Do you care about the health of your eyes? Are you skilled at using special tools? Do you enjoy interacting with people? If so, becoming an optometrist may be the perfect career choice for you. Optometrists play a crucial role in assessing, diagnosing, treating, and correcting various eye disorders and diseases.

Optometrist Duties and Responsibilities

Optometrists perform a range of duties, which include:

  • Measuring patients' eyes and vision
  • Prescribing and providing eyeglasses and contact lenses
  • Diagnosing eye diseases and vision disorders
  • Prescribing medications for eye diseases
  • Removing non-penetrating foreign bodies from the eye
  • Providing post-surgery care for procedures like cataract and refractive surgery
  • Prescribing eye exercises for accurate and comfortable vision
  • Correcting low vision
  • Educating patients on preventing and treating eye diseases, proper contact lens care, the importance of good lighting, wearing sunglasses or tints, and eye safety at home and work
  • Referring patients to ophthalmologists or family doctors when necessary
  • Treating glaucoma
  • Consulting with other healthcare providers
  • Sharing patients' eye health information with other professionals like teachers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and school psychologists

Additional Tasks and Information

In addition to these duties, optometrists can also offer guidance to parents regarding potential eye hazards and diagnose vision-related problems that may impede children's learning. They may also consult with industrial safety personnel on employee selection and placement. Furthermore, optometrists can treat low-vision patients by using specialized magnifying devices.

Work Environment and Skills

Optometrists have the flexibility to work in various settings, whether rural or urban. Many optometrists are self-employed and run their own offices, while others work in shops. Some optometrists may also have evening and weekend availability. Those with established practices typically remain in the same location throughout their careers. To be successful, optometrists should have excellent communication skills, both in speaking and listening. They should also possess strong interpersonal skills and maintain good general health and sharp vision. Optometrists should demonstrate a caring demeanor and have the ability to interpret test results and identify visual defects through spatial and form perception.

Next Steps in Your Optometrist Career

For those interested in pursuing a career as an optometrist, the following National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes are relevant:

  • 2006 NOC: Optometrists (3121)
  • 2006 NOC-S: Optometrists (D021)
  • 2011 NOC: Optometrists (3121)
  • 2016 NOC: Optometrists (3121)
  • 2021 NOC: Optometrists (31111)

By considering these aspects and pursuing the necessary education and certifications, you can embark on a rewarding and fulfilling career as an optometrist while positively impacting the eye health of others.

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