Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO)

Optometrists: Diagnose, manage and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system

Examples of Disease Management Unfortunate National Statistics 6.3% of US population has diabetes 15% are predicted to have diabetes by 2015 First organ affected by diabetes is the EYE! 1 in 5 adults over 55 years old gets glaucoma which optometrists treat Optometry will play even bigger future role in helping patients to manage these diseases!

Modes of Practice Individual Private Practice Partnership or Group Practice Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) Optometry/Ophthalmologic Professional Settings Military/Public Health Interdisciplinary Care Academic/Research Corporate Retail/Optical Settings

Optometry has once again received superior career forecast rankings: 13 Best Careers for 2010-2020 – Kiplinger.com “Optometrist” Makes CNNMoney’s 100 Best Jobs in America at #12

US Bureau of Labor Statistics Federal data indicate employment of optometrists is projected to grow 24% from 2008 to 2018 Reasons: A growing population that recognizes the importance of good vision care will increase demand for optometrists Most health insurance plans now include vision care

Why is optometry such a great career choice? One-on-one helping career which improves quality of life Get to work with all age patients with potential for lasting doctor/patient relationships Great work/life balance – flexibility in scheduling and minimum emergency calls Broad scope of practice including privileges to prescribe therapeutic drugs Pleasant and professional work environment Not physically demanding – a long professional life

Compensation The average net income from the primary practice of optometry was $129,385, according to the 2012 Survey of Optometric Practice

Things to Consider in Choosing an Optometry School The Students Caliber of your prospective peers Your “Fit” Community Class Size Diversity The Learning Environment Optometry Curriculum Timing and Extent of Preclinical Training First Real Patients Number and Diversity of Patientcs NBEO Pass Rate The Place Big University vs. Small Private Urban vs. Non-Urban

Common Prerequisite Courses General biology with labs General chemistry with labs Organic chemistry/biochemistry with labs General physics with labs Microbiology with labs Calculus Psychology Statistics English Social Science Other Humanities Check with EACH optometry school/college for specific prerequisites!

Admissions Process Apply to multiple schools using OptomCAS – single-based application at www.optomcas.org Comprehensive online checklist and instructions No need for duplicate transcripts/LORs when applying to multiple schools Electronic tool for applicants to request LORs Real-time for checking status of application, transcripts, and LORs Single point of contact for assistance from knowledge support staff

Doctor of Optometry Degree Four Year Program First and Second Year: Basic sciences, preclinical with first patient care middle of second year Third Year: Specialty courses with patient care Fourth Year: Rotations

Residencies (optional) One year duration Residencies are located within hospitals, VA facilities, outpatient clinics, or clinical facilities of the various schools and colleges of optometry Some areas of emphasis include: Pediatrics, Geriatrics, Cornea and Contact Lenses, Low Vision Rehabilitation, Vision Therapy, Binocular Vision and Sports Vision

Summary Optometry is a well respected profession with a great future job outlook (good news in this economy) Excellent potential salary and work/life balance Wide variety of modes of practice And now it will be easy to apply through OptomCAS! Thank You!