The coming surplus of optometrists in Australia – what can you do to stay competitive in the jobs market?
In June, NSW based Young Optometrists held an event called “Too Many Optometrists”. They broke into groups and came up with ideas on possible roles for optometrists outside the consulting room. They found that there are many roles for a creative optometrist, including:
- Sports vision
- Professional services for an organisation such as Optometry Australia
- Government advisory role
- Research and academia
- Work in industry
- Creating niche products
- Volunteering
- Starting a charity
- Aged care
- Hospital optometry
- Allied health clinic
- Health writer and blogger
The event invited three speakers who share their experiences and work options:
Andrew McKinnon, who talk about what could you do outside the box, in industry and overseas practice:
Dr Maria Markoulli who went into research, did PhD, became a lecturer and does 40% research, 35% teaching and 25% engagement and leadership:
Dr Monica Lette, an optometrist liaison with an ophthalmology group, clinical optometrist in an ophthalmology group and optometrist in private practice:
The study Optometric supply and demand in Australia: 2011-2036 has said that by the year 2036 it is estimated that there will be a surplus of over 1,200 equivalent full time optometrists in Australia. The report says that “Substantial surpluses were predicted in all states and territories except Queensland, Tasmania and the Northern Territory where predicted supply was within six EFTO of predicted demand.”
My Health career has discussed concern about the possibility of unemployment or underemployment for future graduates has been discussed previously:
