CFChooseField
Healthcare

Optometrists

Diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system. Examine eyes and visual system, diagnose problems or impairments, prescribe corrective lenses, and provide treatment. May prescribe therapeutic drugs to treat specific eye conditions.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Optometrists
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Median pay

$134,830
Median annual pay for Optometrists.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

8%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

2,400
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

47,800
Estimated U.S. employment for Optometrists in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+3,800
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Doctoral or professional degree
Typical education needed to enter Optometrists.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Critical Thinking
  3. 3Reading Comprehension
  4. 4Speaking
  5. 5Writing
  6. 6Science

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Medicine and Dentistry
  2. 2Biology
  3. 3Customer and Personal Service
  4. 4English Language
  5. 5Mathematics
  6. 6Education and Training

Abilities

  1. 1Oral Expression
  2. 2Problem Sensitivity
  3. 3Deductive Reasoning
  4. 4Inductive Reasoning
  5. 5Near Vision
  6. 6Oral Comprehension

Career interests

  1. 1Investigative
  2. 2Social
  3. 3Realistic
  4. 4Conventional
  5. 5Enterprising
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Integrity
  5. 5Intellectual Curiosity
  6. 6Cooperation

Work activities

  1. 1Assisting and Caring for Others
  2. 2Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  3. 3Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  4. 4Documenting/Recording Information
  5. 5Getting Information
  6. 6Performing for or Working Directly with the Public

Work context

  1. 1Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  2. 2Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  3. 3E-Mail
  4. 4Contact With Others
  5. 5Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  6. 6Freedom to Make Decisions

Representative tasks

  • Examine eyes, using observation, instruments, and pharmaceutical agents, to determine visual acuity and perception, focus, and coordination and to diagnose diseases and other abnormalities, such as glaucoma or color blindness.
  • Analyze test results and develop a treatment plan.
  • Prescribe, supply, fit and adjust eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other vision aids.
  • Prescribe medications to treat eye diseases if state laws permit.
  • Educate and counsel patients on contact lens care, visual hygiene, lighting arrangements, and safety factors.
  • Remove foreign bodies from the eye.
  • Provide patients undergoing eye surgeries, such as cataract and laser vision correction, with pre- and post-operative care.
  • Consult with and refer patients to ophthalmologist or other health care practitioner if additional medical treatment is determined necessary.

Software and tools

Mozilla Firefox · in demandApple Safari · in demandMicrosoft Edge · in demandWeb browser software · in demandMicrosoft Word · hot technologyMicrosoft SQL Server · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyIntuit QuickBooks · hot technologyMicrosoft Access · hot technologyInsight Software My Vision ExpressUniversal Software Solutions VersaVisionScheduling software

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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