Optometry, Jordyn Olson-Merrick, '21

Jordyn Olson-Merrick class of 2021 is in her first year of Optometry school at Pacific University College of Optometry, in Forest Grove, OR.  She joined us and shared her path to Optometry and highlighted the career as a whole.   What Optometrists Do Optometrists diagnose and treat visual problems and manage diseases, injuries, and other disorders of the eyes. Work Environment Most optometrists work in stand-alone offices of optometry. Optometrists may also work in doctors’ offices and optical goods stores, and some are self-employed. Most work full time, and some work evenings and weekends to accommodate patients’ needs. How to Become an Optometrist Optometrists must complete a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree program and obtain a license to practice in a particular state. O.D. programs take 4 years to complete, and most students have a bachelor’s degree before entering such a program. Pay The median annual wage for optometrists was $118,050 in May 2020. Job Outlook Employment of optometrists is projected to grow 9 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 1,700 openings for optometrists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for optometrists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of optometrists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about optometrists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations. Source:  Occupational Outlook Handbook: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/optometrists.htm