On the record and off the record colleagues often ask my opinion about the growing number of women in optometry. Interestingly, many of those asking are male baby boomers who have been accustomed to a male-dominated profession for most of their careers. Below you will find a question about female optometrists posed to me by a leading optometric journal.
More women. How has the increase in female optometrists changed the profession? What is the expectation for women in optometry in the coming decade (more, stay the same, etc)?
Here’s my answer:
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The number of women in optometry has been increasing over the last 10-15 years. Due to these changes I believe optometry has become more well-rounded in the delivery of care and the availability of optometrists to care for patients. Many women are looking for a lifestyle that complements both their family and profession. This often leads to an increase in the demand for part-time employment. Women tend to seek opportunities that allow them to continue to manage the family while fulfilling their professional aspirations. Women are also looking to share responsibilities. It is not uncommon to see two women buy a practice together to share the workload and still allow for ample time to tend to family needs. Because the practice of optometry is generally conducted during regular office hours and doesn’t often involve nights and weekends, and because patient loads can be shared, it is an especially attractive option for parents raising young children. Taking this into consideration, I would expect the number of women in optometry would continue to grow over the next decade.
If you were asked the question, how might your answer had been different?
To me it seems like the information in this short article is either inaccurate or outdated. I’m not sure if it’s meant to attract more and more students into OD schools by deceit. The true reality is that optometry is being over run by big corporations such as Lenscrafters, Vision Works and America’s Best to name a few. I have yet to find a single store that closed earlier than 7PM and was closed on Saturday or Sunday. Not to mention they are open on all major holidays as well. It would be interesting to hear your explanation about how optometry provide quality family life for women with short office hours and free weekends. Even Private practices stay open later and later and Saturday hours is a must if you an employee.
Thank you for your comment. I agree that each situation is different and that some of us feel like we are “trapped” in our schedules. The post is meant to address the ability to work 2-3 days per week and make a very nice income on those days. It is true that many offices stay open late, however, being late to the family one or two nights a week is one sacrifice for having 5 days of the week to be with family. It is also true that some private practices stay open later and work Saturday hours, however, many private practices provide employees with minimal evenings and weekends. Finding the practices that offer this may take someone time and effort but once found can be very rewarding. The idea is neither inaccurate nor outdated when looking at the whole picture throughout the country. Yes, large cities do create a more difficult environment. Thank you for your comment and I do appreciate your representation of those who do not relate to the freedom the article presents.