A Survey Of Michigan Optometrists And Their Satisfaction With The Optometric Profession.
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A Survey Of Michigan Optometrists And Their Satisfaction With The Optometric Profession.
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Background: This investigation consists of a survey of Michigan optometrists in the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan. The first component of the survey explores each participant’s satisfaction with his or her career in optometry. The second component of the survey analyzes how each participant believes his or her career in optometry could be enhanced, and what, if any, obstacles he or she faces in achieving career satisfaction. The purpose of the survey is to determine if Michigan optometrists are personally and professionally satisfied with their career in optometry and to obtain valuable information concerning the growth and expansion of the optometric profession in Michigan. Methods: Mail surveys were distributed randomly via the Untied States Postal Service. Addresses were obtained using the Michigan Optometric Association. Surveys were completed voluntarily and anonymously. One hundred and five (105) surveys were collected. Sixty eight percent (68%) of respondents were male and thirty two percent (32%) of respondents were female. The majority of respondents (39%) were in an OD/OD mode of practice, and fifty two percent (52%) of all respondents were in practice twenty years or more. Results: The majority of Michigan optometrists, regardless of gender, years in practice, or mode of practice, are very satisfied with their career in optometry. The majority cited patient interaction as the most important factor contributing to career satisfaction. Although, the majority of female optometrists cited job flexibility as the most important factor contributing to career satisfaction. The least important factors contributing to career satisfaction are the scope of practice and working hours. The majority of Michigan optometrists, regardless of gender, years in practice, or mode of practice, refer less than ten percent (5-10%) of their patients to other practitioners. The patients requiring a referral are most commonly referred to a general ophthalmologist, and least commonly referred to the patient’s primary care physician or to another optometrist. Most Michigan optometrists believe that more
diagnostic equipment would help them better serve their patients. While respondents who are sole proprietors or those commercially employed cited that more efficient staff would help them better serve their patients. The majority of respondents believe that insurance parity is the most important area in need of growth and expansion within the optometric profession. Although, females and those practicing less than 9 years believe that public awareness is the most important area in need of growth and expansion within the optometric profession. Conclusions: The vast majority of Michigan optometrists are very satisfied and/or satisfied with the optometric profession. Although female Michigan optometrists do not seem to be as satisfied with the optometric profession as males, it appears that the longer optometrists are in practice, the more satisfied they are with their career. Mode of practice does not seem to be a factor in overall job satisfaction. The most important factors contributing to career satisfaction among Michigan optometrists is patient interaction. But satisfaction differs between male and female optometrists. Female Michigan optometrist cited job flexibility as the most important factor contributing to their overall career satisfaction. Regarding growth and expansion of the optometric profession, the majority feel that insurance parity is most important, while increasing public awareness is the second most important. |
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http://hdl.handle.net/2323/4077
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Author (aut): Moayer, Marianne
Author (aut): Ratzenberger, Tatjana
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This paper is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Optometry. 34 pages.
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English
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bitstream_10148.pdf
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426362
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