Definition
This industry comprises establishments of health practitioners having the degree of O.D. (Doctor of optometry) primarily engaged in the independent practice of optometry. These practitioners provide eye examinations to determine visual acuity or the presence of vision problems and to prescribe eyeglasses, contact lenses, and eye exercises. They operate private or group practices in their own offices (e.g., centers, clinics) or in the facilities of others, such as hospitals or HMO medical centers, and may also provide the same service as opticians, such as selling and fitting prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses. Participants in this industry do not perform eye surgery. Patients are referred to specialists for surgery. Optometrists work closely with optical goods stores and Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), which are organizations that offer prepaid and comprehensive coverage for health services in return for a monthly or yearly fee. When availing their HMO coverage, members of a HMO are often required to use medical practitioners that are associated with the HMO (in some cases members can use non-associated practitioners, but at an additional cost to the member). Optometrists often form partnerships with HMOs in order to gain a secured client base. Participants who work in optical goods stores rent office space and work as contractors within the company.

IBISWorld research reports contain trend analysis, statistics, market size information, industry growth rates as well as market share of competitors.

Major market segments are identified and also those forces affecting demand and supply within the industry. Performance analysis includes emerging industry trends as well as recent results and performance of each key company. Drawing on the depth of information IBISWorld also provides 5 year forecasts for each industry.

Each comprehensive study also examines details such as the barriers to entry, operating cost structure, technology & systems and domestic & international markets. Tables and statistics include: Industry revenue, exports, imports, wages and number of companies in the industry, Industry growth and geographic regional data.

Each comprehensive study also examines details such as the barriers to entry, operating cost structure (including averages), technology & systems and domestic & international markets. Tables and statistics include: Industry revenue, exports, imports, wages and number of companies in the industry, Industry growth and geographic location.