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Edwards 1 Period Health Care 9/11/2011 Optometrists Optometrists examine eyes and treat vision problems, usually by prescribing eyeglasses or contact lenses, vision therapy, or rehabilitation programs. They also prescribe medicines to treat some eye diseases and allergies. The education and training includes high-school, college, plus optometry school and an internship with a certified optometrist. The salary is $88,410 the first year; more education and hours play in the salary settings. The employment outlook is good for most in this profession. Most optometrists have their own practices or are associates in group practices. Others are employed in hospitals, clinics, and health or government agencies. Still, others work for insurance companies; for manufacturers of eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other optical equipment; or for large eye wear chains. Some jobs involve the designing and testing of new products. Optometrists must be licensed. They must pass both a written National Board of Examiners in Optometry examination and a clinical board examination at the Advancement Possibilities and Employment Outlook Many optometrists become self-employed after some years as salaried workers or as associates in group practices. Other optometrists specialize. Optometrists who have additional education and experience can move into jobs in teaching, research, or administration. Working Conditions Optometrists usually work in pleasant surroundings. Those in private practice may supervise assistants. In large offices, clinics, and health and government agencies, optometrists work as members of professional health-care teams. Most optometrists work forty-hour weeks, often including some evening and Saturday hours. Optometrists have responsible jobs that require close contact with the public. They need manual dexterity and well buisness skills.

American Optometric Association

243 N. Lindbergh Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63141 (800) 365-2219 http://www.aoa.org

Interview with an Optometrist,

I gained my desire to follow this profession after my father, and his father. There had been a long line of men in my family being involved in Optometry. Completing school is only the first step in following this career. Director is one way of moving up the corporate ladder. I really enjoy to help everyday people in their everyday lives. I have a strong ability to control my work schedule. I choose my own hours and where I work. My salary is more than satisfying. My job is a mixture of structured and flexible. I am able to choose where and when I work, however I have obligations to meet. I feel very helpful in my job knowing people need me. I must be able to tell the Ophthalmologist what is wrong with the patient in hopes of their recovery.

Resources There are many sources to find information on Optometrist, however the best by far was bls.gov. It provided all the information I needed.

What I learned about selecting my Career, My interests affect my career choice because i need to be able to like my job.

If I do not have the ability to do my job, then there is no way of completing my everyday tasks. Therefore, I would not do this. My work values affect my career because if I would not do a certain thing for my job, then I shall not even try to go for the opportunity to fall short. I learned that there are many things that come into selecting a life long career. My values and abilities reflect how hard I would work and helps a person decide whether or not the career or Optometrist is worth it.