Considering the Future Optometry By: Lacey Van StappenHealth Careers 7 th hour

Job Description/Duties  Examine eyes  Diagnose injuries and disorders of the visual system  Treat/manage injuries and disorders of the visual system  Identify related systemic conditions affecting the eye  Prescribe medications  Perform certain surgical procedures  Provide vision therapy  Provide low vision rehabilitation  Assist patients with spectacle and contact lenses  Counsel patients regarding surgical and non-surgical options to meet visual needs  Provide pre- and post-operative consultation and care  Diagnose systemic conditions that have eye-related symptoms  Refer patients to other health practitioners

Work Setting  Work in clean, well-lighted, and comfortable settings  Possible work places:  Personal office  Doctor office  Retail store  Outpatient clinic  Hospital  40 hours per week for full time  May include weekends and evenings to suit the needs of the patients  Take emergency calls

Personal Characteristics  Responsible: need to do their duty and own up to positive or negative accomplishments  Communicable: need to be able to communicate well with the patients, so they do not get the wrong message  Intelligent: need to know the information required to do the job well.  Healthy: need to set an example for the patient  Compassionate: need to be sympathetic and concerned for the patients well being  Caring: need to show kindness to the patient  Empathetic: need to be able to understand how the patient feels so they can respond appropriately  Interpersonal Skills: need to be able to feel comfortable talking with other people  Dedicated: need to be devoted to the job and not blow it off for other trivial matters  Patient: need to be patient and not become irritable with the patient  Important personal values:  Security and benefits  Not boring, but keeps routine  Challenging/requires dedication  Help people

Education  High School Classes:  Biology  Zoology (if available)  Chemistry  Psychology  4 year undergrad  3 or 4 years at school of optometry  Colleges:  Illinois College of Optometry  Indiana University  Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University  The Ohio State University  **No School of Optometry in Wisconsin**

Wages and Benefits  Starting Salary: $78,000  5 year experience salary: $93,000  Full time: get benefits (sick leave, paid vacation, health insurance)  May also provide retirement plan  Self-employed: provide own insurance and retirement plan  Median Salary: Wisconsin vs. Madison  Wisconsin: $103,318  Madison: $98,188 Employment Outlook  33% increase (11,300 jobs) from

Personal Assessment I think that being an optometrist would be great for me because I really like helping people but I also do not want the pressure of life and death situations. I have also just recently realized that ophthalmology is something I find very interesting, and I am very curious to know more. I believe it is a job I could stay interested in for years. From what I have learned, optometry also provides job security and benefits, which is an important thing I would like in my future. Also, I would not have to attend medical school, though a downside is I would have to leave my home state and family to attend college. Even though that is something I would prefer to avoid, the positives are very enticing.

Works Cited  "ExploreHealthCareers.org." Optometrist. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Dec  "Summary." U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, n.d. Web. 21 Dec  Moore, Shelley. "Starting Salary for Optometrists." EHow. Demand Media, 14 July Web. 21 Dec  "Member Schools & Colleges - Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry." Member Schools & Colleges - Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Dec  "Wisconsin Optometrist Salaries - Salary.com." Wisconsin Optometrist Salaries - Salary.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Dec  "Explore Careers | ISEEK." Explore Careers | ISEEK. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Dec