WHAT IS AN OPTOMETRY JOB?
An optometry job is a healthcare profession that specializes in eye care. Optometrists are eye care professionals who diagnose and treat eye diseases and disorders. They prescribe eyeglasses, contacts lenses, and low vision aids, and they also provide vision therapy and other eye care services. Optometrists work in a variety of settings, including private practice, hospitals, clinics, and retail stores.
WHAT DO OPTOMETRISTS USUALLY DO IN THIS POSITION?
Optometrists perform a wide range of duties, including:
- Examining patients' eyes to detect vision problems and eye diseases
- Prescribing eyeglasses, contact lenses, and low vision aids
- Providing vision therapy to improve patients' visual performance
- Diagnosing and treating eye diseases and disorders, such as glaucoma and cataracts
- Prescribing medications to treat eye conditions
- Co-managing patients with other healthcare professionals, such as ophthalmologists and primary care physicians.
TOP 5 SKILLS FOR THIS POSITION
Optometrists require a unique set of skills to perform their duties effectively. Here are the top five skills needed for this position:
- Communication Skills: Optometrists must be able to effectively communicate with patients, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals to provide the best possible care.
- Attention to Detail: Optometrists must be able to pay close attention to detail to accurately diagnose and treat eye conditions.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Optometrists must be able to think critically and solve problems to provide effective treatment for their patients.
- Technical Skills: Optometrists must be skilled in using specialized equipment and technology to perform eye exams and diagnose eye conditions.
- Compassion: Optometrists must have compassion for their patients and provide care with empathy and sensitivity.
HOW TO BECOME AN OPTOMETRIST?
To become an optometrist, you must complete a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree from an accredited optometry school. The degree program typically takes four years to complete and includes both classroom and clinical training.
After earning your degree, you must pass the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) exam to obtain your license to practice optometry. Some states also require additional exams or certifications to practice optometry.
AVERAGE SALARY
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for optometrists in the United States is $119,980 as of May 2020. The lowest 10 percent of optometrists earn less than $67,140, while the highest 10 percent earn more than $208,000.
ROLES AND TYPES
There are several types of optometry jobs, including:
- Private Practice: Optometrists who own their own practice and work for themselves.
- Retail: Optometrists who work in retail settings, such as eyewear stores and optical chains.
- Hospital: Optometrists who work in hospitals and provide eye care services to patients.
- Academic: Optometrists who work in academic settings, such as universities and research institutions.
In addition to these settings, optometrists can specialize in different areas of eye care, such as pediatrics, geriatrics, and vision therapy.
LOCATIONS WITH THE MOST POPULAR OPTOMETRY JOBS IN USA
The states with the highest employment levels for optometrists in the United States as of May 2020 are:
- California
- Texas
- Florida
- New York
- Ohio
WHAT ARE THE TYPICAL TOOLS?
Optometrists use a variety of tools and equipment to perform their job duties, including:
- Ophthalmoscopes: A tool used to examine the inside of the eye.
- Phoropters: A tool used to measure a patient's refractive error and determine the correct prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses.
- Retinoscopes: A tool used to measure a patient's refractive error by shining a light into the eye.
- Tonometers: A tool used to measure the pressure inside the eye to detect glaucoma.
- Visual Field Analyzers: A tool used to measure a patient's peripheral vision.
IN CONCLUSION
Optometry jobs are essential in the healthcare industry and require a unique set of skills to perform. Optometrists diagnose and treat eye diseases and disorders, prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses, and provide vision therapy. They must have excellent communication and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, technical skills, and compassion. To become an optometrist, you must complete a Doctor of Optometry degree and pass the National Board of Examiners in Optometry exam. The average salary for optometrists is $119,980, and they work in a variety of settings, including private practice, retail, hospitals, and academic institutions. Optometrists use specialized tools and equipment, such as ophthalmoscopes and phoropters, to perform their job duties.