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Are There Too Many Schools?

Michael Bacigalupi, O.D., M.S., F.A.A.O.

I can’t tell you how many times I have heard: “We have too many optometry schools. Why can’t we stop them from opening another?” As an optometry school administrator, let me share my thoughts on this topic.

Illegal blocking

First, any organized attempt by optometry to block a new school would be met by a long line of lawyers ready to file anti-trust and restraint-of-trade claims. At board meetings of the Texas Optometric Association, the attorney would say, “We are half way to an anti-trust lawsuit just by having you all in the same room together.”

Why schools like optometry

Schools/entities show interest in starting optometry schools for two obvious reasons. First, a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2012 report (see 1.usa.gov/1qCI5zF) concludes optometry is expected to grow “much faster than average” until 2020.

Second, optometry “rounds out” the school’s health professions portfolio. Specifically, it fits nicely with an interdisciplinary learning environment, which is cost effective and a great model for an integrated healthcare team of the future.

Missing the inside story

A college might plan to supply more O.D.s because, based on BLS numbers, it sees optometry as a profession “in demand.” But, what they are failing to look at is the supply and demand in optometric education. For the past five years, the number of seats available in the schools, 1,800+/- annually, has risen, due not only to the formation of four new schools, but also to an increase in the class size at several established schools. Yet the number of applicants remains flat at 2,500+/-. With this low 1.4 applicant-to-seat ratio, schools may face trouble in filling their classes unless they lower admissions’ standards.

Low standards are bad, but the national board exams and state licensing requirements help us hold a consistent standard of training prior to entering practice. If a new school can train a low-quality applicant thoroughly enough to allow him or her to meet the national standards, should we worry?

Contradicting predictions?

The 2014 AOA/ASCO “Eye Care Workforce Study” predicts that at current levels of capacity, there are enough O.D.s. Does this survey contradict the BLS prediction? I think it does. The 2012 BLS report forecasts good prospects for O.D.s “because the number of optometrists is limited by the number of accredited optometry schools.” Since 2012, a new school opened, schools increased class size, and two more schools plan to open in 2016. Perhaps we are at the “tipping point.”

The BLS also stated “a large number of … optometrists are expected to retire over the coming decade, creating opportunities.” But the Workforce Study showed that male O.D.s are working until age 68.1. Considering these factors, it makes it hard to point the finger at any one group for our current situation. Is it new schools? Increased class size? O.D.s who won’t retire? Organized optometry? Honestly, it is probably a combination of these and many other factors.

Our interesting time

Obviously, people need eye care, and schools/entities see this business opportunity. If all stays the same with the current number of optometry graduates, we will be in a state of equilibrium, but if not, we may be at that “tipping point.” OM

DR. BACIGALUPI, A FREQUENT AUTHOR AND LECTURER IN THE AREAS OF PRACTICE MANAGEMENT AND STUDENT AFFAIRS, IS THE ASSISTANT DEAN FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS AT NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY. FROM 1995 TO 2005, HE FOUNDED AND GREW A PRIVATE OPTOMETRIC PRACTICE IN RURAL TEXAS. SEND COMMENTS TO OPTOMETRICMANAGEMENT@GMAIL.COM.