Human talent in visual health in Bogotá, Colombia, 2013-2014

Abstract

<em><strong>Introduction</strong><em> Human talent in visual health has been evaluated, in Bogotá and in Colombia, jointly with related professions, that is to say, not individually. <em><strong>Objective</strong><em> To describe human talent in visual health in Bogotá during 2013 and 2014, in order to examine demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, undergraduate studies, professional experience, income, contract modality, among others. <em><strong>Methodology</strong><em> Quantitative approach with descriptive, cross-sectional design. Databases of the National Technical Professional Council of Optometry, the District Health Secretariat of Bogotá, and the Colombian Association of Faculties of Optometry were used. A survey of 22 questions was designed and applied to 1276 optometrists in Bogotá. <em><strong>Results</strong><em> 36% of the surveyed optometrists have been in practice for 0 to 5 years while 23% for 6 to 10 years. 61% of the optometrists work 5 to 8 hours/day, while 27% work more than 8 hours/day. Higher incomes come from optometry consultation (57%), followed by sales of custom medical devices for visual and ocular health (31%). The majority of optometrists (49%) report having a monthly income of 4 to 6 times the minimum wage in force they have indefinite-term contracts and report being dependent. <em><strong>Conclusion</strong><em> Optometry offers the possibility of independent work as a differentiating factor, due to including the sales of custom medical devices, as well as teaching and research in the professional practice, which all generate additional incomes.