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.
SOC: 29-1241.00
Common Job Titles
Glaucoma Specialist
Ophthalmologist
Physician
Retina Specialist
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
KnowledgeEvaluate diagnostic imaging results, visual field tests, and ocular pathology using slit lamps, optical coherence tomography, and scanning laser ophthalmoscopes to diagnose eye diseases.
Advanced
Hands-onPerform microsurgical procedures on ocular structures using surgical microscopes, ophthalmic lasers, and precision instruments under sterile conditions.
Advanced
KnowledgeAnalyze comprehensive patient examination data including corneal topography, retinal scans, and intraocular pressure measurements to develop evidence-based treatment plans for complex ophthalmic conditions.
Advanced
KnowledgeSynthesize current ophthalmic research, emerging surgical techniques, and clinical guidelines to continuously update practice protocols and maintain board certification.
Advanced
KnowledgeInterpret complex clinical findings and test results to explain diagnoses, prognoses, and treatment rationales to patients and interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
Advanced
Hands-onExecute precisely laser refractive procedures and intraocular surgeries coordinating hand-eye movements with microscope visualization and specialized instrumentation.
Advanced
KnowledgeFormulate individualized treatment strategies for disorders including cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal diseases considering patient comorbidities, medication interactions, and evidence-based best practices.
Advanced
MindsetModel professional ethical standards and patient-centered care principles when training residents, supervising clinical staff, and collaborating with referring physicians.
Advanced
MindsetIntegrate patient concerns and preferences with clinical evidence and surgical risks when counseling patients on treatment options including surgery, medications, and corrective lenses.
Proficient
Hands-onOperate advanced diagnostic equipment including autorefractors, phoropters, and corneal topographers to obtain precise measurements for vision correction and surgical planning.
Proficient
MindsetAdvocate for patient safety and quality standards in surgical and clinical ophthalmology while managing practice operations and coordinating with healthcare staff.
Proficient
KnowledgeAssess pre-operative and post-operative patient status including complications and healing progress through systematic monitoring and documentation in electronic health record systems.
Proficient
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
12,110
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $104,240. 25th percentile: U.S. $181,490. 50th percentile: U.S. $239,200. 75th percentile: U.S. $239,200. 90th percentile: U.S. $239,200. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$104,240
10% of workers earn the following or more
$239,200+
Workers on average earn
$301,500
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Medicine and Dentistry4.5/5
English Language4.4/5
Customer and Personal Service4.1/5
Biology3.8/5
Administration and Management3.6/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
