Life As an Ophthalmologist
Example of Ophthalmologist Job Diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases and injuries of the eyes and related structures.
Life As an Ophthalmologist
- Diagnose or treat injuries, disorders, or diseases of the eye and eye structures including the cornea, sclera, conjunctiva, or eyelids.
- Develop or implement plans and procedures for ophthalmologic services.
- Perform, order, or interpret the results of diagnostic or clinical tests.
- Prescribe or administer topical or systemic medications to treat ophthalmic conditions and to manage pain.
- Provide ophthalmic consultation to other medical professionals.
- Develop treatment plans based on patients’ histories and goals, the nature and severity of disorders, and treatment risks and benefits.
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What an Ophthalmologist Should Know
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.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- MD Ophthalmologist
- General Ophthalmologist
- Physician, Ophthalmologist
- Comprehensive Ophthalmologist
- Medical Director
Are There Job Opportunities for Ophthalmologists?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 372,400 jobs in the United States for Ophthalmologist. 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. The BLS estimates 14,300 yearly job openings in this field.

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.
Average Ophthalmologists Salary
The salary for Ophthalmologists ranges between about $60,280 and $208,000 a year.

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 do Ophthalmologists Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Ophthalmologists may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Email software
- Bizmatics PrognoCIS EMR
- Greenway Medical Technologies PrimeSUITE
- GalacTek ECLIPSE
- Automatic Data Processing AdvancedMD EHR
- Cerner PowerWorks Practice Management
- Epic Practice Management
- GE Healthcare Centricity Practice Solution
- CareCloud Central
- Benchmark Systems Benchmark Clinical EHR
- Allscripts PM
- 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
- WRSHealth EMR
How do I Become an Ophthalmologist?
Education needed to be an Ophthalmologist:

How Long Does it Take to Become an Ophthalmologist?

Who Employs Ophthalmologists?

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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