Sept. 20, 2024 — At Vision Expo West, a panel featuring Alysse Henkel, vice president of research and insights at The Vision Council (TVC), alongside Darren Horndasch, CEO of Wisconsin Vision, and John Marvin, president of Texas State Optical, addressed the pressing hiring realities facing the optometry field.

Henkel opened the discussion by highlighting the critical shortage of optometrists, citing the current number of optometrists in the U.S. at approximately 41,390, with projections for an increase of only 4,300 by 2033. This growth is anticipated to be outpaced by retirements and career shifts, suggesting a looming gap in the workforce.

Horndasch emphasized the challenges stemming from a limited number of graduates entering the field. "We’re just not graduating optometrists fast enough," he says, noting that only 63% of new graduates pass their certification exams on the first attempt. He also pointed out the increasing desire among new O.D.s to expand their practices into medical offerings, which requires a broader skill set and greater training.

Marvin echoed these concerns, discussing the difficulties of hiring and retaining talent, particularly in smaller practices. "The things that people really value in employment aren’t always as available compared to a job at a larger corporation," he says. “What we try to put forward is the quality of the career. In a private practice setting, the scope of your practice can be a lot better, but it can also come at a cost of hiring and retaining good talent."

The panelists discussed strategies for attracting the next generation of optometrists. Horndasch highlighted the need for the industry to promote optometry as a viable and rewarding career path, especially to high school students. "We need to scope out for them what their future looks like in the practice environment," he said, suggesting that the advent of artificial intelligence will significantly alter the profession in the coming years.

Marvin added that innovative approaches are necessary to captivate young people’s interest in optometry. "We’re going to need to capture individuals in high school, but also be able to tell them what optometry is going to look like in the future," he says.

Henkel presented data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which indicates a 9% growth rate for optometrists over the next decade, alongside a recent 6% increase in the number of graduates from optometry schools. She shared insights from job posting platforms, revealing thousands of optometrist positions currently listed, indicating a high demand for practitioners.

To support the recruitment efforts, Henkel announced the launch of a new resource on The Vision Council Foundation’s website designed to educate the public about careers in the optical industry. This dashboard provides data on education requirements, occupation counts, and a breakdown of earnings, aimed at helping prospective optometrists better understand the field.

As the session concluded, panelists emphasized the importance of continuous dialogue and collaboration within the industry to address these challenges and ensure a robust future for optometry. The discussion highlighted a collective commitment to not only filling current positions but also to nurturing the next generation of eyecare professionals.