Need info: Optometry?

[supernova]

Yes, the people who make glasses. I was talking to a friend at the New Year's party last night and I wondered about it as a career choice. It seems, like nursing, and teaching, there will be a severe shortage of optomitrists as the Boomers age.

It appeals to me due to the technical nature of the job, that and making things.

What I want to know is:

Do you know anyone (including yourself!) who does this for a living?

What's it like? General working conditions.

What kind of training do you have to have? I've certainly heard of optometrists, but I've never heard what kind of education you have to have. :shrug:

[davsand]

1. Are you talking about making lenses or seeing patients?

The grinding of lenses is a skilled trade, I think, however the treating of patients is a med school thing. I think that is a Doctor of Optometry title...

Laura

[supernova]

3. Opthomology is the medical field

and yes, you're right about having to go to medical school for that. :D

I'm talking about grinding lenses.

[Breezy du Nord]

2. I had a cataract in my eye when I was 1

and I've been going to the eye doctor every year since. I'm somewhat of a different case, as when I think of an optometrist I think of the really handsome guy who always gave me lollipops after he stared in my eye for about 20 minutes. I'm guessing it probably is a pretty good field to go into, probably well-paying, but I always felt like such a little kid at the optometrist's office (I still do even now when I'm 14) because the majority of patients are retired folks, so maybe my judgement's a little jaded. As for education, I'm not sure :shrug: You'd think I'd know this by now, huh?

[supernova]

4. You're not the only one.

I always felt like such a little kid at the optometrist's office (I still do even now when I'm 14) because the majority of patients are retired folks,

I was the only 5 year old sitting in the cardiologist's office with the rest of the geezers saying :wtf: are YOU here for?. LOL!

Yes, the money appeal is part of it. Maybe it's another dead-end for me, but it's worth checking out.

[maxanne]

5. I'm not sure

about the training you need - but I do know someone who does it for a living. The mark up on glasses is enormous. The average pair of frames costs about $5 to manufacture - and then they're sold to you for about $200 - sans lenses.

The guy I know has two shops, and makes a good living selling glasses at affordable prices, not the inflated cost. He's very busy, as you might imagine.

[SheilaT]

6. Drop in and visit

One of those eyeglass chains that make glasses in 1 hour and chat with the people there. I know as a sometime wearer of glasses (prefer contact lenses) I get mine at those stores because they are cheaper. And I have a complicated prescription that runs several hundred dollars.

Anyway, the staff there ought to be willing to talk and at the very least let you know what the training is to start.

Overall as more people wear contacts or get surgery, fewer are wearing glasses, but glasses aren't going to disappear for a long, long time. But the market is probably shrinking, and that will impact your career.

Good luck. Report back on what you find out.

[greendog]

7. an "optical technician"...

..is the one who grinds and surfaces lenses.

Ophthalmologist: MD with additional training.

Optometrist: OD- doctor of optometry. 3-4 years undergrad + 4 years professional school.

:)