Learn About Optometry:
The Profession and SCO's Program

See the Curriculum for the Doctor of Optometry Program at SCO

Doctors of Optometry are independent primary health care providers who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures, as well as the diagnosis of related systemic conditions.

Among the types of treatment optometrists use are:

• prescription glasses
• contact lenses
• vision therapy
• low vision aids
• pharmaceutical agents for the treatment of ocular disease

During an examination, the Doctor of Optometry also assesses general health conditions. Diabetes, high blood pressure, and arteriosclerosis are often detected during a vision examination. The diagnosis of systemic manifestations of ocular disease is necessary to preserve and enhance the patient’s quality of life. When appropriate, the optometrist refers patients to other health care professionals and frequently works with them in co-managing the patient’s condition.

Vision constantly changes throughout a person’s lifetime and, as it does, vision care needs change as well. Doctors of Optometry provide optometric examinations and treatment which may prevent a patient’s vision problem from developing into a serious vision impairment.

Those who choose optometry enjoy challenging and rewarding careers. An optometrist may help a child whose school work is hindered by visual problems, a worker whose vision problem causes safety hazards on the job, or an elderly patient who may have needlessly given up reading.

Doctors of Optometry are the major providers of primary eye care in America, with 34,000 optometrists practicing in over 6,600 communities nationwide. In over 4,000 of these communities, optometrists are the only primary vision care providers, performing 68 percent of the 75 million primary vision care exams per year.

The type of practice setting which the optometrist may enter is also expanding. While private solo practice is still the predominant mode of practice, more optometrists are entering into partnerships or group practices with other optometrists or other health care providers. Health maintenance organizations, the military, Veterans’ Administration Medical Centers and hospitals offer optometrists unique opportunities to be an integral part of the health care delivery team.

The Doctor of Optometry enjoys the benefits of financial security, independence, and prominent status in the community. According to the 2006 American Optometric Association Economic Survey, the average net income for all optometrists in 2005 was $131,197.

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