DETAILED OCCUPATION DATA

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).

Occupational Employment Statistics(OES) Wage Data
Wages Updated to Third Quarter, 2012

					Percentiles
Geography	Employment	Emp SE*	Mean	Mean SE*	10th	25th	Median	75th	90th
Minnesota	820	244	$48.83/hr	$3.08/hr	$25.39/hr	$28.25/hr	$42.79/hr	$55.18/hr	>$80.00/hr
U S	27,950	811	$52.91/hr	$0.85/hr	$25.39/hr	$35.31/hr	$46.52/hr	$60.98/hr	>$80.00/hr
*SE = Standard error, a measure of the statistical reliability of the estimate.

Other Regional Data For Optometrists Geography (click title for details) OES Projections Employment Median Wage % Change  -  EDR 11 - 7 County Twin Cities 560 $39.19/hr N/A EDR 10 - Southeast 40 $53.75/hr N/A EDR 3 - Arrowhead 40 $39.98/hr N/A EDR 7W- Central 20 $50.15/hr N/A EDR 9 - South Central 20 $56.76/hr N/A EDR 4 - West Central 20 $44.58/hr N/A EDR 6E- Southwest Central 10 $58.90/hr N/A

Related Occupations

Occupation (click title for details)	OES		Projections
	Employment	Median Wage	% Change  -
Physician Assistants	20	$44.39/hr	N/A
Respiratory Therapists	10	$28.52/hr	N/A

• Prescribes eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other vision aids or therapeutic procedures to correct or conserve vision.
• Consults with and refers patients to ophthalmologist or other health care practitioner if additional medical treatment is determined necessary.
• Prescribes medications to treat eye diseases if state laws permit.
• Examines eyes to determine visual acuity and perception and to diagnose diseases and other abnormalities, such as glaucoma and color blindness.