What is and what will be the need for formally educated optometric technicians?

The number of two-year degree optometric technician programs has drastically decreased in recent years. The main reasons are budget cuts common to higher education institutions and low enrollments. Two explanations for difficulty in maintaining full enrollments are lack of career awareness and low salaries. Are optometrists in private practice aware of this decrease and do they realize how much more difficult it will be in the future to hire formally educated employees? The optometric profession should evaluate its future personnel needs and address how those needs will be met. Time is of the essence since many of the remaining programs face a great risk of closing.