Personality patterns of academy fellows and high-income optometrists

Practicing optometrists who have achieved Academy membership status, and, separately, optometrists who have attained unusually high incomes in practice were studied and compared with optometrists in general. Academy fellows differed from non-fellows in their greater initiative, self-confidence, independent spirit, and a pattern of interests like persons engaged in professional social service occupations. High-income optometrists were more like Academy fellows than were optometrists in general, but showed somewhat less of the leadership potential evidenced by Academy members. High-income optometrists showed more interest than other optometrists in business occupations. The findings show that personal qualities and interest patterns associated with being financially successful and with achieving Academy membership can be assessed in a meaningful and objective manner.