Opticianry is not dead, just uncommitted. Sheedy's paper commented on the comparison of Opticianry to Optometry. It is really very simple. They are as a group committed and Opticians are not. Opticians had rather fight one another than get anything done for the good of the profession.
It is not just the influence from the chains that everybody harps on. (In fact the chains have actually helped maintain the status quo in many states. Granted they have joined with optometry and opposed licensing every time it is introduced) The real objections often come from opticians who don't want formal education, licensure and expansion of the scope of practice. They also are not willing to put any money into the afore mentioned items. Optometrist do support Optometry to the tune of about $2,000 a year. Opticians won't give up $100 for state associations much less OAA, their only political arm.
I don't see the situation changing in my lifetime one bit and I have a long history of experience with this issue.
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