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Optometrists (NOC 3121)DescriptionOptometrists are registered health practitioners who provide diagnostic and treatment services related to the eye. Their services include examination, diagnosis, and counselling regarding vision disorders and eye diseases, plus corrective treatment (including prescription and fitting of eyeglasses and contact lenses) or condition management, when required. Example Titles
Classified Elsewhere
DutiesOptometrists provide the following health care services:
SkillsOptometrists need the following skills and abilities: Essentials skills:
Technical Skills:
Employment Requirements
Terms & ConditionsOptometrists work in clinical practices, and usually keep regular office hours although some evening and weekend work may be required. Most work full-time (100%). Self-employment in this occupation is typical (76%), while others work as associates to another registered optometrists who own their own practices. Earnings$64,300 per annum - starting $88,200 per annum - average $155,000 per annum - high Earnings are reviewed annually or more frequently if new information becomes available. Education / TrainingIn Canada, two universities offer 4-year Doctor of Optometry degree programs, Note that applicants may be required to take the Optometry Admission Test (OAT) to apply to the following programs:
Career PathsOptometrists are employed in clinics, community health centres, hospitals, in private practice and as consultants to private business. Optometrists may specialize in fitting visual aids for people who are partially blind, fitting contact lenses or correcting special vision problems. With further education, optometrists may also find positions in research, teaching or in industrial sales. OutlookEmployment opportunities for optometrists are expected to be good in the period 2010 - 2014. In 2010 the number of registered practitioners is estimated at 120. Practice opportunities are expected to continue to be good because of an increase in the eye care needs of an aging population. Persons over the age of 45 tend to visit optometrists and opthalmologists more often because of the onset of vision problems in middle age, and the increased likelihood of more serious vision problems such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and cataracts. In 2008, the Manitoba government passed legislation that expanded the range of services that can be provided by optometrists. These include prescribing certain drugs, performing minor procedures like removing objects from eyes, as well as ordering and receiving some reports and tests. This will create more work for optometrists, particularly in rural and remote areas. There is a growing interest in prescription glasses and sun glasses as fashion accessories and more medical insurance plans are covering eye glasses and contact lenses. Services may also become more specialized to meet workplace safety concerns and the needs of particular groups such as athletes. A proportionally larger share of optometric practices are located in Winnipeg. Most optometrists work in the Health Care and Social Assistance sector (85%) and the remainder in Retail Trade (12%). Employment by Age Group
Employment by Industry
Employment by Region
Employment by Gender
Employment by Aboriginal Self-Identification
Employment by Visible Minority
Please Note - The source for above charts is the 2006 Census. Professional Associations, Unions, and Regulatory Bodies...
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