A Study Of Acceptable Dress Attire For Optometrists.

Background: This research and investigation will utilize a survey to determine the types of dress attire for doctors that are acceptable in practice and specifically the practice of optometry. This will help determine if the way doctors dress is relevant or out of date, based on patients' perspectives. In addition, all optometry schools in the United States will be compared and contrasted regarding their clinic dress codes. Methods: A crosssectional descriptive study using survey methodology was conducted of patients regarding their views on the proper attire for health care providers, specifically
optometrists. Respondents were asked whether certain dress attire was acceptable to be
worn by their doctors and if they had preferences for certain doctor dress attire. Also, dress codes from all schools will be compared and contrasted for similarities and differences. Results: Slacks and a dress shirt with a necktie was the most common acceptable dress attire for male doctors. Professional attire was the most common acceptable dress attire for female doctors. 97.56% of respondents stated it does not matter or would not want to see their doctor in other dress attire. Also, about 89% of those surveyed would not mind if their doctor wore any of the mentioned options of dress attire in the survey. A name tag, white coat, dress shirt and pants with a necktie for male students and professional attire for female students must be worn in all optometry school clinics. Conclusions: Although people have their own image of what doctors wear or what they should wear, it is evident that the majority of people would not mind if their doctor wore scrubs, a necktie or no necktie with a dress shirt and slacks, or a suit. All optometry schools have, for the most part, the same dress code for students in clinic.