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The optometrists' view of site selection
Journal of the American Optometric Association
|August 1, 1977
Summary
Understanding optometrist location choices is key for practice distribution. This study found that homestate and age significantly influence where optometrists decide to practice.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Social Sciences
- Optometry
Background:
- Physician maldistribution is well-studied, but less is known about other healthcare professionals.
- Understanding factors influencing optometric practice location is crucial for professional associations and social scientists.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of homestate and age on the locational decisions of optometrists.
- To identify key factors influencing where optometrists establish their practices within a state and community.
Main Methods:
- Survey of North Carolina optometrists.
- Analysis of locational decision-making based on demographic factors like age and origin.
Main Results:
- Homestate was identified as a significant factor in optometrists' locational decisions.
- Optometrists under 35 years old demonstrated different locational preferences compared to older practitioners.
Conclusions:
- Homestate and age are critical variables in optometric workforce distribution.
- Targeted recruitment strategies may need to consider these demographic factors to attract optometrists to specific locations.