In an exploratory study conducted for the Women's Action Program of HEW, the aims were to identify and explore the barriers to success that women face as MODVOPPP (Medicine, Osteopathic medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary medicine, Optometry, Podiatry, Pharmacy, and Public health) school applicants and students and to describe the discrimination process, if any, that limits women's entry into the health professions. In this volume on optometry, the profession's history, work focus, organization, and women's role and status in it are reported. Current trends and issues, the organizational network, schools, and the professional training sequence for optometrists are reviewed. Also considered are what the profession looks for in new members, who the students are, assessment of the profession from within, feelings about peers, and feelings about professional experience. Special recommendations are made, and statistical data, interview responses, and a bibliography are included. (LBH)