Optometrist
Quick Facts
Median Salary$130,844
Most Common EducationPh.D. or professional degree
Projected 10-Year Growth+26.31%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment
What They Do
An Optometrist provides primary care for health issues related to the eyes and vision. Examines patients' eyes to diagnose vision problems or diseases, and prescribes eyeglasses, contact lenses, or other treatments as needed. May specialize in a particular type of eye or vision care.
Core 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.
- Prescribe therapeutic procedures to correct or conserve vision.
- Provide vision therapy and low-vision rehabilitation.
What to expect as an Optometrist
1Earn a Ph.D. or professional degree
37% of people achieve this level of education.
2Gain skills and experience
See Optometrist related courses on Tallo
3Land a job
2141 openings for Optometrists
Career Progression
in United States (Nation)
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