You've chosen a great time to get started in an optometry career—it was one of U.S. News & World Report's Best Careers of 2007, and the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the mean annual wage estimates for optometrists at $98,550, with the top 25% estimated to earn almost $118,500. The Department of labor also predicts that the employment of optometrists is expected to grow faster than average—an increase of 27% or more—through the year 2014.
Why is the future looking so bright for eye care? Careeroverview.com credits the baby boomers—the aging of this generation is having a significant impact on several facets of life in this country, including the insurance, financial services, healthcare, and even cosmetics industries. And as these folks continue to get older, they'll need glasses, contacts, and follow-up care after eye surgeries—as well as many other services provided by optometrists.
Optometry is also a career that offers a wide range of options for specialization. You can focus your patient interaction, and have the chance to do work that makes a significant impact on people's everyday lives. Take a look at some of the opportunities for specialization.
For more information about becoming an optometrist, visit the American Optometric Association and Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry websites.
