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Optometrists


Overview

Optometrists

Introduction

An optometrist is a health care professional who provides primary eye care services, including comprehensive eye health and vision examinations; diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases and vision disorders; prescribing of eyeglasses, contact lenses, vision therapy, and medications; performing minor surgical procedures; and counseling patients regarding their vision needs. While examining a patient's eyes, optometrists may also identify signs of diseases and conditions that affect the entire body. Approximately 42,100 optometrists ar...

Quick Facts


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Median Salary

$115,250

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Employment Prospects

Excellent

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Minimum Education Level

Doctorate


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Experience

Residency


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Skills

Interpersonal
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Personality Traits

Hands On
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Earnings

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the median annual salary of optometrists was $115,250 in May 2020. The lowest 10 percent earned an annual wage of less than $59,200, while the highest 10 percent earned an annual wage of $194,100 or more. Optometrists who accept salaried positions with clinics and government agencies generally have higher earnings in the first few years than do private...

Work Environment

Optometrists generally have excellent working conditions. They usually work in the offices of physicians or other health practitioners but are free to set their own hours and arrange their vacations and free time. Some optometrists work in health and personal care stores, while others work in outpatient care centers. The optometrist usually works in quiet surroundings and is seldom faced with e...

Outlook

Employment for optometrists is expected to grow faster than the average for all careers through 2028, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The demand for eye care services will become greater as people continue to become more health conscious. Also, people are more likely to seek such services because they are better able to pay for them as a result of higher income levels, the growing av...