What is an Ophthalmologist?
Job Description & Duties Diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases and injuries of the eyes and related structures.
A Day in the Life of an Ophthalmologist
- Prescribe ophthalmologic treatments or therapies such as chemotherapy, cryotherapy, or low vision therapy.
- Diagnose or treat injuries, disorders, or diseases of the eye and eye structures including the cornea, sclera, conjunctiva, or eyelids.
- Perform, order, or interpret the results of diagnostic or clinical tests.
- Instruct interns, residents, or others in ophthalmologic procedures and techniques.
- Prescribe corrective lenses such as glasses or contact lenses.
- Educate patients about maintenance and promotion of healthy vision.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as an Ophthalmologist?
Below is a list of the skills most Ophthalmologists say are important on the job.
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.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Ophthalmologist-Retina Specialist
- Physician/Ophthalmologist
- Neuro-Ophthalmologist
- Retina Subspecialist
- Ophthalmologist
Ophthalmologist Employment Estimates
There were about 372,400 jobs for Ophthalmologist in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 11.4% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 42,300 new jobs for Ophthalmologist by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 14,300 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Ophthalmologist are Arizona, Alaska, and Utah. Watch out if you plan on working in Connecticut, Rhode Island, or Illinois. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Ophthalmologist Salary
The average yearly salary of an Ophthalmologist ranges between $60,280 and $208,000.
Ophthalmologists who work in Alaska, Arizona, or Colorado, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Ophthalmologists in different U.S. states.
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $183,510 |
| Alaska | $244,220 |
| Arizona | $229,090 |
| Arkansas | $165,290 |
| California | $208,740 |
| Colorado | $219,310 |
| Connecticut | $221,870 |
| Delaware | $216,600 |
| District of Columbia | $182,910 |
| Florida | $205,020 |
| Georgia | $235,060 |
| Hawaii | $228,470 |
| Idaho | $241,670 |
| Illinois | $183,780 |
| Indiana | $237,470 |
| Iowa | $219,300 |
| Kansas | $191,430 |
| Kentucky | $223,770 |
| Louisiana | $183,920 |
| Maine | $257,550 |
| Maryland | $196,210 |
| Massachusetts | $207,990 |
| Michigan | $181,760 |
| Minnesota | $245,040 |
| Mississippi | $174,340 |
| Missouri | $203,440 |
| Montana | $247,260 |
| Nebraska | $161,880 |
| Nevada | $227,500 |
| New Hampshire | $275,840 |
| New Jersey | $208,820 |
| New Mexico | $229,100 |
| New York | $171,060 |
| North Carolina | $198,040 |
| North Dakota | $266,510 |
| Ohio | $212,160 |
| Oklahoma | $155,130 |
| Oregon | $202,750 |
| Pennsylvania | $195,810 |
| Rhode Island | $209,580 |
| South Carolina | $185,210 |
| South Dakota | $227,710 |
| Tennessee | $231,960 |
| Texas | $199,370 |
| Utah | $218,210 |
| Vermont | $176,520 |
| Virginia | $199,080 |
| Washington | $239,080 |
| West Virginia | $222,270 |
| Wisconsin | $239,610 |
| Wyoming | $234,610 |
What Tools & Technology do Ophthalmologists Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Ophthalmologists:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Email software
- Bizmatics PrognoCIS EMR
- Greenway Medical Technologies PrimeSUITE
- GalacTek ECLIPSE
- Allscripts PM
- Automatic Data Processing AdvancedMD EHR
- Benchmark Systems Benchmark Clinical EHR
- CareCloud Central
- Cerner PowerWorks Practice Management
- Epic Practice Management
- GE Healthcare Centricity Practice Solution
- HealthFusion MediTouch
- IOS Health Systems Medios EHR
- Kareo Practice Management
- McKesson Practice Plus
- Modernizing Medicine Practice Management
- NextGen Healthcare NextGen Practice Management
- Vitera Healthcare Solutions Vitera Intergy
How do I Become an Ophthalmologist?
Are there Ophthalmologists education requirements?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where do Ophthalmologists Work?
Ophthalmologists work in the following industries:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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