Gender Trends

July 25, 2016

In the Fall of 2015, the American Board of Optometry conducted a job task analysis (also known as a practice analysis), which is the basis for development of a content-valid certification examination. In accordance with best practices, the American Board of Optometry conducts a new JTA every 5 years to ensure that the content of its certification examination is current and relevant to the profession.

It has been interesting to compare the results of this recent JTA to the JTA that was conducted in 2010. The comparison provides a snapshot of the evolution of optometry over the past 5 years, and we’d like to share some of these changes with our diplomates in this newsletter and in future editions.New Gender Chart

A major trend in the health care profession is gender shift, and optometry is no exception. In 2010, 62.5% of the survey responders were male and 37.5% were female. That distribution changed significantly over 5 years; in 2015, only 55% of the survey responders were male and 45% were female. When the gender distribution is analyzed as a function of the age of the respondents, the gender shift is even more striking.

About 2/3 of students currently enrolled in optometry school are female, so we expect the gender shift trend to continue.

I'M A DIPLOMATE/CANDIDATE

LEARNING BUILDER ACCOUNT ACCESS

Check Board Certification Status

By going through the voluntary process of becoming board certified, our Diplomates demonstrate competence beyond entry level.

Upcoming Events

Stay in the know about exams, training, and more by visiting our events page.

Academy 2023 New Orleans

Oct 11, 2023 @ 3:00 pm - Oct 13, 2023 @ 3:00 pm CDT
ABO will be attending Academy in New Orleans October 11 - 13, 2023. Please stop by booth 609 to learn...
More About Event >

Webinar: Pediatrics Made Easy: Tips for Pediatric Eye Exams and Prescribing

Nov 8, 2023 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm CST
Presented by Jenelle Mallios, OD. The goal of this course is to help primary care optometrists be comfortable in managing...
More About Event >

Spring Exam Window

Feb 1, 2024 @ 8:00 am - Mar 31, 2024 @ 5:00 pm CST
The next administration of the board certification exam will be February 1 - March 31, 2024. Applications may be submitted...
More About Event >

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.