What Do Doctors of Optometry Do?

Some people will tell you that Doctors of Optometry diagnose and treat disorders of the eye. We say that's only part of the story. What optometrists really do - each and every day - is make a real difference in real lives. Doctors of Optometry reveal new vistas, return lost joys, empower greater achievement, and preserve unlived lives. That's what Doctors of Optometry Do.

A Career in Optometry

As a Doctor of Optometry, you will do well for yourself while doing much for others. A career in optometry lets you:

- Earn a secure future. You can expect a good income and a solid employment picture. Employment in optometry is projected to grow by 27% through 2024, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Data from the American Optometric Association shows optometry offers an average net income of $122,667 for all optometrists.

- Pursue unlimited options. You can practice in city, suburban, or rural communities. You can run your own solo practice or join a group practice. You can work independently or pursue employment in clinical, academic, or other settings. You can serve in the military, government, or public health sectors. You can pursue many specialty practices, from pediatrics to geriatrics to sports vision or rehabilitative vision.

- Balance work with life. You can balance a challenging primary-care profession with a rewarding family life. Optometry's unique suite of advantages - including multiple career pathways, regular practice hours, and a pleasant work environment (patients who enjoy their visits, for one!) - makes it one of health care's most flexible professions. In fact, optometrists enjoy an average work week of 37.5 hours, according to an American Optometric Association survey.  

- Enjoy a respected profession. You can have the status of a highly skilled primary-care doctor, while building compassionate, long-lasting relationships with your patients. Optometry requires the kind of personal interaction - asking questions, listening to concerns, discussing options - on which meaningful doctor-patient partnerships are formed. 

About ASCO

The Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) is the academic leadership organization committed to promoting, advancing and achieving excellence in optometric education. Since 1941, ASCO has achieved this vision by representing the interests of institutions of optometric education, enhancing the efforts of these institutions as they prepare highly qualified graduates for entrance into the profession of optometry and serving the public’s eye and vision needs.

ASCO proudly represents all accredited schools and colleges of optometry in the fifty states and Puerto Rico. Our organization’s affiliate members include the Canadian schools of optometry, other foreign schools, allied organizations, and the US Department of Veterans Affairs.

ASCO’s activities cover a wide range of programs including applicant development and diversity, faculty and executive development, advocacy, residency promotion, data development and communications.

LEARN MORE

Applying to Optometry School. Find out about the application process and preview (and submit) the common application used by all US optometry schools.  

OptomCAS:  Optometry Centralized Application Service - www.optomcas.org

Optometric Profession. Explore valuable resources and the latest news in optometry, with a special section exclusively for students.

American Optometric Association - www.aoa.org