Licensure/Certification To practice in Florida, a graduate of an accredited school of optometry must pass the written and clinical exams given by the State Board of Optometry. Passing parts 1 and 2 of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry is required in order to sit for the Florida state board. Continuing education hours are required annually for license renewal. Salary The average annual salary for optometrists was $107,735 in Florida in 2006. In January 2006, optometry was rated as the number two career choice by U.S. News and World Report online and was reported to be the fourth highest paid job in the private sector according to BizJournal, with an average income of over $116,000/year. Educational Programs Doctor of Optometry Nova Southeastern University Professional Associations American Academy of Optometry American Optometric Association Florida Optometric Association

Doctors of Optometry (ODs) are independent primary health care providers who examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures. They often diagnose related systemic conditions as well.

The optometrist can use drugs and prescribe drugs for diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases in all fifty states and in some foreign countries. Optometrists traditionally prescribe eye glasses, contact lenses, vision therapy, and low-vision aids for the correction of visual disorders. They employ special tests and instruments to identify and evaluate eye problems and defects in vision, and to identify systemic diseases with eye manifestations or diseases which are of life- or sight-threatening severity. An optometrist must have manual dexterity and pay attention to detail.

Areas of Specialization
Most doctors of optometry provide vision care to the general community. Optometrists may specialize in the treatment of children, elderly, or partially-sighted people who must use microscopic or telescopic lenses. Others may concentrate on contact lenses or vision therapy. Some optometrists also do research, teach, or consult.

Work Environment
Most optometrists work in their own offices either alone or in a group practice. However, some may also hold positions at vision care centers or clinics in addition to their private practices. Opportunities for employment also exist in VA hospitals, HMOs (health maintenance organizations), or in association with retail optical stores. Many work 40 to 50 hours a week and may remain open in the evenings and on Saturdays to accommodate their patients' needs. The work is usually in comfortable surroundings and is not physically demanding. Optometrists who serve in the military or public health service are commissioned as the equivalent of a captain or higher.

Job Outlook
The number of Optometrists employed in Florida in 2006 was 1,435. It is projected that in 2014 there will be 1,645, an annual average growth rate of 1.8 percent. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, “Employment of optometrists is expected to grow faster than average for all occupations through 2014, in response to the vision care needs of a growing and aging population”.

Length of Training/Requirements
The Doctor of Optometry degree requires completion of a four-year professional degree program preceded by at least three years of pre-optometric study at an accredited college or university. Nova Southeastern University offers a dual BS/OD degree (see academic advisor). The required classes include English, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology. All applicants must also take the Optometric Admissions Test (OAT) and complete an interview to be considered for admission.

Advancement
Optometrists wishing to teach or do research may study for a master's or Ph.D. degree in a related field. Postgraduate clinical residency programs are available for those wishing to specialize in a particular area of eye care.