The New York State Optometry Workforce Study

This study presents an analysis of the current optometry workforce, both as a unique profession and more broadly within the
context of all eye care providers (optometry and ophthalmology) in New York State. The supply and distribution of eye care
practitioners provides useful information for policy makers while providing insights as to the impact of the one optometry
school within the state. Several databases were employed and a web based survey was developed for completion by all optometrists.
The questionnaire included demographic data, whether they were actively practicing in New York State or any other state, were
they full time or part time, their primary mode of practice, or if they provided care within institutional settings. Access
to care was gauged by the respondents’ availability for appointments during evenings or weekends. Access to eye care services
in New York State has improved significantly during the past 30 years as the supply of optometrists increased. Before this
study was conducted 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. Findings of this study demonstrate there are 37% more optometrists
in New York State than ophthalmologists and more evenly distributed as optometrists are located in almost every county of
the state. Sixteen counties have no ophthalmologists. This is attributed to the presence of the College of Optometry established
in 1971. More than 60% of all optometrists in the state are SUNY College of Optometry graduates.