Healthcare
Optometrists
Diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system. Examine eyes and visual system, diagnose problems or impairments, prescribe corrective lenses, and provide treatment. May prescribe therapeutic drugs to treat specific eye conditions.
Median salary (BLS)
$136,570
10th–90th percentile (BLS)
$75k – $202k
Job outlook
+8% (faster than average)
AI exposure
Early-career check: graduates of the matching programs below typically earn $93,000 ten years after starting college — an early-career figure, vs. the all-experience BLS median above. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Plan a path to Optometrists
Education
Typical entry: Doctorate / professional (MD, JD, PhD)
Plan my path to this →Typical progression
Junior Optometrists
Entry / Junior
$74,870
~2 yrs to advance
Optometrists
Established
$136,570
~3 yrs to advance
Senior Optometrists
Senior
$169,375
Key skills
A typical day
- •Examine eyes, using observation, instruments, and pharmaceutical agents, to determine visual acuity and perception, focus, and coordination and to diagnose diseases and other abnormalities, such as glaucoma or color blindness.
- •Analyze test results and develop a treatment plan.
- •Prescribe, supply, fit and adjust eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other vision aids.
- •Prescribe medications to treat eye diseases if state laws permit.
- •Educate and counsel patients on contact lens care, visual hygiene, lighting arrangements, and safety factors.
Fields of study
Any field
Top colleges for Healthcare
Explore all- Johns Hopkins University7% admit · $93,000 grad pay
- Harvard University4% admit · $119,000 grad pay
- University of Michigan18% admit · $87,000 grad pay
- Duke University6% admit · $105,000 grad pay
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill19% admit · $73,000 grad pay
Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.