A Study on the Emotional Intelligence of Optometrist

Background/Objectives: This study was designed to look into the actual state of optometrist’ emotional intelligence, and thereby to provide fundamental material for the public’s better eye health through the development of optometrist’ emotional intelligence.

Method/Statistical Analysis: The study subjects comprised 175 optometrist, of whom 96 were men (54.85%) and 79 were women (45.15%). They were asked to answer an online questionnaire survey in order to assess their emotional intelligence. The collected data on their emotional intelligence were compared and analyzed using SPSS 18.0 at a significance level of 0.05.

Findings: The optometrist’ emotional intelligence scores were analyzed according to their general characteristics. In respect of sex, men scored 3.26 and women 3.24. Regarding age, those younger than 25 scored 3.13, those aged between 25 and 29 scored 3.33, those aged between 30 and 39 scored 3.18, and those aged 40 and older scored 3.25. As a function of marriage, the study subjects who were married scored 3.22 and those who were not scored 3.30. Regarding education, those who had graduated from college scored 3.11, those who had graduated from a 4-year university scored 3.37, and those who had graduated from graduate school or higher scored 3.48. According to the employment type, those who were regularly employed scored 3.29, those who were irregularly employed scored 2.82, and those who had part-time jobs scored 3.33.

Improvements/Applications: The differences in optometrist’ emotional intelligence were analyzed according to their general characteristics. Their emotional intelligence was found to differ significantly according to their education, employment type, and salary. All the types of emotional intelligence had statistically significant correlations. Optometrist who were men and older, those who had a higher education level and monthly pay, and those with more experiences of turnover tended to have more emotional intelligence.