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Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric

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.
  • Hands-onPerform microsurgical procedures on ocular structures using surgical microscopes, ophthalmic lasers, and precision instruments under sterile conditions.
  • KnowledgeAnalyze comprehensive patient examination data including corneal topography, retinal scans, and intraocular pressure measurements to develop evidence-based treatment plans for complex ophthalmic conditions.
  • KnowledgeSynthesize current ophthalmic research, emerging surgical techniques, and clinical guidelines to continuously update practice protocols and maintain board certification.
  • KnowledgeInterpret complex clinical findings and test results to explain diagnoses, prognoses, and treatment rationales to patients and interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
  • Hands-onExecute precisely laser refractive procedures and intraocular surgeries coordinating hand-eye movements with microscope visualization and specialized instrumentation.
  • KnowledgeFormulate individualized treatment strategies for disorders including cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal diseases considering patient comorbidities, medication interactions, and evidence-based best practices.
  • MindsetModel professional ethical standards and patient-centered care principles when training residents, supervising clinical staff, and collaborating with referring physicians.
  • MindsetIntegrate patient concerns and preferences with clinical evidence and surgical risks when counseling patients on treatment options including surgery, medications, and corrective lenses.
  • Hands-onOperate advanced diagnostic equipment including autorefractors, phoropters, and corneal topographers to obtain precise measurements for vision correction and surgical planning.
  • MindsetAdvocate for patient safety and quality standards in surgical and clinical ophthalmology while managing practice operations and coordinating with healthcare staff.
  • KnowledgeAssess pre-operative and post-operative patient status including complications and healing progress through systematic monitoring and documentation in electronic health record systems.

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.
MetricU.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

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

  • Epic Systems
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • eClinicalWorks EHR software

Technology Skills

  • Allscripts PM
  • Automatic Data Processing AdvancedMD EHR
  • Benchmark Systems Benchmark Clinical EHR
  • Bizmatics PrognoCIS EMR
  • CareCloud Central
  • Cerner PowerWorks Practice Management
  • Email software
  • Epic Practice Management
Tools & Technology: Technology Skills

Tools & Equipment

  • Automated external defibrillators AED
  • Autorefractors
  • Binocular indirect ophthalmoscopes
  • Conjunctival sac scissors
  • Corneal scissors
  • Corneal topographers
  • Diagnostic exophthalmometers
  • Diagnostic ophthalmoscope sets
Tools & Technology: Tools & Equipment