Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Are You Considering Joining The Ranks Of The Florida Optometrists?

By Mike Schwartz

Florida optometrists are men and women dedicated to providing high quality vision care to the people of their state. They examine their patient's eyes, diagnose any problem they have and treat diseases, disorders and injuries that affect the eyes.

In order for a person to become a Doctor of Optometry that can practice in the state of Florida, it is necessary to take 3 years of pre-optometric studies at an accredited college or university. From there he must continue studying four more years at an accredited optometry school. There are approximately 16 accredited optometry schools that students can choose from in the United States.

In order to work as an optometrist in Florida, the graduate student must have a license from the Florida State National Board of Examiners. He will be given a license once he has completed the seven years of studies and has successfully passed the state exam.

Being a practicing optometrist in Florida will give you the advantage of being able to receive one of the highest salaries for optometrists in the United States. If you are a male optometrist you will make between $80, 000 and $110, 000 per year. If you are a female, you will earn $10, 000 less than your male counterpart. Jobs with private companies are better than government run agency jobs.

Florida optometrists must follow a code of ethics that guarantees quality care for all of their patients. Respect for every patient is at the top of the list. They must provide care for everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. There can be no discrimination. They agree to practice to the best of their ability and to continue their education through whatever means possible.

If you become an optometrist, your relationship with your patients will be very important. They will rely on you to explain clearly any diagnosis that you make. They will also trust you to allow them to make the final decision about treatment and to be totally honest with them in terms of what they need.

As an optometrist you will have the opportunity to change lives. Think of how you will feel, when one of your patients is able to see a loved one for the very first time. You will be able to help people live normal and productive lives, and you may even have the opportunity to save lives.

Once you are well-established as an optometrist in Florida, you may have the opportunity to provide vision care to poor people in third world countries. Optometrists often receive grants or private donations that make it possible for them to buy medicines and affordable eyeglasses to use during the two or three weeks they are in a country. You may even have the opportunity to teach optometry to capable nationals.

The lack of care or the botched surgeries they often see are heartbreaking. At times they can give renewed hope and at other times, they must accept that the person will never see again.

Meeting the vision needs of the people in their state is a tremendous challenge for Florida optometrists. Optometry has its ups and downs depending on the news the optometrist must relay to his patient. However, these men and women are highly trained and can professionally help their patients face the future no matter what the diagnosis may be.

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