Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric
Ophthalmologists diagnose and treat eye diseases and disorders, performing surgical procedures when needed. They work in private practices, hospitals, and surgical centers, examining patients, prescribing treatments, and fitting corrective lenses. This specialty requires extensive medical training beyond general practice.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against ophthalmologists, except pediatric and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week includes examining patients to diagnose conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and refractive errors, ordering diagnostic tests, and reviewing results. Ophthalmologists perform procedures ranging from laser treatments to complex eye surgery. They also spend time consulting with patients about treatment options, managing post-operative care, and staying current with new surgical techniques and technologies.
Who this work suits
Holland code ISR. Investigative work is figuring things out: analysis, research, problem-solving. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely excel in this work if you enjoy investigating complex medical problems and explaining findings to patients. You're drawn to hands-on diagnostic and surgical work, and you value the direct impact of helping people restore or preserve their vision through careful analysis and skilled intervention.
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold doct.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Openings right now
- Physician - Ophthalmologist · Veterans Health Administration · Green Bay, Wisconsin · $350000–$375000
- Physician - Ophthalmologist · Veterans Health Administration · Fresno, California · $320000–$400000
- Physician - Ophthalmologist · Veterans Health Administration · Stockton, California · $300000–$390000
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | $176,540 | $450,370 | $450,370 | 180 |
| New Hampshire | $305,180 | $404,330 | $437,240 | 50 |
| California | $186,200 | $400,150 | $433,530 | 820 |
| Florida | $303,920 | $399,440 | $521,590 | 580 |
| Iowa | $83,010 | $394,900 | $478,150 | 90 |
| Georgia | $197,590 | $382,920 | $441,620 | 120 |
| Minnesota | $312,000 | $372,200 | $432,560 | 180 |
| New York | $217,830 | $360,050 | $451,110 | 960 |
| Nevada | $118,360 | $345,600 | $345,600 | — |
| Maine | $200,530 | $337,850 | $346,670 | 90 |
| Oregon | $271,850 | $334,450 | $477,130 | 210 |
| Massachusetts | $226,790 | $325,200 | $346,910 | 450 |
All 34 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Ophthalmology — American Board of Physician Specialties
- Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) — National Association for Healthcare Quality
- Certified Ophthalmic Executive (COE) — American Society of Ophthalmic Administrators
- Ophthalmology — American Board of Ophthalmology
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against ophthalmologists, except pediatric and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 29-1241.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.