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  Optometrists
Summary  |  Description  |  Requirements  |  Salaries  |  Employment  |  Articles  |  Community
  Careers / Optometrists  
     
 
Summary Description
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.
 
Sample Job Titles

1.

Chief, Optometry Service

2.

Doctor of Optometry (OD)

3.

Eye Clinic Manager

4.

Independent Contractor

5.

Optometrist

 

6.

Optometrist, Owner

7.

Optometrist, President/Practice Owner

8.

Optometrist/Practice Owner

9.

Optometry Doctor (OD)

 
Job Tasks

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.

  • Test patient vision.

Prescribe, supply, fit and adjust eyeglasses, contact lenses and other vision aids.

  • Fit eyeglasses, contact lenses, or other vision aids.
  • Prescribe assistive medical devices or related treatments.

Analyze test results and develop a treatment plan.

  • Analyze test data or images to inform diagnosis or treatment.
  • Develop medical treatment plans.

Prescribe medications to treat eye diseases if state laws permit.

  • Prescribe medications.

Remove foreign bodies from the eye.

  • Treat acute illnesses, infections, or injuries.

Prescribe therapeutic procedures to correct or conserve vision.

  • Prescribe treatments or therapies.

Educate and counsel patients on contact lens care, visual hygiene, lighting arrangements and safety factors.

  • Train patients, family members, or caregivers in techniques for managing disabilities or illnesses.

Consult with and refer patients to ophthalmologist or other health care practitioner if additional medical treatment is determined necessary.

  • Collaborate with healthcare professionals to plan or provide treatment.
  • Refer patients to other healthcare practitioners or health resources.

Provide patients undergoing eye surgeries, such as cataract and laser vision correction, with pre- and post-operative care.

  • Monitor patients following surgeries or other treatments.

Provide vision therapy and low vision rehabilitation.

  • Treat chronic diseases or disorders.
 
Work Activities
Importance Work Activity
93
Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
90
Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
89
Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
88
Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
83
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
83
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
82
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
81
Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
75
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
73
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
72
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
71
Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
67
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
63
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
62
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
62
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
61
Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
61
Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
60
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
60
Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
60
Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
59
Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
58
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
57
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
57
Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
56
Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
56
Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
56
Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
54
Staffing Organizational Units — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
52
Selling or Influencing Others — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
52
Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
50
Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
47
Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
45
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
43
Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
41
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
32
Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
 
 
 
Nature of the Work
(Abstract from Career Articles)
Optometrists

Optometrists examine the eyes and other parts of the visual system. They also diagnose and treat visual problems and manage diseases, injuries, and other disorders of the eyes. They prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses as needed.

Read More >>

 
 
Working Conditions
(Abstract from Career Articles)
Optometrists

Most optometrists work in stand-alone offices of optometry. Optometrists may also work in doctors' offices and optical goods stores, and some are self-employed. Most work full time, and some work evenings and weekends to accommodate patients' needs.

Read More >>

 
 
 
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  Source: MyPlan.com, LLC, 2019; includes information from the O*NET 20.3 database, 2016, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-2024 Edition. O*NET™ is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.  
   
Interesting Fact
Jim Morrison's (The Doors) father was an admiral in the U.S. Navy.
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