Optometrists
SOC Code: 29-1041Also known as:
Optometrist, Optometry Doctor (OD), Therapeutic Optometrist
Median Annual Salary
$134,830
+8.0% growth (2024-2034)
2K
Openings/Year
48K
Current Jobs
What Optometrists Do
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.
💰 Salary
$134,830
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+8.0%
Much faster than average
🎓 Education
Doctoral or professional degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
2K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
47,800
Projected Employment (2034)
51,600
Related Careers
Dermatologists
N/A •
+6.4% growth
General internal medicine physicians
$236,350 •
+3.3% growth
Physicians, all other
N/A •
+2.5% growth
Ophthalmologists, except pediatric
N/A •
+4.3% growth
Pediatric surgeons
N/A •
+1.5% growth
Top Skills Required
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Writing
Speaking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Analyze test results and develop a treatment plan.
- Prescribe, supply, fit and adjust eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other vision aids.
- Prescribe medications to treat eye diseases if state laws permit.
- Educate and counsel patients on contact lens care, visual hygiene, lighting arrangements, and safety factors.
- Remove foreign bodies from the eye.
- Provide patients undergoing eye surgeries, such as cataract and laser vision correction, with pre- and post-operative care.
- 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 vision therapy and low-vision rehabilitation.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Doctoral or professional degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Doctoral Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Optometrists
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a optometrists:
Optometry
1,760 degrees awarded •
23 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Optometrists
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become optometrists.
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make?
The median annual salary for optometrists is $134,830.
What education do optometrists need?
Most optometrists positions require a doctoral or professional degree.
Common degree programs include Optometry.
Is becoming optometrists a good career choice?
Optometrists is projected to see +8.0% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 2,400 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for optometrists?
Top colleges for aspiring optometrists include
University of California-Berkeley, Ohio State University-Main Campus, University of Houston, Indiana University-Bloomington, University of Missouri-St Louis.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to optometrists?
Optometrists may also be known as: Optometrist, Optometry Doctor (OD), Therapeutic Optometrist.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.