Optometrists
Optometrists diagnose and treat eye diseases and vision problems by examining patients' eyes and visual systems. They prescribe corrective lenses and therapeutic medications to manage conditions. Optometrists work in private practices, clinics, hospitals, and retail optical shops, typically in clinical settings where they interact directly with patients.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against optometrists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week includes comprehensive eye exams using specialized equipment to test vision and screen for eye diseases. Optometrists review patient histories, perform diagnostic tests, interpret results, and discuss findings with patients. They write prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses, instruct patients on proper use, and may apply treatments or medications. Administrative tasks include documenting patient records, managing referrals to specialists, and scheduling follow-up appointments.
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're suited to this work if you enjoy investigating complex problems systematically and working directly with people. The role combines analytical problem-solving—diagnosing vision and eye conditions—with patient education and counseling, requiring both technical precision and interpersonal skill.
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
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Supervisory Optometrist · Indian Health Service · Multiple Locations · $170030–$221041
- Staff Optometrist · Veterans Health Administration · Vero Beach, Florida · $72553–$186854
- Staff Optometrist · Veterans Health Administration · West Palm Beach, Florida · $72553–$186854
- Optometrist (SoCal Eye Physicians and Surgeons) - Lakewood & Los Alamitos, CA · VSP Vision · Rancho Cordova, Sacramento County · $113,623–$113,623
- Optometrist · Veterans Health Administration · Phoenix, Arizona · $124308–$190000
- Optometrist · Veterans Health Administration · Fort Smith, Arkansas · $125000–$190000
- Optometrist (Clinical) · Military Treatment Facilities under DHA · Fort Campbell, Tennessee · $89508–$116362
- Optometrist · Military Treatment Facilities under DHA · El Paso, Texas · $123625–$160723
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $134,480 | $170,310 | $203,510 | 60 |
| Maryland | $81,780 | $165,840 | $201,810 | 780 |
| North Carolina | $123,250 | $161,560 | $193,790 | 1,140 |
| Delaware | $107,880 | $161,270 | $175,750 | 190 |
| New York | $127,900 | $161,140 | $175,740 | 2,390 |
| New Jersey | $134,560 | $159,040 | $165,960 | 1,380 |
| Minnesota | $125,860 | $158,700 | $174,370 | 710 |
| Washington | $126,730 | $157,560 | $171,200 | 760 |
| Hawaii | $120,980 | $154,620 | $162,070 | 230 |
| Maine | $115,870 | $154,110 | $177,630 | 180 |
| Colorado | $110,020 | $152,000 | $169,190 | 880 |
| Massachusetts | $130,480 | $151,730 | $166,920 | 950 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- National Contact Lens Examiners Advanced Certification (NCLE-AC) — American Board of Opticianry and the National Contact Lens Examiners
- Optometric Assistant Online National Certification (ROA) — American Allied Health
- Advanced Competency in Medical Optometry (ACMO) — National Board of Examiners in Optometry
- Diplomate, American Board of Optometry — American Board of Optometry
- Applied Basic Science (ABS) — National Board of Examiners in Optometry
- Treatment and Management of Ocular Disease (TMOD) — National Board of Examiners in Optometry
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 optometrists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 29-1041.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.