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.

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