2022-23 Optometry The Profession—Southern College of Optometry

T H E

PROF E S S ION 2 0 2 2-2 0 2 3

A Doctor of Optometry is an independent

What is required to become an optometrist?

What does an optometrist do?

primary health care

Most students enter optometry

To receive an optometric

Optometrists provide eye and

school after completing a

license to practice in a given

vision care by examining the

provider who examines,

bachelor’s degree. To practice

state, graduates must also pass

internal and external structure

diagnoses, treats and

in the United States, students

National Board Examinations

of the eyes to assess function

must graduate from a four-

that are administered during

and health. Optometrists

manages diseases and

year Doctor of Optometry

the last two years of optometry

diagnose and/or treat vision

disorders of the eye,

(OD) program from a U.S.

school. Some states require an

conditions like near/farsighted-

accredited optometry school

additional board examination

ness, astigmatism and pres-

the visual system and

such as Southern College of

for licensure. Once licensed,

byopia, which is the gradual,

Optometry (SCO). The optometry

optometrists must complete

age-related loss of the eyes’

associated structures.

curriculum emphasizes the

continuing education hours

ability to focus actively on

Optometrists are the

biological, medical, visual and

to maintain their licensure

nearby objects. Optometrists

optical sciences, as well as the

throughout their years of

also treat eye diseases like

understanding of the health care

practice.

glaucoma, cataracts and

major providers of eye care in America and

delivery system.

retinal disorders. Optometrists can also evaluate the eyes for

the only providers

signs of systemic diseases

thoroughly trained in

hypertension and diabetes.

all aspects of vision

Optometrists can also provide

science and optics.

the quality of their patients’ lives

that manifest in the eye like

services which seek to enhance in the home, workplace and leisure activities. These services include:

• •

Specialty Contact Lenses

•

Vision Therapy / Rehabilitation

•

Sports Vision Enhancement

•

Occupational Vision Assessments

Geriatrics / Low Vision Care

In many cases, optometrists may also provide pre- and postoperative care to eye surgery patients.

What is the potential income?

with dedicated practitioners who

Optometrists practice in rural communities, suburban areas and large cities in a variety of settings. Within the private practice setting, optometrists may be practicing alone or in a group practice with other ODs and/or MDs. Where a practice is established and the mode of practice can both affect the potential income for optometry.

provide services to a diverse patient population, addressing issues related to general health, eye health and visual function.

The Eye Center, one of the largest

Data from the American Optometric Association’s 2019 Survey

of Optometric Practice shows the average net incomes ranging from $144,228 for the primary practice of optometry to $170,006 for optometrists who own all or a portion of their practice. The graphic below from Review of Optometry’s 2021 Salary Survey illustrates the average income of full-time optometrists in each region of the

state-of-the-art vision and eye care facilities of its kind in the United States, was specifically designed to meet patient care and the clinical education needs of our students.

Among other advanced features, The Eye Center boasts one of the most complete optometric technology centers in the nation.

United States.

Faculty clinicians serve not only as teachers but as role models and mentors, demonstrating to students how $195,283 159,555

to effectively relate to and manage patients, and how to gain patient confidence and compliance with treatment plans.

The SCO externship program, which occurs during a student’s

fourth-year and runs over the course of eight months, gives

$168,507 219,656 $168,334 152,793

$$169,469 187,142

students the opportunity to work directly with doctors in private practice and multi-disciplinary settings where additional patient care experiences and one-on-one “coaching” is possible.

SCO is a great choice for any student whose desire is to become an excellent, compassionate and successful Doctor of Optometry.

$$194,782 174,519

What are the prospects for finding a position following graduation?

At SCO, we offer a comprehensive placement service to our graduates.

Career counseling begins in the first year and continues throughout the four-year program. It is intended to prepare students for a career in optometry, while complementing their interests and long-

How does SCO prepare students to practice full-scope optometry?

SCO has a long tradition of developing outstanding clinical Doctors of Optometry.

The college prepares its students with a talented, diverse and dedicated faculty; an integrated and challenging curriculum; and comprehensive clinical training. Students gain clinical experience by working

term goals for practice. Students may utilize the online placement service listing, and those who do, typically receive four to six practice opportunities as a result. Although the primary source of listings for practice opportunities is our alumni, other sources for listings are welcome.

To further assist, the American Optometric Association maintains an additional practice opportunity network database that is available to all optometry graduates.

The three O’s: optometry, ophthalmology and opticianry — what are the differences?

Optometry should not be confused with ophthalmology or opticianry. Although the three are related and work together closely, there are distinctions between the preparation for each, as well as various roles each plays.

OPTOMETRY

Optometry is not an outgrowth of the medical profession. It is an independent profession that has evolved over many years.

The scientific roots of optometry come from the field of physics; however, over time, the profession has integrated information from the physical, biological and behavioral sciences. Within this broad body

students may spend another year in a specialty

of knowledge are the advanced study of optics, the

fellowship. That is over 10 years of education before

science of light and vision, as well as the study of

an ophthalmologist is able to practice, compared

human anatomy, pharmacology, pathology, sensory

to the four years of optometry school optometrists

and perceptual psychology, biochemistry, statistics

must complete before practicing.

and epidemiology.

OPTICIANRY

OPHTHALMOLOGY

Opticians fill prescriptions for corrective eye wear,

Ophthalmologists specialize in the medical and

including glasses, contact lenses, low vision aids and

surgical care of the eyes and visual system, and in

ocular prostheses. They grind lenses and fabricate

the treatment of eye disease and injury.

eye wear as well as adjust, replace and repair

To become an ophthalmologist — after completing

ophthalmic devices.

a bachelor’s degree — students must enroll in

Opticians are not required to complete any specific

medical school. After four years of medical school,

academic program in most states. They can receive

one or more years must be spent in general clinical

on-the-job training and become a certified optician

training, and three or more years in a hospital-based

by passing an examination administered by the

ophthalmology residency program. Additionally,

Optician’s Association of America.

1245 Madison Avenue • Memphis, Tennessee 38104-2222 • 901-722-3224 • 800-238-0180 • sco.edu Information for this publication was gathered from the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry, the American Optometric Association (AOA), the Journal of the AOA, the Academy of Ophthalmology and the Opticians Association of America.