All About Optometrists
Optometrist Definition 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.
Daily Life Of an Optometrist
- Prescribe medications to treat eye diseases if state laws permit.
- Consult with and refer patients to ophthalmologist or other health care practitioner if additional medical treatment is determined necessary.
- Prescribe therapeutic procedures to correct or conserve vision.
- 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.
- 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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Optometrist Required Skills
Below is a list of the skills most Optometrists say are important on the job.
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.
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.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Types of Optometrist Jobs
- Optometry Doctor (OD)
- Optometrist, Owner
- Optometrist/Practice Owner
- Optometrist, President/Practice Owner
- Optometrist
What Kind of Optometrist Job Opportunities Are There?
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.
Optometrist Average Salary
The salary for Optometrists ranges between about $57,480 and $188,160 a year.
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 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 to Become an Optometrist
Learn what Optometrist education requirements there are.
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where do Optometrists Work?
Optometrists work in the following industries:
Related Careers
Those thinking about becoming an Optometrist might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
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