Dispensing Opticians in Practice & Employment

Almost 20% of registered DO's are practice owners or partners in an independent practice. Often members are in partnership with one or more Optometrists. Of the remainder approximately half work for the large multiples and half for small groups or independents. However in both categories large numbers are to be found in managerial or supervisory positions.

During 2002 female members became the majority withinthe profession. This trend is set to accelerate with over 65% of newrecruits into training being female. The profession by its very natureis attractive to people who wish to take career breaks or work reducedhours. This is a young profession with almost half of the qualifiedDO's, over 2000, falling under the age of 35.