Optometrists

What Optometrists Do

Optometrists diagnose and treat visual problems and manage diseases, injuries, and other disorders of the eyes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3i9XXhA7cM

Work Environment

Most optometrists work in stand-alone offices of optometry. Optometrists may also work in doctors’ offices and optical goods stores, and some are self-employed. Most work full time, and some work evenings and weekends to accommodate patients’ needs.

How to Become an Optometrist

Optometrists must complete a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree program and obtain a license to practice in a particular state. O.D. programs take 4 years to complete, and most students have a bachelor’s degree before entering such a program.

Pay

The median annual wage for optometrists was $115,250 in May 2019.

Job Outlook

Employment of optometrists is projected to grow 4 percent from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Because vision problems tend to occur more frequently later in life, an aging population will lead to demand for more optometrists.

Optometrists examine the eyes and other parts of the visual system. They also diagnose and treat visual problems and manage diseases, injuries, and other disorders of the eyes. They prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses as needed.

Duties

Optometrists typically do the following:

• Perform vision tests and analyze results
• Diagnose sight problems, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness, and eye diseases, such as glaucoma
• Prescribe eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other visual aids, and if state law permits, medications
• Perform minor surgical procedures to correct or treat visual or eye health issues
• Provide treatments such as vision therapy or low-vision rehabilitation
• Provide pre- and postoperative care to patients undergoing eye surgery—for example, examining a patient’s eyes the day after surgery
• Evaluate patients for the presence of other diseases and conditions, such as diabetes or hypertension, and refer patients to other healthcare providers as needed
• Promote eye and general health by counseling patients

Some optometrists spend much of their time providing specialized care, particularly if they are working in a group practice with other optometrists or physicians. For example, some optometrists mostly treat patients with only partial sight, a condition known as low vision. Others may focus on treating infants and children.

Optometrists promote eye health and counsel patients on how general health can affect eyesight. For example, they may counsel patients on how quitting smoking or losing weight can reduce vision problems.

Many optometrists own their practice, and those who do may spend more time on general business activities, such as hiring employees, ordering supplies, and marketing their business.

Optometrists also may work as postsecondary teachers, do research in optometry colleges, or work as consultants in the eye care industry.

Optometrists should not be confused with ophthalmologists or opticians. Ophthalmologists are physicians who perform eye surgery and treat eye diseases in addition to performing eye exams and prescribing eyeglasses and contact lenses. For more information on ophthalmologists, see the physicians and surgeons profile. Opticians fit and adjust eyeglasses and, in some states, fill contact lens prescriptions that an optometrist or ophthalmologist has written.

Optometrists held about 44,400 jobs in 2019. The largest employers of optometrists were as follows:

Offices of optometrists	51%
Offices of physicians	15
Health and personal care stores	14
Self-employed workers	11

Work Schedules

Most optometrists work full time. Some work evenings and weekends to accommodate patients’ needs.

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of optometrists.

	Occupation	Job Duties	Entry-Level Education	Median Annual Pay, May 2019
	Chiropractors	Chiropractors treat patients with health problems of the neuromusculoskeletal system, which includes nerves, bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons.	Doctoral or professional degree	$70,340
	Dentists	Dentists diagnose and treat problems with patients’ teeth, gums, and related parts of the mouth.	Doctoral or professional degree	$159,200
	Opticians	Opticians help fit eyeglasses and contact lenses, following prescriptions from ophthalmologists and optometrists.	High school diploma or equivalent	$37,840
	Physicians and Surgeons	Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses.	Doctoral or professional degree	This wage is equal to or greater than $208,000 per year.
	Podiatrists	Podiatrists provide medical and surgical care for people with foot, ankle, and lower leg problems.	Doctoral or professional degree	$126,240
	Veterinarians	Veterinarians care for the health of animals and work to protect public health.	Doctoral or professional degree	$95,460
	Audiologists	Audiologists diagnose, manage, and treat a patient’s hearing, balance, or ear problems.	Doctoral or professional degree	$77,600
	Dental and Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians and Medical Appliance Technicians	Dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians construct, fit, or repair medical appliances and devices.	High school diploma or equivalent	$37,370

For more information about optometry, visit

American Optometric Association

For more information about optometrists, including a list of accredited optometric programs, visit

Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry

For information on specific admission requirements and sources of financial aid, contact the admissions officers of individual optometry schools.

For more information about the national board exam, visit

National Boards of Examiners in Optometry

For more information about board certification, visit

American Board of Optometry

O*NET

Optometrists