Why Train Optometrists in Jamaica?
With approximately one optometrist per 150,000 Jamaicans, there is a critical shortage of Optometrists in Jamaica, and this is clearly a major contributor to avoidable blindness in Jamaica. In Canada, England, and the United States, the ratio is closer to 6,000 people per Optometrist and in Guyana and Trinidad, the ratio is approaching one Optometrist per 10,000 people. Jamaica lags significantly in this important health matrix.
The All-American Institute for Medical Sciences (AAIMS) is training Optometrists at its campus in Black River
AAIMS operates under charter from the Government of Jamaica and has been training allied and other health professionals in Black River, Jamaica for 10 years.
What is Optometry?
Optometrists are primary providers of the eye care team and optometry is a profession supplementary to medicine. Optometrists collaborate with other members of the eye health team including Ophthalmologists, Orthoptists, Ocularists, Ophthalmic Technicians, and Ocular Imaging Technicians.
What is the BSc in Optometry?
The degree is in the genre of Optometry training programmes in the United Kingdom. Students must complete 3 years of theory and practice, and also a 4 th year of supervised practice.
How are Optometrist registered to practice?
Optometrists trained in Jamaica are registered under Section 8-B of the Opticians Act of 1926. To apply for registration, candidates must be trained in an institution, college, or university, chartered or recognized by the Government of Jamaica. The Registrar-General is responsible for registering Optometrists.
So, what do Optometrists earn in Jamaica? Do the calculations yourself!
The following assumptions estimate the income profile of Optometrists in Jamaica:
a) Average case load of 15 patients per day at J$5,000 per patient.
b) Perform advanced diagnostic tests starting at J$9,000 per patient.
c) Prescribing, fitting, and selling eyeglasses ranging from J$16,000 to J$145,000 or higher.
d) Measuring, fitting, and supplying soft or rigid contact lenses for as much as J$150,000 or higher.
e) Fitting and prescribing low vision devices starting at J$25,000.
f) Providing Occupational Optometry services to businesses at an average of J$5,000.00 per employee plus the
cost of their eyeglasses, contact lenses, or low vision devices.
* Get trained as an Optometrist and make a comfortable income while providing quality eye health services.
* Have a good math and science background? (CSEC, CAPE or higher) This could be your calling!
* Depending on their mode of practice, Optometry graduates could repay their student loans in 2-5 years.
For more information contact the Optometry Programme Coordinator: Dehanney.McLeod@aaims.edu.jm, or at (876) 543-1697.
Arvel Grant (MPH), Public Health and International Development Specialist, Chief Executive Officer. Arvel.grant@eyecarecaribbean.com