Optometrists

29-1041.00 Zone 5 — Extensive Preparation Needed

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.

Also known as: Optometrist, Optometry Doctor (OD), Therapeutic Optometrist

Annual Salary

$134,830

Median annual wage (May 2024)

$103,310 25th – 75th percentile $163,710
10th percentile $70,060
90th percentile $203,210
U.S. Employment: 41,890

Job Outlook

+8%

Projected growth, 2024–2034 (Faster than average)

Annual Job Openings 2,400 per year (avg. 2024–2034)
Typical education: Doctoral or professional degree

What You'd Do

  • 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.
  • Consult with and refer patients to ophthalmologist or other health care practitioner if additional medical treatment is determined necessary.
  • Remove foreign bodies from the eye.
  • Provide patients undergoing eye surgeries, such as cataract and laser vision correction, with pre- and post-operative care.
  • Prescribe therapeutic procedures to correct or conserve vision.
  • Provide vision therapy and low-vision rehabilitation.

Top Skills

Reading Comprehension 4.1
Active Listening 4.1
Critical Thinking 4.1
Writing 4.0
Speaking 4.0
Social Perceptiveness 3.9
Science 3.8
Coordination 3.4

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Knowledge Areas

Medicine and Dentistry 4.8
Biology 4.5
Customer and Personal Service 4.4
English Language 3.9
Mathematics 3.6
Education and Training 3.6
Therapy and Counseling 3.6
Psychology 3.5

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation by education level

Doctoral
95.2%
Professional
4.8%

Technology & Tools

Software and tools commonly used in this role

In-Demand Technologies

Apple Safari Intuit QuickBooks Microsoft Access Microsoft Edge Microsoft Excel Microsoft SQL Server Microsoft Word Mozilla Firefox

Other Tools

Accra Med Software Filopto AltaPoint Data Systems AltaPoint Vision Babcock Winx Pro Compulink Business Systems Eyecare Advantage Digital Healthcare OptoMize First Insight E-Z Frame First Insight MaximEyes HealthLine Systems Eyecom Insight Software My Vision Express MAX Systems Max-Gold7 MediNotes Charting Plus OfficeMate Software Solutions ExamWRITER OfficeMate Software Solutions OfficeMate Operational Data Store ODS software Prima Systems OPTIX +4 more

Work Styles

Personality traits and work styles important for this career

3.0
Attention to Detail
2.5
Dependability
2.3
Cautiousness
2.2
Integrity
2.1
Intellectual Curiosity
1.9
Cooperation
1.9
Empathy

Key Abilities

Cognitive, physical, and sensory abilities important for this role

Oral Expression 4.1
Problem Sensitivity 4.1
Oral Comprehension 4.0
Written Comprehension 4.0
Near Vision 4.0
Deductive Reasoning 4.0
Inductive Reasoning 4.0
Written Expression 3.9

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on this job

Assisting and Caring for Others 4.8
Making Decisions and Solving Problems 4.8
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge 4.8
Documenting/Recording Information 4.7
Getting Information 4.7
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public 4.6
Processing Information 4.6
Analyzing Data or Information 4.5

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Work Environment

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
5.0
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
5.0
E-Mail
4.9
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
4.8
Contact With Others
4.8
Freedom to Make Decisions
4.7
Physical Proximity
4.6
Frequency of Decision Making
4.6
Written Letters and Memos
4.5
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
4.4
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
4.4
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
4.4

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Salary data: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Outlook data: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034.

This page includes information from the O*NET 30.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.