Social, economic, labor and professional situation of optometrists in Pereira and dosquebradas in 2006

Abstract

The objective of this investigation was to know some social, economic, professional and labor characteristics of optometrists who are currently working in Pereira and Dosquebradas in 2006. Materials and <em><strong>Methods:</strong></em> population of 54 optometrists out of 60 identified optometrists. They were surveyed about social, economic, professional and labor characteristics. <em><strong>Results:</strong></em> The surveyed optometrists are between 25 to 35 years old; they have a basic salary between 1.000.000 and 1.500.0000 Colombian pesos; half of them receives social benefits and the other half receive additional bonus; few of them have postgraduate studies; they have a poor knowledge of labor laws that regulate their profession; just 33% belongs to FEDOPTO; they take care of particular patients in a time between 10 and 20 minutes; 16,7% are owners of optical stores and the rest are employees. Conclusions: Optometrists in Pereira and Dosquebradas are a labor young population, employees, with low salaries, with poor knowledge of labor laws and regulation of the profession.