Life As an Optometrist
Career 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.
Life As an Optometrist
- Prescribe medications to treat eye diseases if state laws permit.
- Provide patients undergoing eye surgeries, such as cataract and laser vision correction, with pre- and post-operative care.
- Analyze test results and develop a treatment plan.
- Provide vision therapy and low vision rehabilitation.
- 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.
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What Every Optometrist Should Know
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.
Types of Optometrist Jobs
- Chief, Optometry Service
- Optometrist/Practice Owner
- Eye Clinic Manager
- Optometrist, President/Practice Owner
- Optometrist
Job Demand for Optometrists
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 40,200 jobs in the United States for Optometrist. 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.
Do Optometrists Make A Lot Of Money?
The typical yearly salary for Optometrists is somewhere between $57,480 and $188,160.
Optometrists who work in North Dakota, Vermont, or Alaska, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Optometrists 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?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Optometrists:
- 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 to Become an Optometrist
What education or degrees do I need to become an Optometrist?
What work experience do I need to become an Optometrist?
Where do Optometrists Work?
Optometrists work in the following industries:
You May Also Be Interested In…
Those thinking about becoming an Optometrist might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
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