Optometrists should have strong math, science, and decision-making skills. They should also be friendly and have good interpersonal skills. What do you think?

Interpersonal skills are more valuable than any other set of skills in the workplace.

Agree
Disagree

Explain why you voted the way you did.

I disagree with the statement that interpersonal skills are more valuable than any other set of skills in the workplace. While interpersonal skills are important and can enhance one's ability to communicate effectively with others and build relationships, they are not necessarily more valuable than other skills such as math, science, and decision-making. In the case of an optometrist, having strong math and science skills are essential for accurately diagnosing and treating eye conditions. Additionally, strong decision-making skills are crucial for making informed decisions regarding patient care. While interpersonal skills can certainly contribute to a positive work environment and patient experience, they are not more valuable than the technical skills required for the job.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Achieve3000, April 8, 2013). Have you ever had an eye exam? Or trouble with your vision? If so, you've likely visited an optometrist. Optometrists are eye doctors who treat and prevent vision problems and eye disorders. If you have strong math, science, and communication skills—and you're interested in an occupation helping people—you might want to consider a career in optometry.

Here's some information to help you know if optometry is right for you:

Duties and Work Environment

An optometrist conducts examinations to determine eye health and eyesight, while checking for vision problems, injuries, and infections. Depending on the findings of the eye exam, the optometrist might prescribe eyeglasses, contact lenses, medication, or vision therapy. Optometrists also remove foreign substances from eyes. They help prevent vision problems by counseling patients about proper eye care.

Some optometrists specialize in a certain area, such as pediatric optometry or pre- and post-operative eye care for patients undergoing eye surgery. Some specialize in treating patients with "low vision," a condition in which the patient has partial or no eyesight.

Most optometrists work in optometry offices. They either run their own practices or work with other optometrists. Some work in clinics located inside retail stores, hospitals, or medical offices. Optometrists who operate their own offices typically have administrative responsibilities, such as keeping records, ordering supplies, and hiring staff.

(Optometrists should not be confused with ophthalmologists or dispensing opticians. Ophthalmologists are physicians who often have the same duties as optometrists but also perform eye surgeries. Dispensing opticians fit and adjust eyeglasses. In some states, they also fill prescriptions written by optometrists.)

Skills Needed

Since they must analyze and evaluate the results of an exam and decide the best course of treatment, optometrists should have good decision-making skills. They should also be friendly and have good interpersonal and communication skills. That's because they spend a great deal of their time working with patients. They help them feel at ease during vision tests, explain specific eye care instructions, and answer questions.

Click here to learn more about different types of diplomas and degrees.

Schooling Needed

Prospective optometrists must obtain a BS, including classes in biology, chemistry, and physics in their course of study. Then, they must complete a Doctor of Optometry program. Such programs generally take four years and include classes in anatomy, optics, and visual science, as well as supervised clinical experience. Only about 20 colleges in the U.S. have optometry programs, so gaining acceptance to one can be competitive. After graduating, some optometrists complete a one-year residency program in order to specialize in a particular area of care. Before going into practice, an optometrist must obtain a state license.

Earnings and Hours

Based on the most recent salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual income for optometrists is about $95,000, though some earn much more.

Most optometrists work full time. Some work evenings and weekends in order to accommodate the schedules of their patients.

Future Outlook

The future looks bright for optometrists. According to the BLS, job opportunities for optometrists are expected to increase 33 percent by 2020, an increase due largely to the aging U.S. population. As people grow older, they are more likely to experience vision trouble. Also, more people today are afflicted with chronic diseases (such as diabetes) that affect eyesight and require optometric care. In addition, a large number of optometrists are expected to retire by 2020, opening up job opportunities for new optometrists.

According to the article, what is one reason why the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the demand for optometrists to rise?

The U.S. population is aging, and as people grow older, they are more likely to experience trouble with their vision.
Some optometrists are performing administrative duties, such as keeping records, ordering supplies, and hiring staff.
Most optometrists work full time, but many are needed to work evening and weekend shifts.
Salary data revealed that many optometrists earn much more than the median income for the profession.

The reason why the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the demand for optometrists to rise is that the U.S. population is aging, and as people grow older, they are more likely to experience trouble with their vision. This increase in age-related vision issues, coupled with the prevalence of chronic diseases affecting eyesight, is expected to create a greater need for optometric care and lead to more job opportunities for optometrists.

wich one

"The U.S. population is aging, and as people grow older, they are more likely to experience trouble with their vision." is the correct answer.

The news article says all of the following except __________.

Experts predict that salaries for optometrists will decline 10 percent by 2020.
Only about 20 colleges in the U.S. have optometry programs.
Salary data shows that the median annual income for optometrists is about $95,000, though some earn much more.
Optometrists conduct examinations to determine eye health and eyesight, and also check for vision problems, injuries, and infections.

"Experts predict that salaries for optometrists will decline 10 percent by 2020." is not mentioned in the news article.

Which of these best summarizes the last paragraph?

Due to the aging population and the growing number of people with chronic diseases, more optometrists will be needed.
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects eyesight and requires continual treatment.
As people grow older, they are more likely to experience vision trouble.
A large number of optometrists are expected to retire by 2020, opening up many jobs for new optometrists.

"A large number of optometrists are expected to retire by 2020, opening up many jobs for new optometrists." best summarizes the last paragraph in the news article.

no