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Optometrist

Occupation Information table
Overview: Optometrists examine patients' eyes to measure their visual acuity and detect eye abnormalities. They use complex optical instruments to diagnose the patient's needs for corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses. They may specialize in eye muscle training and treat vision of aged persons.
Duties: They measure the visual acuity of the patients eyes to determine what types of corrective eye glasses or contact lens should be prescribed to correct visual deficiencies.

They examine patients' eyes for abnormalities and diseases which are then referred to an ophthalmologist for medical treatment. They include the detection of cataracts, tumors, glaucoma, etc.

They prescribe eye muscle training to correct irregularities in eye muscle functioning. May specialize in correcting visual problems of children or aged persons.

They study and compare new types of contact lens and glasses to assess patient comfort, acceptance, and improvements in visual acuity.
Degree(s): A.S. Health Sciences 
A.S. Liberal Arts and Sciences (Mathematics and Science) 
Job Outlook: Employment in this field is projected to grow 14% or higher from 2018 to 2028, which is much faster than the average projected growth for all occupations.
Starting Salary: Experienced optometrists employed in health maintenance organizations or clinics earn lower salaries than those in private practice.
Salary Range (National Average): $60,000 to $66,000
Growth: Growth
Education Level: Typically, a Bachelor’s Degree from a 4-year college (some are 5 years) is required to be considered for this occupation.
Additional Training/Education: All states require that optometrists be licensed which requires a Doctor of Optometry degree and passing both a written and a clinical state board examination. The Doctor of Optometry degree requires completion of a four-year optometry school program preceded by at least three years of college or university studies.
Recommended Skills:
  • Weighing out the options in a situation or a problem and logically choosing the best course of action.
  • Actively looking for ways to help people.
  • Paying attention to what other people are saying, and taking time to understand the points being made.
  • Using mathematics and/or statistics to solve problems.
  • Ability to identify a problem, review related information, develop and evaluate options, and implement a solution.
  • The ability to understand complex written paragraphs, instructions, or reports.
  • Using logic to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Using scientific methods to investigate and conduct experiments.
  • Talking, giving speeches, or speaking in a group to convey information, explain ideas, or give instructions.
  • Teaching others how to do something.
Recommended Values:
  • Being involved in helping other people in a direct way either individually or in a small group.
  • Being able to decide on how to get something done without significant direction from someone else.
  • Having a level of income that will afford you with luxuries, and which will allow you to become financially independent.
  • Having the ability to work with equipment or material things.
 

* National data collected by the Department of Labor in 2014 with projections through 2024. For New York green job information .

* For New York salary data information .

* For New York green job information .

Understanding acquiring positions in this field may be enhanced through continuing academic study (i.e. earning a baccalaureate or a master's degree) and/or work experience in the field, Queensborough Community College has established transfer agreements with other institutions for students who wish to further pursue their educational goals. Students are highly encouraged to meet with one of our Career Services to fully understand the opportunities available through study in their degree program.