- Email: [email protected]
Educating high school students about the profession of optometry
n 4~erssective
Michael G. Harris, O.D., J.D., M,,S., Ch.eryl Ald erson, O.D., Stephanie Kashiwada, O.D., and Lynn Valdez, O.D.
Educating high school students about the profession of optometry uring the past decade, the number of applications to various health professional programs has been decreasing at a steady rate.l This is true for medical, dental, pharmacy, podiatry, and optometry schools across the nation. U.S. dental schools have reported a 20% decrease in applications from the 1998-1999 academic year to the present time; pharmacy schools have experienced a 30% reduction; and podiatry programs are down 55R.l Possible reasons for the decreased interest in health professions include competition from careers in information technology and computer science, the negative perception of managed care, and concerns regarding debt already accumulated during undergraduate years. '
work force, consequently compromising patient care.
This trend of a decrease in applicants has affected U.S. schools of optometry in a similar way. The 17 schools of optometry reported an average 13% decrease in applications for the entering class of 2001 from the previous year.2 Over the past 3 years, the total number of applications to optometry schools has decreased 37%.2 As application rates continue to decrease, the potential quality of the applicant pool decreases as well. Action must be taken to increase awareness of the profession, so as to avoid a future decline in the caliber of optometrists who enter the
Studies have shown that early education with regard to the health professions at the high school level can lead to eventual matriculation into professional school programs.' In the summer the Indiaria University Division of Optometry a summer program for 56 students, consisting of sessions in career awareness, curriculum, and financial counseling. AS a direct consequence of this program, four students entered medical, pharmacy, and optometry schools; and 10 students returned for follow-up guidance through the application p r o c e ~ s . ~
D
V O L U M E 7 6 f N U M B E R 4lAPRIL 2005
n early 2002, the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO)launched its "Each One, Reach One" campaign, which encourages practicing optometrists to promote optometry as a career, and "recruit" one applicant per year. ASCO provides these optometrists with materials and information to assist in the mentoring process, as well as updates on the status of the applicant pool. One-on-one mentoring has proved to be an effective way of gaining student interest in the profession of as 42% students surveyed reported they first learned about the prof=a sion of optometry non-relative o p t o m e t r i ~ t . ~
I
19731
Michael G. Harris, O.D., J.D., M.S.
Several studies have shown that the process of choosing careers begins in high schoo1.3,4 our study evaluated the implementation of a program to begin educating students at the high school level with regard to the profession of optometry. Along with other recruitment campaigns, early education regarding careers in optometry may be crucial to maintenance of the high quality of applicants to optometry school and, in turn, health care providers and leaders in the growing field of optometry.
Methods The purpose of our study was to determine what high school students knew about the profession of optometry, a n d whether a presentation in a small group setting would OPTOMETRY
I N PERSPECTIVE
What is an Optometrist? Optometrists are independent prlmary health care providers who specialize in the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and disorders of the eye.
Cost of Education There is a wide range of tuition Costs from $3,584 to $22,950, depending on the school and your residency status. Financial aid is available in the form of government-subsidized loans.
Prereauisites Undergraduate prerequisites include courses in science, mathematics, physics, English, and psychology.
fiIUre 1
What do o~tometristsdo? Eye examinations Treat and diagnose ocular conditions Eye exercises for kids with focusing or reading difficulties Prescribe glasses and contact lenses Co-manage LASlK patients Help diagnose systemic diseases
Examples of slides used in presentation
salary, job market information, and modes of practice (see Figure 1). We contacted a public high school in the East San Francisco Bay Area, discussed our intentions, and obtained permission to survey 111 students in the 9th and 10th grades. Wenty-two of the students (20%)were 9th graders and 89 students ( 8 0 % ) were 10th graders. The high school we selected has an ethnically diverse student population. The school population was approximately 28% black, 22% Filipino, 21% Asian, 15% white, 12% Latino, and 2% other. Because all high school students are required to take English, students were surveyed in their English classes. Our study consisted of pre- and post-presentation surveys that were completed on the same day. The first survey (see Appendix 1)was distributed before the presentation began, to determine the students' previous knowledge of the profession of optometry. Questions were asked with regard to the scope of practice, years of school required, average salary, prerequisite coursework, and cost of schooling. Surveys were collected, and a presentation on the profession of optometry was given that covered educational requirements, prerequisite courses, costs, school locations, the scope and modes of optometry practice, salary, and information about the job market.
fi1uFe2 Responses to the question "What can an optometrist do?" increase their knowledge and interest in optometry. A 25minute presentation was designed that included inforOPTOMETRY
mation regarding the basic scope of optometric practice, locations of optometry schools, and costs of tuition, average
Immediately after the presentation, the second survey was distributed. It consisted of the same questions on the first survey and additional questions designed to determine whether the students' level of knowledge VOLUME 76lNUMBER 4lAPRIL 2005
I N PERSPECTIVE
1
I
Good salary
Owning own Bus
Interested in BioIEyes
Want to help People
Other
filUre3 Responses to the question "What do you like about the profession of optometry?" and interest in optometry had increased after the presentation was given (see Appendix 2). Questions on this portion asked what the students learned from the presentation, whether their interest in optometry increased, whether they would consider optometry as a career, and their likes and dislikes with regard to the profession. After the surveys were completed-and to end the presentation on a lighter, less academic note-hands-on demonstrations were given in a small-group setting. Students were shown some basic elements of an optometric examination, including stereo and color vision testing, retinoscopy, direct ophthalmoscopy, cover test, and prism testing.
Results Seventy-six percent of the students surveyed had had their eyes examined by an optometrist in the past. Figure 2 shows the change in knowledge with regard to the scope of optometric practice following the presentation. The greatest area of increased knowledge involved optometrists treating V O L U M E 7 6 l N U M B E R 4lAPRIL 2005
eye disease. There was a 40% increase in the number of students who were now aware of the fact that optometrists can diagnose and treat eye disease. The next two areas of greatest in increase in awareness were prescription of contact lenses (9% increase) and prescription of medications (7% increase). There was also an increased awareness that optometrists could co-manage LASIK patients and, in at least one state (Oklahoma), could perform some types of eye surgery. Thirty-eight percent of the students answered: "How many years does it take to become an optometrist?" correctly after the presentation-a 22% increase from the pre-presentation survey. When asked: "What is the average salary of an optometrist?" 84% of students answered between $50,000 and $100,000. There was wide difference in their response to the question: "How much does it cost to attend optometry school per year?" Eighty percent thought it cost between $8,000 and $20,000per year, while 11%
thought it cost $2,000 per year and 9% thought it cost $30,000 per year. When asked which courses are prerequisites for optometry school, 76% of the students had known previously that physics was a prerequisite for optometry school. (This number remained the same after the presentation). Most students, however, didn't know initially that psychology (44% increase after the presentation), math (24% increase), and biology (14% increase) are prerequisites for optometry school. The post-presentation survey was designed to find out if students felt they had learned more about optometry and were more interested in optometry after the presentation. The students were also asked whether they would now consider optometry as a career-after the presentation. Ninety percent stated they knew more about optometry, 60% were more interested in optometry, and 50% would consider being an optometrist.
OPTOMETRY
I N PERSPECTIVE
When asked "What do you like about the profession of optometry? (Checkall that apply),"the students' top three answers were: (1)good salary (84%);(2) own your own business (45%); and (3) want to help others (37%) (see Figure 3). When asked "What do you not like about the profession of optometry?" 41% stated they were not interested in the eyes or biology, while 18% stated that optometry school was too expensive.
Discussion Presentations to 9th and 10th grade high school students about the profession of optometry appear to be an effective way to increase students' knowledge of the profession, as well as their interest in becoming an optometrist. Seventy-six percent of the students surveyed have had an eye examination in the past, but many were unclear about what optometrists are able to do. Specifically, a majority of students were unaware that optometrists are able to treat certain eye diseases and prescribe medications. Our study showed that-in addition
to helping others-students were interested in optometry for the prospect of a good salary and owning their own business. This suggests that future presentations should focus on these areas. Future research should compare the responses of females and males, as well as those from different socio-economic backgrounds. Surveys should be conducted at schools across the country, rather than only one school. While larger sample sizes are needed, doing the presentations in small group settings is important because of the increased personal contact and open dialogue. While these presentations were given to high school students in 9th and 10th grades, it may be more beneficial to target senior studentsparticularly those who have shown an interest in biology or the health professions.
Conclusion Our presentations to high school students yielded positive results with regard to the education and potential early recruitment of
prospective optometry students. In order to maintain the highest quality of applicants to optometry school and, in turn, the finest quality of future optometrists, greater effort must be made to educate young people about the profession of optometry.
References 1. Weaver RG, Haden NK, Valachovic RW. U.S. dental school applicants and enrollees: a ten-year perspective. J Dent Educ 2000;64:867-74. 2. A salute to the schools and colleges of optometry. Daily Vision (February 22, 2002). 3. Annual Student Data Report 2001-2002. The Associations of Schools and Colleges of Optometry. 4. Marshall E. An experiment in health career recruitment: a summer program at Indiana University. J AM OPTOM ASSOC 1975;46: 1284-92.
Corresponding author: Michael G . Harris, O.D., J.D., M.S. University of California, Berkeley School o f Optometry 390 Minor Hall Berkeley, California 94720-2020
214 OPTOMETRY
VOLUME 76fNUMBER 4lAPRIL 2005
I N PERSPECTIVE
Appendix 1
Pre-presentation Survev 1. Have you ever had your eyes examined by an optometrist? (Circle your answer.) Yes
No
2. What can an optometrist do? (Check all that you believe are true.) Give eye examinations Prescribe glasses Co-manage LASlK patients Treat eye diseases Prescribe medications Adjust glasseslmake glasses Perform eye surgery Check the health of your eyes 3. How many years does it take to become an optometrist? (Check one.) 2 years after high school 4 years after high school 6 years after high school 8 years after high school 4 years after medical school 4. What is the average salary of an optometrist? (Check one.) $30,000 $100,000 $50,000 $130,000 $70,000
5. How much does it cost to attend optometry school? (Check one.) $2,000 $20,000 $8,000 $30,000 $15,000 6. What classes do you need to get into optometry school? (Check all you believe are true.) English Biology Psychology Chemistry Business Physics Mathematics Home Economics
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VOLUME 76/NUMBER 4lAPRIL 2005
OPTOMETRY
I N PERSPECTIVE
Appendix 2
Additional Questions Asked After the Presentation 7. Do you know more about Optometry after seeing this presentation?
Yes
No
8. Are you more interested in optometry after seeing this presentation? Yes
No
9. Would you ever consider being an optometrist?
Yes
No
10. What do you like about the profession of optometry? (Check all that apply.) Good salary Owning own business Interested in biologyleyes Want to help people Other: 11. What do you not like about the profession of optometry? (Check all that apply.) Not interested in biologyleyes Too expensive Nothing Ithink it's great!
-
Other:
21 6 OPTOMETRY
V O L U M E 7 6 l N U M B E R 4lAPRIL 2 0 0 5
Michael G. Harris, O.D., J.D., M,,S., Ch.eryl Ald erson, O.D., Stephanie Kashiwada, O.D., and Lynn Valdez, O.D.
Educating high school students about the profession of optometry uring the past decade, the number of applications to various health professional programs has been decreasing at a steady rate.l This is true for medical, dental, pharmacy, podiatry, and optometry schools across the nation. U.S. dental schools have reported a 20% decrease in applications from the 1998-1999 academic year to the present time; pharmacy schools have experienced a 30% reduction; and podiatry programs are down 55R.l Possible reasons for the decreased interest in health professions include competition from careers in information technology and computer science, the negative perception of managed care, and concerns regarding debt already accumulated during undergraduate years. '
work force, consequently compromising patient care.
This trend of a decrease in applicants has affected U.S. schools of optometry in a similar way. The 17 schools of optometry reported an average 13% decrease in applications for the entering class of 2001 from the previous year.2 Over the past 3 years, the total number of applications to optometry schools has decreased 37%.2 As application rates continue to decrease, the potential quality of the applicant pool decreases as well. Action must be taken to increase awareness of the profession, so as to avoid a future decline in the caliber of optometrists who enter the
Studies have shown that early education with regard to the health professions at the high school level can lead to eventual matriculation into professional school programs.' In the summer the Indiaria University Division of Optometry a summer program for 56 students, consisting of sessions in career awareness, curriculum, and financial counseling. AS a direct consequence of this program, four students entered medical, pharmacy, and optometry schools; and 10 students returned for follow-up guidance through the application p r o c e ~ s . ~
D
V O L U M E 7 6 f N U M B E R 4lAPRIL 2005
n early 2002, the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO)launched its "Each One, Reach One" campaign, which encourages practicing optometrists to promote optometry as a career, and "recruit" one applicant per year. ASCO provides these optometrists with materials and information to assist in the mentoring process, as well as updates on the status of the applicant pool. One-on-one mentoring has proved to be an effective way of gaining student interest in the profession of as 42% students surveyed reported they first learned about the prof=a sion of optometry non-relative o p t o m e t r i ~ t . ~
I
19731
Michael G. Harris, O.D., J.D., M.S.
Several studies have shown that the process of choosing careers begins in high schoo1.3,4 our study evaluated the implementation of a program to begin educating students at the high school level with regard to the profession of optometry. Along with other recruitment campaigns, early education regarding careers in optometry may be crucial to maintenance of the high quality of applicants to optometry school and, in turn, health care providers and leaders in the growing field of optometry.
Methods The purpose of our study was to determine what high school students knew about the profession of optometry, a n d whether a presentation in a small group setting would OPTOMETRY
I N PERSPECTIVE
What is an Optometrist? Optometrists are independent prlmary health care providers who specialize in the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and disorders of the eye.
Cost of Education There is a wide range of tuition Costs from $3,584 to $22,950, depending on the school and your residency status. Financial aid is available in the form of government-subsidized loans.
Prereauisites Undergraduate prerequisites include courses in science, mathematics, physics, English, and psychology.
fiIUre 1
What do o~tometristsdo? Eye examinations Treat and diagnose ocular conditions Eye exercises for kids with focusing or reading difficulties Prescribe glasses and contact lenses Co-manage LASlK patients Help diagnose systemic diseases
Examples of slides used in presentation
salary, job market information, and modes of practice (see Figure 1). We contacted a public high school in the East San Francisco Bay Area, discussed our intentions, and obtained permission to survey 111 students in the 9th and 10th grades. Wenty-two of the students (20%)were 9th graders and 89 students ( 8 0 % ) were 10th graders. The high school we selected has an ethnically diverse student population. The school population was approximately 28% black, 22% Filipino, 21% Asian, 15% white, 12% Latino, and 2% other. Because all high school students are required to take English, students were surveyed in their English classes. Our study consisted of pre- and post-presentation surveys that were completed on the same day. The first survey (see Appendix 1)was distributed before the presentation began, to determine the students' previous knowledge of the profession of optometry. Questions were asked with regard to the scope of practice, years of school required, average salary, prerequisite coursework, and cost of schooling. Surveys were collected, and a presentation on the profession of optometry was given that covered educational requirements, prerequisite courses, costs, school locations, the scope and modes of optometry practice, salary, and information about the job market.
fi1uFe2 Responses to the question "What can an optometrist do?" increase their knowledge and interest in optometry. A 25minute presentation was designed that included inforOPTOMETRY
mation regarding the basic scope of optometric practice, locations of optometry schools, and costs of tuition, average
Immediately after the presentation, the second survey was distributed. It consisted of the same questions on the first survey and additional questions designed to determine whether the students' level of knowledge VOLUME 76lNUMBER 4lAPRIL 2005
I N PERSPECTIVE
1
I
Good salary
Owning own Bus
Interested in BioIEyes
Want to help People
Other
filUre3 Responses to the question "What do you like about the profession of optometry?" and interest in optometry had increased after the presentation was given (see Appendix 2). Questions on this portion asked what the students learned from the presentation, whether their interest in optometry increased, whether they would consider optometry as a career, and their likes and dislikes with regard to the profession. After the surveys were completed-and to end the presentation on a lighter, less academic note-hands-on demonstrations were given in a small-group setting. Students were shown some basic elements of an optometric examination, including stereo and color vision testing, retinoscopy, direct ophthalmoscopy, cover test, and prism testing.
Results Seventy-six percent of the students surveyed had had their eyes examined by an optometrist in the past. Figure 2 shows the change in knowledge with regard to the scope of optometric practice following the presentation. The greatest area of increased knowledge involved optometrists treating V O L U M E 7 6 l N U M B E R 4lAPRIL 2005
eye disease. There was a 40% increase in the number of students who were now aware of the fact that optometrists can diagnose and treat eye disease. The next two areas of greatest in increase in awareness were prescription of contact lenses (9% increase) and prescription of medications (7% increase). There was also an increased awareness that optometrists could co-manage LASIK patients and, in at least one state (Oklahoma), could perform some types of eye surgery. Thirty-eight percent of the students answered: "How many years does it take to become an optometrist?" correctly after the presentation-a 22% increase from the pre-presentation survey. When asked: "What is the average salary of an optometrist?" 84% of students answered between $50,000 and $100,000. There was wide difference in their response to the question: "How much does it cost to attend optometry school per year?" Eighty percent thought it cost between $8,000 and $20,000per year, while 11%
thought it cost $2,000 per year and 9% thought it cost $30,000 per year. When asked which courses are prerequisites for optometry school, 76% of the students had known previously that physics was a prerequisite for optometry school. (This number remained the same after the presentation). Most students, however, didn't know initially that psychology (44% increase after the presentation), math (24% increase), and biology (14% increase) are prerequisites for optometry school. The post-presentation survey was designed to find out if students felt they had learned more about optometry and were more interested in optometry after the presentation. The students were also asked whether they would now consider optometry as a career-after the presentation. Ninety percent stated they knew more about optometry, 60% were more interested in optometry, and 50% would consider being an optometrist.
OPTOMETRY
I N PERSPECTIVE
When asked "What do you like about the profession of optometry? (Checkall that apply),"the students' top three answers were: (1)good salary (84%);(2) own your own business (45%); and (3) want to help others (37%) (see Figure 3). When asked "What do you not like about the profession of optometry?" 41% stated they were not interested in the eyes or biology, while 18% stated that optometry school was too expensive.
Discussion Presentations to 9th and 10th grade high school students about the profession of optometry appear to be an effective way to increase students' knowledge of the profession, as well as their interest in becoming an optometrist. Seventy-six percent of the students surveyed have had an eye examination in the past, but many were unclear about what optometrists are able to do. Specifically, a majority of students were unaware that optometrists are able to treat certain eye diseases and prescribe medications. Our study showed that-in addition
to helping others-students were interested in optometry for the prospect of a good salary and owning their own business. This suggests that future presentations should focus on these areas. Future research should compare the responses of females and males, as well as those from different socio-economic backgrounds. Surveys should be conducted at schools across the country, rather than only one school. While larger sample sizes are needed, doing the presentations in small group settings is important because of the increased personal contact and open dialogue. While these presentations were given to high school students in 9th and 10th grades, it may be more beneficial to target senior studentsparticularly those who have shown an interest in biology or the health professions.
Conclusion Our presentations to high school students yielded positive results with regard to the education and potential early recruitment of
prospective optometry students. In order to maintain the highest quality of applicants to optometry school and, in turn, the finest quality of future optometrists, greater effort must be made to educate young people about the profession of optometry.
References 1. Weaver RG, Haden NK, Valachovic RW. U.S. dental school applicants and enrollees: a ten-year perspective. J Dent Educ 2000;64:867-74. 2. A salute to the schools and colleges of optometry. Daily Vision (February 22, 2002). 3. Annual Student Data Report 2001-2002. The Associations of Schools and Colleges of Optometry. 4. Marshall E. An experiment in health career recruitment: a summer program at Indiana University. J AM OPTOM ASSOC 1975;46: 1284-92.
Corresponding author: Michael G . Harris, O.D., J.D., M.S. University of California, Berkeley School o f Optometry 390 Minor Hall Berkeley, California 94720-2020
214 OPTOMETRY
VOLUME 76fNUMBER 4lAPRIL 2005
I N PERSPECTIVE
Appendix 1
Pre-presentation Survev 1. Have you ever had your eyes examined by an optometrist? (Circle your answer.) Yes
No
2. What can an optometrist do? (Check all that you believe are true.) Give eye examinations Prescribe glasses Co-manage LASlK patients Treat eye diseases Prescribe medications Adjust glasseslmake glasses Perform eye surgery Check the health of your eyes 3. How many years does it take to become an optometrist? (Check one.) 2 years after high school 4 years after high school 6 years after high school 8 years after high school 4 years after medical school 4. What is the average salary of an optometrist? (Check one.) $30,000 $100,000 $50,000 $130,000 $70,000
5. How much does it cost to attend optometry school? (Check one.) $2,000 $20,000 $8,000 $30,000 $15,000 6. What classes do you need to get into optometry school? (Check all you believe are true.) English Biology Psychology Chemistry Business Physics Mathematics Home Economics
215
VOLUME 76/NUMBER 4lAPRIL 2005
OPTOMETRY
I N PERSPECTIVE
Appendix 2
Additional Questions Asked After the Presentation 7. Do you know more about Optometry after seeing this presentation?
Yes
No
8. Are you more interested in optometry after seeing this presentation? Yes
No
9. Would you ever consider being an optometrist?
Yes
No
10. What do you like about the profession of optometry? (Check all that apply.) Good salary Owning own business Interested in biologyleyes Want to help people Other: 11. What do you not like about the profession of optometry? (Check all that apply.) Not interested in biologyleyes Too expensive Nothing Ithink it's great!
-
Other:
21 6 OPTOMETRY
V O L U M E 7 6 l N U M B E R 4lAPRIL 2 0 0 5