Skip navigation

Optometrists - 29-1041.00

O*NET-SOC Description

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.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Optometrist
  • Optometry Doctor (OD)
  • Therapeutic Optometrist

SOC Occupation Groups

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Analyze test results and develop a treatment plan.
  • Consult with and refer patients to ophthalmologist or other health care practitioner if additional medical treatment is determined necessary.
  • Educate and counsel patients on contact lens care, visual hygiene, lighting arrangements, and safety factors.
  • 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 medications to treat eye diseases if state laws permit.
  • Prescribe therapeutic procedures to correct or conserve vision.
  • Prescribe, supply, fit and adjust eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other vision aids.
  • Provide patients undergoing eye surgeries, such as cataract and laser vision correction, with pre- and post-operative care.
  • Provide vision therapy and low-vision rehabilitation.
  • Remove foreign bodies from the eye.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Analyze test data or images to inform diagnosis or treatment.
  • Collaborate with healthcare professionals to plan or provide treatment.
  • Develop medical treatment plans.
  • Fit eyeglasses, contact lenses, or other vision aids.
  • Monitor patients following surgeries or other treatments.
  • Prescribe assistive medical devices or related treatments.
  • Prescribe medications.
  • Prescribe treatments or therapies.
  • Refer patients to other healthcare practitioners or health resources.
  • Test patient vision.
  • Train patients, family members, or caregivers in techniques for managing disabilities or illnesses.
  • Treat acute illnesses, infections, or injuries.
  • Treat chronic diseases or disorders.

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Aeromedical Evacuation (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Allied Sciences (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Behavioral Sciences (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Eye Specialist (Army - Enlisted)
  • Health Services (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Medical Service Corps Officer (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Ophthalmic Manager (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Ophthalmologist (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Ophthalmologist (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Ophthalmologist (Navy - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Ophthalmologist, Cornea/External Disease (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Ophthalmologist, Glaucoma (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Ophthalmologist, Neuro-Ophthalmology (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Ophthalmologist, Oculoplastics (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Ophthalmologist, Pathology (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Ophthalmologist, Strabismus/Pediatrics (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Ophthalmologist, Vitreous/Retina (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Optician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Optometrist (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Optometrist (Navy - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Optometrist (Navy - Warrant Officer only)
  • Optometrist (Space Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Optometry (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Optometry (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Optometry (Coast Guard - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Optometry (Navy - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Optometry Apprentice, Ophthalmology (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Optometry Craftsman, Ophthalmology (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Optometry Helper, Ophthalmology (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Optometry Journeyman, Ophthalmology (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Pharmacy (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Podiatry (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Preventive Medicine Sciences (Army - Commissioned Officer only)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

No information available.

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Optometrist