A Study on the Optometrist’ Images between Major Students and Non-major Students

Background/Objectives: This study was designed to assess the actual state of optometrist’ image, to determine their identity, and to provide fundamental feedback to improve their image.

Method/Statistical Analysis: The study involved 303 students, 179 of whom were majoring in optometry, while 124 were not. The subjects were asked to answer an online questionnaire survey in order to analyze optometrist’ images. The collected data were compared and analyzed at a significance level of 0.05 using SPSS 18.0.

Findings: In terms of optometrist’ general image, optometry major students rated it 3.75, while non-major students gave it 4.02 points (p<0.05). The traditional image scored 4.15 and 4.0, respectively; the social image scored 3.70 and 3.54; the professional image scored 4.18 and 4.02; the social participation image scored 3.66 and 3.48; and the interpersonal relationship image scored 3.92 and 3.70. The scores for all images were statistically significantly different (p<0.05).

Improvements/Applications: The results suggested that optometrist, both as a group and individually, need to make efforts in social voluntary service and social contribution to improve their social participation image, as well as efforts toward social status image improvement to enhance their social image.