DETAILED OCCUPATION DATA
29-1041 Optometrists
Occupational 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. Ophthalmologists are included in “Physicians and Surgeons, All Other” (29-1069).| Percentiles | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geography | Employment | Emp SE* | Mean | Mean SE* | 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
| Central Minnesota | 50 | 11 | $63.90/hr | $8.60/hr | $38.17/hr | $44.61/hr | $54.68/hr | $67.65/hr | >$80.00/hr |
| Minnesota | 710 | 232 | $48.31/hr | $2.46/hr | $25.88/hr | $28.92/hr | $43.97/hr | $54.98/hr | $70.62/hr |
| U S | 29,180 | 817 | $53.52/hr | $0.75/hr | $25.63/hr | $36.60/hr | $47.67/hr | $62.61/hr | >$80.00/hr |
| *SE = Standard error, a measure of the statistical reliability of the estimate. | |||||||||
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| Occupation (click title for details) | OES | Projections | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment | Median Wage | % Change 2010 - 2020 | |
| Dental Assistants | 260 | $21.22/hr | 23.5% |
| Physician Assistants | 170 | $44.55/hr | 31.4% |
| Respiratory Therapists | 100 | $31.28/hr | 17.7% |
Tasks for Optometrists
- 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.