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KMID : 1011420170220040279
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Journal of Korean Ophthalmic Optics Society
2017 Volume.22 No. 4 p.279 ~ p.290
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A Study on the Supply and Demand of Manpower by Analyzing the Current State of Optical Stores and Optometrists in Korea
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Lee Wan-Seok
Ye Ki-Hun
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Abstract
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Purpose: The study can be used as basic material for optical stores and opticians by analyzing the supply and demand of optical stores throughout the nation.
Methods: All ophthalmic optics data were collected from in the Korean Council for University Education, College Entrance Information Portal of the Korean Council for University College Education and the Korea Health Personnel Licensing Examination Institute. All data on establishers and optometrists were analysed with using resources from the Korean Optometric Association.
Results: There were 17,059 optometrists in 2016, meaning about a ratio of one per 3,020 people. The number of establishers slightly decreased from 7,414 in 2013 to 7,223 in 2014 but increased slightly from 7,958 in 2015 to 8,209 in 2016. Generally, the number of optical stores is likely to increase, reflective of the 10.72% rate of increase since in 2013. As for the number of nationwide optometrist employees, the number of optometrists employees sharply increased every year from 5,233 in 2013 to 5,497 in 2014, 6,650 in 2015, and 7,223 in 2016. The number of unemployed optometrist licencees (in the industry) increased slightly from 1,279 in 2013 to 1,265 in 2014, and 1,413 in 2015. As of 2013, a study showed that 1,627 optometrists are either in another industry or unemployed (increase of 27.20%).
Conclusions: For a substantive approach of the actual number of optometrists who can be supplied strengthening the association enrollment rate and managing unemployed licensed optometrists as potential suppliers will be very important. Especially, there should be a refined working environment and rational compensation system for part-time employees in order to prevent career interruptions for female optometrists. Furthermore, it should be recognized that examination and ophthalmic dispensing costs are a professional part of the national health and therefore should be materialized as fixed costs. In order to establish a work environment where optometrists are treated like respected eye health professionals, a system should be established within the overall medical framework.
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KEYWORD
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Current status of optical store, The actual number of optometrists, Ophthalmic optics, optometrist manpower
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