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
O*NET
Suggested citation:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Optometrists,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/optometrists.htm (visited ).
