Professional performance of graduates from the Faculty of Higher Studies Iztacala, UNAM

Abstract

<em><strong>Objective</strong><em> To identify whether the professional performance of graduates in optometry meets employer needs. <em><strong>Materials and methods</strong><em> The study used instruments of the National Association of Universities and Institutions of Higher Education (ANUIES), adapted for graduates and employers of optometrists. A list of graduates and information on their location was obtained from the Coordination of the department, in order to send them the survey. Employers were divided into four areas: optical shops, private clinics, eye clinics, and companies. This survey was sent by internet, and it was analyzed a month later. <em><strong>Results</strong><em> The graduates did not choose optometry as their first choice, and when they finished their studies, less than a third of them got a degree however, 90% immediately got a job in optical shops with less than fifteen employees and a salary of $10,000 (Mexican pesos) per month. Their job only consists of doing refraction and sales. Employers, although do not require, request specialized knowledge of optometrists. <em><strong>Conclusions</strong><em> In order to comprehensively treat a patient, graduates usually perform refraction, without elaborating on what they learned during their training. Optometry studies should link to companies with the purpose of engaging students in the work field. FESI and UNAM should promote courses and diploma courses in optometry so that their graduates participate in continuing education and provide better service to the population. Companies should be encouraged to hire graduates in optometry with a degree and professional license.