For people interested in pursuing healthcare careers, one particularly fast growing specialty is in the field of ophthalmology, which focuses on treating diseases of and around the eyes. In a recent statement, the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology highlighted the rapidly expanding career prospects for ophthalmic assistants and technicians. These are generally professionals who train as medical assistants and receive more specialized training for their chosen field. "In this period of economic uncertainty, it is critical that ophthalmic organizations take aggressive strides to ensure that the existing ophthalmic personnel shortage gains exposure," said Dr. William F. Astle in the statement. Astle went on to say that the growing demand for professionals in this field can be seen as a chance to fix several problems currently facing the industry - and that the potential payoff for people interested in ophthalmology "is extraordinary." According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for medical assistants of all types is expected to increase by 35 percent in the coming years, much faster than average compared to other career fields.  |