Expert: Janet Carter - 6/8/2007

Question
Hi,
I am going in to optometry and I would be so grateful if you could answer these questions for me.
Could you tell me what the average pay is for an optometrist in private practice in 2007? Everytime I look it up on the internet its different. It ranges from 88,000-150,000.

If you are an optometrist are you givin the title "doctor"?

Can Optometrists perscribe medication?

What is neuroptometry?

Do you enjoy your career?

Is it rewarding?

Thank you so much if you can answer these.  

Answer
Hello.  You can learn a lot of the answers to your questions by going to the website of the American Optometric Association.  (google it).

Average pay?  Probably around 100,000.  No one really knows...it depends on years in practice and location.  

Yes, optometrists in the US are Doctors of Optometry.  In the United States they can prescribe medication.  If you went to ANY US website that talks about optometry you would already know this...try googling American Optometric Association as I said.  

Neuroptometry is the study of how the brain relates to vision, and how to treat visual/neuro problems.  Again, Google is your friend.  It is not a well-recognized specialty.

Yes, I enjoy my career and find it rewarding.  It is an opportunity to help people live better lives.