236208 Supply of Optometrists and Ophthalmologists in New York State: A workforce Study

Tuesday, November 1, 2011: 4:30 PM

Mort Soroka, PhD , Center for Vision Care Policy, State University of New York College of Optometry, New York, NY
A workforce analysis of eye care providers in New York State helped determine the number of practicing optometrists in the State in 2010. A web-based survey captured demographic data, whether they were in active practice in New York or any other state; were they full-time or part-time, their primary mode of practice; if they provided care within any institutional settings; retirement plans; intentions of hiring an associate; and, whether they provided care in the evenings or weekends. Direct contact by telephone and mailings were made to all non-responders. Using the database from the state licensing division we had contacted all registered and licensed practitioners. Optometrists comprise 57% of all eye care providers in the state. Approximately 60% of all practicing optometrists in NY are graduates of the SUNY College of Optometry. A mal-distribution of eye care providers exists throughout NY State; 14 counties have no ophthalmologist; 11 of these counties have at least one optometrist. The number of ophthalmologists was also determined. The supply of ophthalmologists in New York is anticipated to be reduced by significantly by 2030. Prior to this survey, it was generally believed that there were more optometrists than ophthalmologists in every state of the nation except New York, Maryland and the District of Columbia. Based upon the findings of our study, we know today, there are more optometrists in New York than ophthalmologists.The study will help in the planning for the future vision needs of the population

Learning Areas:
Provision of health care to the public

Learning Objectives:
The paper will identify shortcomings in the existing databases on vision care practitioners, optometrists and ophthalmologists The paper will assess the existing supply of eye care practitioners in New York State The study shall demonstrate conclusively the numbers of eye practitioners and the reasons for increase and decreases associated with them Increased demand for vision care (and the reasons for theses projected increases) will be compared with projected supply Based upon this study we will formulate a plan future needs of the population

Keywords: Workforce, Access and Services

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: Director, Center for Vision Care Policy, State University of New York Professor, Health Care, State College of Optometry, SUNY
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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