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.
- Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- 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.
- Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Optometrists.