<p>With the beginning development of auto-refraction and increased LASIK procedures, will optometrists still be needed in the future? The auto-refraction is still in its early stages and is criticized for its inaccuracy right now, but what about in the future? LASIK will probably be more finely tuned in accuracy, and patients will probably gain confidence in the procedure’s ability to permanently improve their vision, making obsolete glasses and contact lenses. This could dramatically reduce the role of optometrists to one of predominantly pre/post-operative care. This all might not occur until the far distant future, but it’s kind of a huge uncertainty. What do you guys think?</p>
<p>There is a lot of posturing in the Optometry field about trying to convince state legislators to allow optometrists the right to do these procedures as well as write scripts for medications…</p>
<p>There are some troubling things about this, one being that OD’s don’t have courses in things like pharmacology.</p>
<p>On the other hand there are relatively few new ophthamalogists trained each year, which gets in to some access to care issues in underserved areas. If OD’s could go to those areas, and use the political sway those regions have, things might change in some states. </p>
<p>It will be something to watch for, along with the things you’ve mentioned.</p>
<p>So do you think it’s unwise to pursue a career in optometry?</p>
<p>I don’t if unwise is the word I would choose…It’s going to be a very fluid/dynamic career outlook. If some states grant licenses for prescription writing, other states will likely follow, but again, this is being opposed by associations representing Ophthamalogists.</p>
<p>I doubt however that LASIK and other procedures to correct eyesight will forever replace corrective lenses. There are still conditions in which these treatments simply don’t work. Further, costs of these procedures still will remain out of the range for many. </p>
<p>I think that if an OD is willing to go and work/live in underserved areas, then there will always be an opportunity for them. The extremely technical procedures of ophthamalogists will keep them from these areas.</p>
<p>Further OD is probably the ultimate lifestyle health profession. Extremely regular office hours, no call, low insurance, less time commitment towards schooling, patients are usually very grateful you’ve restored their sight - thus making it fairly rewarding, good income potential…</p>
<p>Actually ODs do have training in pharmacology and have prescribing rights in every state.</p>
<p>From what I have read, LASIK actually increases the need for optometrists; people who have LASIK surgery actually need to get monthly checkups - checkups often done by optometrists. However, I have heard that the commercialization of optometry, such as optometrists working at Wall-Marts, will destroy the current state of the industry. Pharmacy was once an industry where individuals started their own companies. Now, CVS has taken over pharmacyn and many think optometry will follow a similar path. The question is, what effect will the commercialization of optometry have on the salaries, working conditions, and daily tasks of optometrists. If anyone has any information or opinions, that would be great. Thanks.</p>
<p>honestly, i don’t think optometry will loose demand because of lasik. If lasik was so popular, how come everyone doesn’t do it? Lasik costs a ton of money (i dont think insurance covers it but i may be wrong), and most people would rather use contacts or glasses than spend thousands on lasik.</p>
<p>I agree LASIK will not effect Optometry; however, I wonder what people think about the Wallmartification of the industry.</p>
<p>bump, anyone?</p>
<p>I actually doubt that salaries will be affected; After all, CVS/chain store pharmacists are still getting paid roughly the same salary as self-employed pharmacists.</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos079.htm#earnings[/url]”>http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos079.htm#earnings</a></p>