Occupation AtlasOptometrists
O*NET · 29-1041.00
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.
Also called OD · Optometrist · Optometry Doctor (OD) · Therapeutic Optometrist
Compare with another occupationCompare with Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 5: Extensive Preparation Needed
Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree, with extensive skill, knowledge and experience — many of these occupations expect more than five years of experience.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
ISRInvestigative · Social · Realistic — the three strongest interests, in order
- I Investigative5.78
- S Social5.02
- R Realistic4.80
- C Conventional3.92
- E Enterprising2.27
- A Artistic1.60
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- None (52%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- None (38%)
- On-the-job training
- Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (52%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- SpeakingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- WritingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
- SciencebasicImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Conduct product tests to ensure safety standards are met
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.4Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.4Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
- CoordinationImportance 3.4Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
- Service OrientationImportance 3.3Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
Show the other 23
- PersuasionImportance 3.3Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
- InstructingImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
- Time ManagementImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Direct the activities of a road repair crew with minimal disruption of traffic flow
- Systems AnalysisImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
- Systems EvaluationImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
- MathematicsbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- NegotiationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.5Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- Operation and ControlImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
- Operations AnalysisImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
- Operations MonitoringImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
- TroubleshootingImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
- ProgrammingImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
- Technology DesignImportance 1.9Level 0.9
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
10 coreWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- 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.Importance 5.0
- Analyze test results and develop a treatment plan.Importance 5.0
- Prescribe, supply, fit and adjust eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other vision aids.Importance 4.8
- Prescribe medications to treat eye diseases if state laws permit.Importance 4.8
- Educate and counsel patients on contact lens care, visual hygiene, lighting arrangements, and safety factors.Importance 4.7
- Remove foreign bodies from the eye.Importance 4.6
- Provide patients undergoing eye surgeries, such as cataract and laser vision correction, with pre- and post-operative care.Importance 4.6
- Consult with and refer patients to ophthalmologist or other health care practitioner if additional medical treatment is determined necessary.Importance 4.5
- Prescribe therapeutic procedures to correct or conserve vision.Importance 4.4
- Provide vision therapy and low-vision rehabilitation.Importance 4.1
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 4.8Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Fill a tooth cavity
- BiologyImportance 4.5Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Investigate the effects of pollution on marine plants and animals
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 4.4Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- English LanguageImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- Education and TrainingImportance 3.6Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- MathematicsImportance 3.6Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 3.6Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Provide job counseling to the unemployed
- Administration and ManagementImportance 3.5Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
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- PsychologyImportance 3.5Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
- Economics and AccountingImportance 3.3Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Develop financial investment programs for individual clients
- PhysicsImportance 3.3Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Calculate the speed of a falling object
- AdministrativeImportance 3.2Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.2Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- Law and GovernmentImportance 3.2Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 3.2Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
- Sales and MarketingImportance 3.1Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
- ChemistryImportance 2.9Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Use the proper concentration of chlorine to purify a water source
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.7Level 2.6
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 2.4Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 2.3Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
- TelecommunicationsImportance 2.3Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- Production and ProcessingImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
- MechanicalImportance 1.9Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.8Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.8Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
- DesignImportance 1.5Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
- GeographyImportance 1.3Level —
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.3Level —
- TransportationImportance 1.3Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.2Level —
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.1Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.0Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.1Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Problem SensitivityImportance 4.1Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 4.0Level 4.8Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
- Near VisionImportance 4.0Level 4.6Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Written ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
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- Information OrderingImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Written ExpressionImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Finger DexterityImportance 3.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Attach small dials to audio equipment on an assembly line
- Far VisionImportance 3.3Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
- Control PrecisionImportance 3.1Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
- Manual DexterityImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
- Time SharingImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
- VisualizationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Number FacilityImportance 2.9Level 3.5Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
- OriginalityImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Depth PerceptionImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
- MemorizationImportance 2.4Level 2.9
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 2.3Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Rate ControlImportance 2.0Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
- Reaction TimeImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
- Trunk StrengthImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
- Static StrengthImportance 1.9Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
- Response OrientationImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.3Level —
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.1Level —
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.1Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
- StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 4.8Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.8Level 6.1Level 7 looks like: Make the final decision about a company's 5-year plan
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.8Level 6.1Level 7 looks like: Learn information related to a complex and rapidly changing technology
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.7Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Getting InformationImportance 4.7Level 6.0Level 7 looks like: Study international tax laws
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 4.6Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Processing InformationImportance 4.6Level 5.6
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 4.5Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
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- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 4.5Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.3Level 5.7
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.2Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.1Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.1Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 4.1Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.9Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.9Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.9Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.7Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.7Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 3.7Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.7Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.7Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.7Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.6Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.6Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.6Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 3.5Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.4Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.3Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 3.3Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.3Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 3.2Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.2Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 3.2Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Interview candidates for a sales position and make hiring recommendations
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 3.1Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.4Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
27 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (4)
- Apple Safarihot
- Microsoft Edgehot
- Mozilla Firefoxhot
- Web browser software
Hot (5; 3 more marked hot above)
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft SQL Server
- Microsoft Word
Other tools (18)
- Accra Med Software Filopto
- AltaPoint Data Systems AltaPoint Vision
- Babcock Winx Pro
- Compulink Business Systems Eyecare Advantage
- Digital Healthcare OptoMize
- First Insight E-Z Frame
- First Insight MaximEyes
- HealthLine Systems Eyecom
- Insight Software My Vision Express
- MAX Systems Max-Gold7
- MediNotes Charting Plus
- OfficeMate Software Solutions ExamWRITER
- OfficeMate Software Solutions OfficeMate
- Operational Data Store ODS software
- Prima Systems OPTIX
- Scheduling software
- Universal Software Solutions VersaVision
- VisionScience Software Acuity Pro
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
Average difference 0.2 points · Social Perceptiveness −0.8, Active Learning +0.7
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Medical Dosimetrists
Average difference 0.2 points · Mathematics +0.5, Negotiation −0.5
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Physician Assistants
Average difference 0.2 points · Operation and Control −1.3, Active Learning +0.8
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Conservation Scientists
Average difference 0.2 points · Social Perceptiveness −0.6, Critical Thinking −0.6
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Occupational Health and Safety Technicians
Average difference 0.2 points · Science −1.0, Operations Monitoring +0.8
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Physicians, Pathologists
Average difference 0.2 points · Active Learning +0.9, Social Perceptiveness −0.8
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Neurologists
Average difference 0.2 points · Operation and Control −1.0, Monitoring +0.7
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians
Average difference 0.2 points · Active Learning +0.7, Complex Problem Solving +0.6
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.