Statistics on the Optical Professions
More than 35,000 optometrists who are members of
the American Optometric Association are in practice in the United States. American Optometric Association, 2007.
Approximately 70 percent of eye care in America is provided by optometrists. Optometry Education and the
University of California: Final Report of the Health Sciences Committee, September 2004.
As of May 2004, there were 17,070 practicing ophthalmologists in the
United States. American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)
In 2004, about 66,000 opticians sold and dispensed
eyewear. Nearly one-third worked in retail chain optical stores. About 30
percent worked in the offices of
optometrists and more than 10 percent worked in offices of ophthalmologists. Nearly 6
percent are self employed, and run their
own business. Others work in the optical departments of department stores or other general merchandise stores, such as warehouse
clubs and superstores Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department
of Labor.
More Statistics
[Page updated December 2007]
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