potential obstacle to diabetic retinal exams, health plans should consider allowing diabetic patients to see their optometrists annually without a referral or co-pay. (Diabetes is the leading cause of adult blindness in the United States.)

The American Diabetes Association published guidelines, Clinical Practice Recommendations 1999, which state that a diabetic patient should be referred to an ophthalmologist or optometrists.

The American Public Health Association policy resolution (1997) "urges health providers to identify and routinely refer patients at high risk of glaucoma to ophthalmologists and optometrists for a dilated eye examination, diagnosis, and subsequent management."

Optometry is the only health care profession that requires continuing education for license renewal in all 50 states.

The 1990s can be characterized as a period of change in health care and health care delivery systems. These changes now provide both exciting and challenging opportunities, as well as responsibilities, for all health professionals including optometrists. Students pursuing health careers must be intelligent, scientifically curious, motivated, and socially conscious. Optometry students must meet all of these requirements just like any other health professional student. The profession of optometry actively seeks men and women of many backgrounds and cultures who want to make a difference.

The American Optometric Association (AOA) published the latest definition of an optometrist in 1993 as follows: "Doctors of Optometry are independent primary health care providers who examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures, as well as diagnose related systemic conditions."

In October of 1993, the AOA published the Mission of the Profession of Optometry which states: "The mission of the profession of optometry is to fulfill the vision and eye care needs of the public through clinical care, research, and education, all of which enhance the quality of life."

Optometry is both an art and a science. Today’s practitioner is no longer just a provider of eyeglasses. The optometrist of today must have a strong background in the biological sciences, as well as chemistry and physics. The optometrist must fully understand the interrelationships between all of the body’s systems and the effect of systemic changes on the patient’s health, including ocular health. The optometrist must be ready to treat the whole patient and to participate as part of the health care team.

There are approximately 29,500 optometrists involved in direct patient care, practicing in about 7,000 communities across the nation. Optometrists provide about 60 percent of the basic vision care in this country today. They are the only providers of eye care thoroughly trained in all aspects of both visual science and optical science. With the changing population in the United States, the need for optometrists continues to grow. As career and job opportunities increase in the service and information technology fields, the need for good visual functioning will be high. This applies equally to children trying to meet the high demands of today’s educational system as well as to adults seeking jobs in the marketplace. In addition, as the mean age of the U.S. population continues to rise and as older segments of the population continue to grow, the need for vision care will continue to expand to meet the demands required for maintaining a quality of life to which we have all grown accustomed.

Optometrists have the satisfaction of helping their patients care for the most highly valued human sense - sight. All optometrists provide general eye and vision care. Most are in general practice, while others are involved in specialty practice such as contact lenses, geriatrics, low vision services (for visually impaired patients), occupation vision (to protect and preserve worker’s vision and minimize eye strain), pediatrics, sports vision, and vision therapy. Still others choose to enter optometric education and/or perform scientific research.

Most optometrists are self-employed, receive relatively few emergency calls, and can establish a flexible working schedule which allows them to combine a fulfilling professional career with a very satisfying personal life.

Optometrists practice in rural communities, suburban areas, and large metropolitan cities. Some practice alone while others are in group practices. Some optometrists practice with other health care professionals in multi-disciplinary settings. Other optometrists choose a career in the military, public health, or other government service. Opportunities also exist to practice in hospitals, clinics, teaching institutions, community health centers, or in the ophthalmic industry.

Although income varies based on the types of practice, optometrists earn a very comfortable living. According to the 1995 AOA economic survey, the 1994 mean net income of practicing optometrists was $88,696 and the median net income was $80,000. Optometrists in the first full calendar year of practice reported a median net income of $55,000.

Like all health care professionals, optometrists derive great personal satisfaction from their daily professional life. They are highly regarded in their communities for their contributions to the health and welfare of the people.

Demand for optometric services is growing because of pubic awareness and the importance of vision in daily life, both occupationally and recreationally. The growth of optometry’s inclusion in health insurance and third party payment plans further supports the demand for optometrists.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

#6 What is the best choice for a Major if I might be interested in applying to an optometry doctorate program?

APPLICATION DEADLINES ARE APPROXIMATELY SIX (6) WEEKS PRIOR TO TEST DATE.

#10 How many Optometry Programs are there in the United States? Answer: 16

#13. Where can I get more information?