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Ophthalmologist

Quick Facts

Median Salary$235,382
Most Common EducationPh.D. or professional degree
Projected 10-Year Growth+12.94%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment

What They Do

An Ophthalmologist diagnoses and performs surgery to treat and help prevent disorders and diseases of the eye. May also provide vision services for treatment including glasses and contact lenses.


Core Tasks:

  • Prescribe or administer treatment, therapy, medication, vaccination, and other specialized medical care to treat or prevent illness, disease, or injury.
  • Order, perform, and interpret tests and analyze records, reports, and examination information to diagnose patients' condition.
  • Collect, record, and maintain patient information, such as medical history, reports, or examination results.
  • Monitor patients' conditions and progress and reevaluate treatments as necessary.
  • Explain procedures and discuss test results or prescribed treatments with patients.
  • Advise patients and community members concerning diet, activity, hygiene, and disease prevention.
  • Direct and coordinate activities of nurses, students, assistants, specialists, therapists, and other medical staff.
  • Refer patients to medical specialists or other practitioners when necessary.
  • Coordinate work with nurses, social workers, rehabilitation therapists, pharmacists, psychologists, and other health care providers.
  • Plan, implement, or administer health programs or standards in hospitals, businesses, or communities for prevention or treatment of injury or illness.
  • Train residents, medical students, and other health care professionals.

What to expect as an Ophthalmologist

1Earn a Ph.D. or professional degree

15% of people achieve this level of education.

2Gain skills and experience

See Ophthalmologist related courses on Tallo

3Land a job

740 openings for Ophthalmologists

Career Progression

in United States (Nation)

The career progression is an interactive way to explore careers related to Ophthalmologist. Click on each career to see its associated salary, job availability, skills, and more.