It is not very easy to determine what the future holds for optometrists in general. This has certainly led to various opinions getting fitness on the heads of individuals, which might not be absolutely correct or appropriate. Many are concerned about the future of optometry and are anxious to know whether or not optometry is a dying field, given the prevailing situation.

We occasionally hear from trainees and current optometrists who are worried about the profession’s sustainability and its future. From their point of view, the prospect is bleak. Today’s modern pupils are making large financial investments in their schooling. Several of these want to start their own practice, but most believe they would not be able to because of their indebtedness. The general view is that there are simply too many O.D.s, and most of those pick positions that pay them the most money, despite difficult working circumstances or the incapacity to perform to the greatest capacity of their specialty. 

They anticipate market upheaval as a consequence of a “perfect storm” of big store rivalry, growing prevalence of capital-intensive vision programs, Obamacare ambiguity, and the industry’s omnipresence. Many practicing optometrists are also exhausted from battling vision programs and market rivalry but without necessary instruments. They see the dreams of a new vehicle, a new apartment, and all the other perks that come with becoming a doctor being dashed. They are indeed not wrong and are absolutely correct. 

Optometry, on the other hand, is really not going away anywhere anytime in the near future. 

Certainly, in the future year, optometrists will be in higher demand than it has ever been before. By 2025, our present demographic of 315 million will have swelled to over 350 million. More importantly, the proportion of our populace aged 65 and up will rise by 50 percent, from 12 percent to 18 percent. Approximately 25 million persons have been included in the core audience of optometry. For each and every licensed optometrist, that is an additional 700 clients. That translates to more advances, glaucoma sufferers, and diabetics. Prosperity is practically assured, is it not?

The fresh industry entrants will, in fact, have lived up to the internet or digital era completely. They have extremely diverse perspectives on the purchase procedure, as well as what types of events they love and detest. Our sector has struggled to lure consumers into the marketplace overall. Customers are spending about $145 every year on footwear but only $96 per year on vision care. More than a quarter of our demographic never uses our facilities! We have not really been successful in raising the amount of money the ordinary customer is prepared to spend on our goods and operations since we have never been successful in enlightening the audience.

Considering the fact that we have been locked in an outdated mindset, we are not fully prepared for the opportunities and the prospects. 

These economic dynamics, in our opinion, are ideal for something like the growth of revolutionary innovations, which will flip our life upside down. The retail industry will be consolidated. We will take part in new business ventures. Consumer-friendly equipment is already on the way, with the ability to eliminate the need for optometry. Such “breakthroughs” draw monetary participation and the needed rewards that come with an item of significant capital expenditure.  Many, both within and outside of our sector, recognize similar possibilities, too, though. In the upcoming years, there will be more rivalry than ever before.

This decade may be the last for several eye doctors in practice, and that they will not probably succeed in their existing iteration. For many others, the next ten years will indeed be filled with possibilities. It is not, however, standard operating procedure. As a result of this upheaval, a vocation with a broader spectrum and more comprehensive offerings will develop. Optometrists would become efficiency experts and will aid in the adoption of engineering technologies. Nutritional treatments and other cognitive assistance will be offered by optometrists.

Optometry is not exactly going away; it is merely undergoing a change.

Now would be the moment to broaden your professional horizons. Which emerging customer technology do you think you will be able to use? What learning experience do you need to do beyond optometry?

What is going to happen in the industry reminds us of Yellowstone in 1988. The Yellowstone backcountry saw the biggest wildfire in the known record during that year. The tragedy generated a global controversy since 36 percent of the area was destroyed. Do we try to put out the fires? Do we want to go against nature’s will?

The consequence proves that we must not tamper with Mother Earth. What is intriguing concerning the wildfire, and many individuals were there to observe the aftermath in Yellowstone in 1990, is that several species of pine cones do not discharge their seed in the absence of these kinds of occurrences. Fresh development happens as a result of the fire.

A fresh vitality emerges from the embers of devastation.

Isn’t it accurate that without a crisis period, meaningful reform rarely happens in optometry? Yes, we certainly believe so because that is something that is believed everywhere. 

“History teaches us that men and nations behave wisely once they have exhausted all other alternatives,” remarked Abba Eban, a renowned Israeli statesman, and diplomat. When we examine the past and extrapolate specific occurrences into the future, it becomes apparent to us that there are processes at play that we should always be aware of. 

It is not about the strongest surviving but rather about the adapted surviving.

The actual dilemma to ask is if you are up to the task and the possibilities. Will you be able to adjust quickly enough? 

Optometry has endured in the face of adversity, displaying our strength and determination. It is up to the various individuals to cooperate and collaborate to keep the enthusiasm going and achieve the prosperous future that every individual envisages for the optometry profession and all the clients.