Biomedical subjects

L I Voorhees

Publications and source records attributed to L I Voorhees.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2000

Preoptometry and optometry school grade point average and optometry admissions test scores as predictors of performance on the national board of examiners in optometry part I (basic science) examination.

PURPOSE: To evaluate preoptometry and optometry school grade point averages and Optometry Admission Test (OAT) scores as predictors of performance on the National Board of Examiners in Optometry NBEO Part I (Basic Science) (NBEOPI) examination. METHODS: Simple and multiple correlation coefficients were computed from data obtained from a sample of three consecutive classes of optometry students (1995-1997; n = 278) at Southern California College of Optometry. RESULTS: The GPA after year two of optometry school was the highest correlation (r = 0.75) among all predictor variables; the average of all scores on the OAT was the highest correlation among preoptometry predictor variables (r = 0.46). Stepwise regression analysis indicated a combination of the optometry GPA, the OAT Academic Average, and the GPA in certain optometry curricular tracks resulted in an improved correlation (multiple r = 0.81). Predicted NBEOPI scores were computed from the regression equation and then analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (roc) and statistic of agreement (kappa) methods. From this analysis, we identified the predicted score that maximized identification of true and false NBEOPI failures (71% and 10%, respectively). Cross validation of this result on a separate class of optometry students resulted in a slightly lower correlation between actual and predicted NBEOPI scores (r = 0.77) but showed the criterion-predicted score to be somewhat lax. CONCLUSIONS: The optometry school GPA after 2 years is a reasonably good predictor of performance on the full NBEOPI examination, but the prediction is enhanced by adding the Academic Average OAT score. However, predicting performance in certain subject areas of the NBEOPI examination, for example Psychology and Ocular/Visual Biology, was rather insubstantial. Nevertheless, predicting NBEOPI performance from the best combination of year two optometry GPAs and preoptometry variables is better than has been shown in previous studies predicting optometry GPA from the best combination of preoptometry variables.

Certification↗

PubMed1997

Men and women in optometry. II. Attitudes toward career and family.

BACKGROUND: Optometry has experienced a dramatic upward shift in the percentage of women entering the profession during the past 20 years. Our survey assessed the mechanisms for sustaining balance in professional and personal roles used by women optometrists and how these mechanisms may differ from those of their male colleagues. METHODS: A survey questionnaire was mailed to a large nationwide random sample of optometrists, composed of equal numbers of men and women. RESULTS: Data were analyzed from 353 men and 358 women; margin of error was +4%. Most of the respondents indicated they derived personal satisfaction from their career. A majority of both groups did not indicate that lack of time for their career was a source of frustration. However, significantly more women than men indicated some frustration in pursuing those activities that lead to career advancement. There were significant differences in response patterns of men and women about the effect of family, child care, and household work on their careers. CONCLUSIONS: Both men and women optometrists are satisfied with their careers and neither group feels compelled to choose between career and family. Optometrists do not fit into one pattern, but instead make individualized career choices on the basis of needs.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

PubMed1995

Men and women in optometry. I: Economic issues and professional profiles.

BACKGROUND: Optometry is experiencing a sharp increase in the number of women entering practice. How is this demographic shift likely to affect the profession? This survey was designed to describe current economic and professional profiles of men and women in optometry. METHODS: A survey questionnaire was mailed to a nationwide random sample of optometrists, equal numbers of men and women. RESULTS: Data were analyzed from 353 men and 356 women. Margin of error: +/- 4 percent. On average, women optometrists are younger than men, work 9.4 percent fewer hours, and spend 8.1 percent more time away from their regular professional duties. In 1991 men's optometry income averaged $72,200; women's, $54,400. The income differential persisted after adjusting for age, practice setting, work week, time off, and specialty. Men are more likely to be in solo practice; women in group practice or salaried positions. Similar proportions of men and women are employed in corporate optometry. Few gender differences exist in patient services or other professional activities. CONCLUSIONS: Women optometrists have not yet gained economic equity with men. Male-female similarities in practice patterns suggest that optometry is unlikely to experience major changes in consequence of more women entering the profession.

Adult↗

PubMed1986

Men and women optometrists: a profile of practice characteristics five and ten years after graduation.

This study profiles practice characteristics and work behaviors of men and women optometrists. A survey of all members of the 1973 and 1978 classes elicited a 44.8% response. The majority reported being in solo practice. They reported working approximately 40 hours per week. Average yearly net incomes for women, as compared to their male counterparts, were $1,475 higher for five-year optometrists and $2,175 lower for ten-year optometrists. There were no differences in time spent in various practice activities. All optometrists appeared to be significantly involved in other professional and community services.

Fees and Charges↗

PubMed1983

Forecasting optometry grade point average.

Preoptometry grades. Optometry College Admission Test (OCAT) scores, and a number of other variables were evaluated as predictors of the grade point average earned by optometry students (N = 494) after two years at Southern California College of Optomery. The OCAT Quantitative Ability test was found to be the best single predictor (r = +0.37). This prediction was enhanced (multiple r = +0.55) with the addition of the OCAT Study Reading test score, preoptometry grade point average in college mathematics and science courses, and a rating of the preoptometry college attended. A predicted grade point average for optometry school courses was computed for each student by additively combining these variables, weighted according to their relative predictive validities. By comparing the computed values of students who actually earned a high grade point average in optometry school with those whose average was low, we were able to establish a predicted grade point cutoff score. It is shown that this can be useful in evaluating the potential of an applicant to achieve academic success in optometry school.

Achievement↗