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Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric
Diagnose and perform surgery to treat and help prevent disorders and diseases of the eye. May also provide vision services for treatment including glasses and contacts.
Other titles employers use
Clinical Ophthalmologist · Cornea Specialist · Glaucoma Specialist · Oculoplastic Specialist · Ophthalmic Surgeon · Ophthalmologist · Ophthalmologist Specialist · Physician
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- Perform comprehensive examinations of the visual system to determine the nature or extent of ocular disorders.
- Diagnose or treat injuries, disorders, or diseases of the eye and eye structures including the cornea, sclera, conjunctiva, or eyelids.
- Provide or direct the provision of postoperative care.
- Develop or implement plans and procedures for ophthalmologic services.
- Prescribe or administer topical or systemic medications to treat ophthalmic conditions and to manage pain.
- Develop treatment plans based on patients' histories and goals, the nature and severity of disorders, and treatment risks and benefits.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to analytical, helping and practical work.
- Analytical
- Investigating questions, testing ideas, and solving problems
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Active Learning
Subjects to know
- Medicine and Dentistry
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Biology
- Administration and Management
Useful strengths
- Written Comprehension
- Problem Sensitivity
- Inductive Reasoning
- Near Vision
- Oral Comprehension
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 4.9 | Arm’s length or closer, most of the day |
| On your feet | 3.2 | Up and down through the day |
| Talking face to face | 5.0 | Continuous — the job is conversations |
| Working with your hands | 4.6 | Handling tools, instruments or materials |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Employers usually ask for a doctorate or a professional degree. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- A doctorate or professional degree 76%
- A master's degree 14%
- A certificate or some college 10%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Medical software
- Spreadsheet software
- Word processing software
- Electronic mail software
- Analytical or scientific software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 2,600
- Job openings each year
- 90
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- 13.0%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 2,600 | 90 | 13.0% |
| Texas | 1,160 | 40 | 16.0% |
| Ohio | 820 | 20 | −1.2% |
| Pennsylvania | 730 | 20 | 5.8% |
| Florida | 710 | 20 | 12.7% |
| Illinois | 480 | 10 | 2.1% |
| Maryland | 450 | 10 | 4.7% |
| Iowa | 280 | 10 | 12.0% |
| Tennessee | 280 | 10 | 12.0% |
| Connecticut | 270 | 10 | — |
| Nevada | 270 | 10 | — |
| Georgia | 260 | 10 | 13.0% |
| Indiana | 250 | 10 | 4.2% |
| Michigan | 240 | 10 | 4.3% |
| Wisconsin | 230 | 10 | 9.5% |
| Oregon | 210 | 10 | 10.5% |
| Arizona | 180 | 10 | 20.0% |
| North Carolina | 180 | 10 | 12.5% |
| Virginia | 180 | 10 | 12.5% |
| New Jersey | 170 | 10 | 6.3% |
| Colorado | 150 | 0 | 7.1% |
| Minnesota | 150 | 0 | 7.1% |
| Montana | 130 | 10 | 8.3% |
| Massachusetts | 110 | 0 | 10.0% |
| Arkansas | 80 | 0 | 14.3% |
| Louisiana | 80 | 0 | — |
| South Dakota | 80 | 0 | 14.3% |
| South Carolina | 70 | 0 | 16.7% |
| New Hampshire | 60 | 0 | 20.0% |
| Maine | 50 | 0 | — |
| Nebraska | 40 | 0 | — |
| Puerto Rico | 40 | 0 | 33.3% |
| Kentucky | 20 | 0 | — |
| North Dakota | 20 | 0 | — |
Career to college
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Start with a related major, then compare colleges where students complete that field.