Sidebar

Optometrists

Optometrists use an a number of instruments to check patients’ vision and determine their need for corrective lenses.

Optometrists use a number of instruments to check patients’ vision and determine their need for corrective lenses.

Quick Facts:
2010 Median Pay $94,990 per year
$45.67 per hour
Entry-Level Education Doctoral or professional degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation None
On-the-job Training None
Number of Jobs, 2010 34,200
Job Outlook, 2010-20 33% (Much faster than average)
Employment Change, 2010-20 11,300

 

What Optometrists Do

Optometrists perform eye exams to check for vision problems and diseases. They prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses as needed.

Work Environment

Most optometrists work in stand-alone offices of optometry. A small number of optometrists work in doctors’ offices, retail stores, outpatient clinics, and hospitals. Most work full time, and some work evenings and weekends to suit patients’ needs.

How to Become an Optometrist

Optometrists must complete a Doctor of Optometry program and get a state license. Doctor of Optometry programs take 4 years to complete after earning an undergraduate degree.

Pay

The median annual wage of optometrists was $94,990 in May 2010.

Job Outlook

Employment of optometrists is expected to grow by 33 percent from 2010 to 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Show Buttons
Hide Buttons