Ophthalmologists

Diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases and injuries of the eyes and related structures.

Median Annual Wage: $187,200

Education: Post-doctoral training (75%); Doctoral degree (21%); High school diploma or equivalent (4%)

Projected Growth: Faster than average (15% to 21%)

Related Job Titles: Physician; Comprehensive Ophthalmologist; General Ophthalmologist; Ophthalmologist; Ophthalmologist-Retina Specialist; Pediatric Ophthalmologist; Retina Subspecialist; Retinal Surgeon; Vitreo-Retinal Surgeon; Director, Emergency Ophthalmology Services

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Ophthalmologists.

More Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Careers

  • Perform ophthalmic surgeries such as cataract, glaucoma, refractive, corneal, vitro-retinal, eye muscle, and oculoplastic surgeries.
  • Diagnose or treat injuries, disorders, or diseases of the eye and eye structures including the cornea, sclera, conjunctiva, or eyelids.
  • Document or evaluate patients' medical histories.
  • Provide or direct the provision of postoperative care.
  • Perform, order, or interpret the results of diagnostic or clinical tests.
  • Develop treatment plans based on patients' histories and goals, the nature and severity of disorders, and treatment risks and benefits.
  • Prescribe or administer topical or systemic medications to treat ophthalmic conditions and to manage pain.
  • Perform laser surgeries to alter, remove, reshape, or replace ocular tissue.
  • Provide ophthalmic consultation to other medical professionals.
  • Educate patients about maintenance and promotion of healthy vision.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of health professionals to provide optimal patient care.
  • Refer patients for more specialized treatments when conditions exceed the experience, expertise, or scope of practice of practitioner.
  • Develop or implement plans and procedures for ophthalmologic services.
  • Instruct interns, residents, or others in ophthalmologic procedures and techniques.
  • Prescribe ophthalmologic treatments or therapies such as chemotherapy, cryotherapy, and low vision therapy.
  • Prescribe corrective lenses such as glasses and contact lenses.
  • Conduct clinical or laboratory-based research in ophthalmology.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Ophthalmologists.

  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  • Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
  • Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Ophthalmologists.

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