Median Annual Wage: $101,410
Education: Doctoral degree (91%); Professional degree  (9%)
Projected Growth: Much faster than average (22% or higher)
Related Job Titles: Optometrist; Doctor of Optometry (OD); Chief, Optometry Service; Eye Clinic Manager; Independent Contractor; Optometrist, Owner; Optometrist, President/Practice Owner; Optometrist/Practice Owner
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						Source: O*NET OnLine information for Optometrists.
						More Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Careers
					 
					
						 - Prescribe, supply, fit and adjust eyeglasses, contact lenses and other vision aids.
 - Analyze test results and develop a treatment plan.
 - Prescribe medications to treat eye diseases if state laws permit.
 - Remove foreign bodies from the eye.
 - Prescribe therapeutic procedures to correct or conserve vision.
 - 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.
 - Provide patients undergoing eye surgeries, such as cataract and laser vision correction, with pre- and post-operative care.
 - Provide vision therapy and low vision rehabilitation.
 
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Optometrists.
					 
					
						- Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
 - Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
 - Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
 - Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
 - Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
 - Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
 - Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
 - Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
 - Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
 
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Optometrists.