Optometrist Job Description
An optometrist is a medical specialist concerned the care of human vision. Though not medical doctors, optometrists are authorized to diagnose and treat diseases of the eye through various means.
The earliest attempts to correct human vision dates back some 1,000 years, but optometry did not become an established profession until the early 1900s. The approximately 34,000 optometrists employed in the U.S. today have an important role as primary eye care providers.
Optometrists in the U.S. are considered Doctors of Optometry. They are trained and licensed to check a person’s eyesight through the latest medical techniques and equipment and can offer corrective measures with eyeglasses and contact lenses. Optometrists can also administer topical medications, such as eye drops used in the treatment of glaucoma, drugs that are injected and, in most American states, can provide prescription drugs for the purpose of fighting bacterial infections or relieving pain. Some optometrists are trained in minor surgical techniques, such as the removal of foreign material from the eye or the repair of the cornea. Some are also authorized to perform laser surgery that is useful in treating certain eye disorders.
Besides having knowledge of the system of human vision, optometrists directly serve the public on a highly personalized basis. It is therefore important for them to have great decision-making capabilities. They must be able to administer tests and evaluate the needs of each of their patients. In the event that treatment is needed for a specific vision problem, they have to decide what procedure is best in each case and whether more extensive treatment is needed. Interpersonal skills are important for those in the profession because of the need to deal with the issues facing patients and to discuss the best course of action should any problems be identified.
Optometrist Salary Statistics as of 2015
Average annual salary for a Optometrist is $97191 based on statistics in the U.S. as of 2015. The highest salary recorded was $128671. The lowest salary was $64103. These figures will vary on a state to state basis as these are averages across all 50 states.
Median hourly wage for a Optometrist is $52.23 based on statistics in the U.S. as of 2015. The highest hourly rate recorded was $67.87. The lowest hourly rate recorded was $36.59. These figures will vary on a state to state basis as these are averages across all 50 states.
Bonuses for a Optometrist are based on the years of experience using statistics from the U.S. as of 2015. The average bonus recorded was $75 from people with 15+ years of experience. The average bonus recorded was $992 from people with under 1 year of experience.
These are the highest paying states for a Optometrist. These numbers are based of the median annual salary as of 2015.
California – $58,007 – $136,343
Florida – $46,773 – $132,217
Massachusetts – $74,497 – $110,360
New Jersey – $60,000 – $114,803
New York – $78,297 – $127,661
Pennsylvania – $51,064 – $119,814
Texas – $59,578 – $114,874
These are the highest paying cities for a Optometrist. These numbers are based of the median annual salary as of 2015.
Houston, Texas –
Los Angeles, California –
Chicago, Illinois –
Dallas, Texas –
Atlanta, Georgia –
New York, New York –
Austin, Texas –
This chart outlines the average annual salary of a Optometrist from the past 5 years. In 2015 the average annual salary was $97191 while in 2007 it was just $90133.24
