Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
Examines the visual system in detail, then treats injuries and diseases of the eye and nearby structures such as the cornea, eyelids, and conjunctiva. Treatment plans weigh the patient's history and goals against the severity of the problem and the risks of each option, and may include medicines, glasses or contacts, or surgery. Operations can include cataract, glaucoma, refractive, corneal, vitreoretinal, eye-muscle, or oculoplastic procedures, with postoperative care afterward. Patients are also taught how to maintain healthy vision. Fits people who prefer detailed examination of small structures, surgical treatment, and walking patients through treatment choices.
Typical education: Post-Doctoral Training
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$300'080
Median Wage Market Position
$300'080
What you might do
- Examine the eyes to find disease or injury
- Diagnose and treat diseases of the cornea and eyelids
- Perform cataract, glaucoma, and other eye surgeries
- Prescribe medicines for eye conditions and pain
- Plan treatment from history, goals, and surgical risk
- Guide patients through care after eye surgery
Skills that matter
- Comprehensive exams of the visual system
- Diagnosing disease of the eye and eyelids
- Performing cataract and glaucoma surgery
- Prescribing topical and systemic eye medicines
- Directing postoperative eye care
- Educating patients on healthy vision
AI & the future of this role
Screening tools and imaging analysis could speed routine assessments, but microsurgery, clinical judgment, and liability for sight-critical care remain firmly human. Licensed specialists who operate and manage complex eye disease still hold a durable role.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details