With 2017 in the rear-view mirror, Review of Optometry took a look back at the year to see how optometrists made out financially. This year, more than 500 ODs responded to their annual survey, and the overall average income was $163,761, representing a 4 percent increase from 2016. The general rule of thumb in the income survey has been that the more experience you have, the better, and that remains true for 2017 as the numbers indicate that increased experience pays off eventually. At the top of the experience pack were those with more than 30 years in the profession. This group represented only 12 percent of respondents but made an average salary of $219,935, a 23 percent rise from those who stalled out between 21 and 30 years. “Beyond my wildest dreams,” was how one 30-plus-year respondent described his earnings. Other respondents were satisfied with their comfortable lifestyles and ability to stay on track for retirement. Click here to read the results of the income survey.