Occupational Employment Statistics
29-1041 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. Ophthalmologists are included in “Physicians and Surgeons, All Other” (29-1069).
Southwest Minnesota
| 40 | 8 | $66.03/hr | $48.41/hr | $49.77/hr | $60.13/hr | $78.49/hr | >$100/hr |
Minnesota
| 750 | 68 | $68.35/hr | $50.08/hr | $53.43/hr | $67.96/hr | $78.81/hr | $85.35/hr |
U S
| 41,390 | 704 | $70.83/hr | $32.18/hr | $50.35/hr | $65.30/hr | $80.27/hr | >$100/hr |
Trade, Transportation and Utilities | 60 | $59.31/hr |
Education and Health Services | 670 | $68.09/hr |
Public Administration | N/A | N/A |
- 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.
- Prescribe, supply, fit and adjust eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other vision aids.
- Analyze test results and develop a treatment plan.
- Educate and counsel patients on contact lens care, visual hygiene, lighting arrangements, and safety factors.
- Consult with and refer patients to ophthalmologist or other health care practitioner if additional medical treatment is determined necessary.
- Prescribe therapeutic procedures to correct or conserve vision.
- 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.
- Provide patients undergoing eye surgeries, such as cataract and laser vision correction, with pre- and post-operative care.
- Prescribe medications to treat eye diseases if state laws permit.