Healthcare practitioners
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.
Median pay
$300,080
Growth to 2035
+5%
about as fast as average
Openings a year
200
Time to qualify*
7 years
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Ophthalmologists, except pediatric
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Doctoral or professional degree
- On-the-job training
- Internship/residency
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Hazardous conditions
Exposure to disease
Ophthalmologists, except pediatric: 49% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- Perform comprehensive examinations of the visual system to determine the nature or extent of ocular disorders.
- Diagnose or treat injuries, disorders, or diseases of the eye and eye structures including the cornea, sclera, conjunctiva, or eyelids.
- Provide or direct the provision of postoperative care.
- Develop or implement plans and procedures for ophthalmologic services.
- Prescribe or administer topical or systemic medications to treat ophthalmic conditions and to manage pain.
- Develop treatment plans based on patients' histories and goals, the nature and severity of disorders, and treatment risks and benefits.
- Perform ophthalmic surgeries such as cataract, glaucoma, refractive, corneal, vitro-retinal, eye muscle, or oculoplastic surgeries.
- Educate patients about maintenance and promotion of healthy vision.
Also called: Clinical Ophthalmologist · Cornea Specialist · Glaucoma Specialist · Oculoplastic Specialist · Ophthalmic Surgeon · Ophthalmologist · Ophthalmologist Specialist · Physician
Outlook and AI
Ophthalmologists, except pediatric held 9,700 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 10,200 by 2035 (+5%, about as fast as average; all jobs: +3.5%).
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