What You Need to Know About Optometrist
Occupation Description Diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system. Examine eyes and visual system, diagnose problems or impairments, prescribe corrective lenses, and provide treatment. May prescribe therapeutic drugs to treat specific eye conditions.
What Do Optometrists Do On a Daily Basis?
- Provide vision therapy and low vision rehabilitation.
- Prescribe medications to treat eye diseases if state laws permit.
- Analyze test results and develop a treatment plan.
- Consult with and refer patients to ophthalmologist or other health care practitioner if additional medical treatment is determined necessary.
- Remove foreign bodies from the eye.
- 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.
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Qualities of an Optometrist
These are the skills Optometrists say are the most useful in their careers:
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Doctor of Optometry (OD)
- Eye Clinic Manager
- Optometrist, President/Practice Owner
- Optometrist/Practice Owner
- Optometrist
What Kind of Optometrist Job Opportunities Are There?
In the United States, there were 40,200 jobs for Optometrist in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 17.9% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 7,200 new jobs for Optometrist by 2026. There will be an estimated 2,000 positions for Optometrist per year.
The states with the most job growth for Optometrist are Utah, Colorado, and Washington. Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, Rhode Island, or Mississippi. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Optometrist Average Salary
The average yearly salary of an Optometrist ranges between $57,480 and $188,160.
Optometrists who work in North Dakota, Vermont, or Alaska, make the highest salaries.
How much do Optometrists make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $114,070 |
| Alaska | $165,640 |
| Arizona | $124,920 |
| Arkansas | $95,500 |
| California | $117,180 |
| Colorado | $132,030 |
| Connecticut | $138,140 |
| Delaware | $116,210 |
| District of Columbia | $90,140 |
| Florida | $102,060 |
| Georgia | $104,970 |
| Hawaii | $117,310 |
| Idaho | $96,070 |
| Illinois | $121,610 |
| Indiana | $113,880 |
| Iowa | $130,160 |
| Kansas | $117,840 |
| Kentucky | $114,550 |
| Louisiana | $104,360 |
| Maine | $136,510 |
| Maryland | $129,000 |
| Massachusetts | $141,890 |
| Michigan | $112,440 |
| Minnesota | $134,270 |
| Mississippi | $133,370 |
| Missouri | $114,110 |
| Montana | $110,370 |
| Nebraska | $104,010 |
| Nevada | $127,940 |
| New Hampshire | $131,180 |
| New Jersey | $114,630 |
| New Mexico | $86,870 |
| New York | $124,820 |
| North Carolina | $136,260 |
| North Dakota | $175,090 |
| Ohio | $132,400 |
| Oklahoma | $109,300 |
| Oregon | $99,560 |
| Pennsylvania | $119,820 |
| Rhode Island | $104,320 |
| South Carolina | $142,290 |
| South Dakota | $96,540 |
| Tennessee | $115,960 |
| Texas | $123,930 |
| Utah | $74,490 |
| Vermont | $170,550 |
| Virginia | $129,010 |
| Washington | $119,860 |
| West Virginia | $118,270 |
| Wisconsin | $122,310 |
| Wyoming | $135,220 |
What Tools & Technology do Optometrists Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Optometrists may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft SQL Server
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Scheduling software
- First Insight MaximEyes
- HealthLine Systems Eyecom
- Insight Software My Vision Express
- OfficeMate Software Solutions OfficeMate
How do I Become an Optometrist?
What education or degrees do I need to become an Optometrist?
How Long Does it Take to Become an Optometrist?
Optometrists Sector
The table below shows the approximate number of Optometrists employed by various industries.
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References:
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