Click HERE, or the image above, to download: “Defining the Future of Optometry.”
By ROB Editors
July 18, 2018
A special presentation, Defining the Future of Optometry, was presented at Optometry’s Meeting in Denver in June. The talk, which featured ROB Professional Editor Mark Wright, OD, FCOVD, Kristin S. O’Brien, OD, Jason Ortman, OD, and Mary Anne Murphy, OD, explored the supply and demand for optometry, along with coming mega-trends.
Here are highlights from the aspects of the presentation that addressed future demand for optometric professional services.
The demand for corrective devices and services continues to grow, driven by population growth and aging, and steady product upgrades.
Important to note, the demand for medical eyecare services is growing at a pace nearly three times the growth of comprehensive eye exams.
Characteristics of Eyecare Demand
• Relatively immune from economic recession
• Demand heavily influenced by ECP patient education
• Continuously revitalized with new technology
• Growing managed care and government influence
Managed Care & Government Are Impacting Eyecare 
Demand
• Third-party payers account for 70+ percent of ECP revenue
• Insurer consolidation increasing leverage over providers
• Expanded patient access to care; reduced provider access to patients
• Deflationary reimbursements
DATA SOURCES in this report include Jobson Optical Group, Vision Watch, AOA Workforce Study, U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Eye Institute, Vision Council surveys, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, and other sources.
