What Does it Take to Be an Ophthalmologist?
Job Description: Diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases and injuries of the eyes and related structures.
List of Ophthalmologist Job Duties
- Perform comprehensive examinations of the visual system to determine the nature or extent of ocular disorders.
- Provide ophthalmic consultation to other medical professionals.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of health professionals to provide optimal patient care.
- Perform laser surgeries to alter, remove, reshape, or replace ocular tissue.
- Diagnose or treat injuries, disorders, or diseases of the eye and eye structures including the cornea, sclera, conjunctiva, or eyelids.
- Conduct clinical or laboratory-based research in ophthalmology.
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What an Ophthalmologist Should Know
When polled, Ophthalmologists say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Types of Ophthalmologist
- Ophthalmologist-Retina Specialist
- MD
- Retina Subspecialist
- Refractive Surgeon
- Ophthalmologist
Is There Going to be Demand for Ophthalmologists?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 372,400 jobs in the United States for Ophthalmologist. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 11.4% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 42,300 new jobs for Ophthalmologist by 2026. There will be an estimated 14,300 positions for Ophthalmologist per year.
The states with the most job growth for Ophthalmologist are Arizona, Alaska, and Utah. Watch out if you plan on working in Connecticut, Rhode Island, or Illinois. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does an Ophthalmologist Make?
The salary for Ophthalmologists ranges between about $60,280 and $208,000 a year.
Ophthalmologists who work in Alaska, Arizona, or Colorado, make the highest salaries.
How much do Ophthalmologists make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $183,510 |
Alaska | $244,220 |
Arizona | $229,090 |
Arkansas | $165,290 |
California | $208,740 |
Colorado | $219,310 |
Connecticut | $221,870 |
Delaware | $216,600 |
District of Columbia | $182,910 |
Florida | $205,020 |
Georgia | $235,060 |
Hawaii | $228,470 |
Idaho | $241,670 |
Illinois | $183,780 |
Indiana | $237,470 |
Iowa | $219,300 |
Kansas | $191,430 |
Kentucky | $223,770 |
Louisiana | $183,920 |
Maine | $257,550 |
Maryland | $196,210 |
Massachusetts | $207,990 |
Michigan | $181,760 |
Minnesota | $245,040 |
Mississippi | $174,340 |
Missouri | $203,440 |
Montana | $247,260 |
Nebraska | $161,880 |
Nevada | $227,500 |
New Hampshire | $275,840 |
New Jersey | $208,820 |
New Mexico | $229,100 |
New York | $171,060 |
North Carolina | $198,040 |
North Dakota | $266,510 |
Ohio | $212,160 |
Oklahoma | $155,130 |
Oregon | $202,750 |
Pennsylvania | $195,810 |
Rhode Island | $209,580 |
South Carolina | $185,210 |
South Dakota | $227,710 |
Tennessee | $231,960 |
Texas | $199,370 |
Utah | $218,210 |
Vermont | $176,520 |
Virginia | $199,080 |
Washington | $239,080 |
West Virginia | $222,270 |
Wisconsin | $239,610 |
Wyoming | $234,610 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Ophthalmologists
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Ophthalmologists:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Email software
- Bizmatics PrognoCIS EMR
- Greenway Medical Technologies PrimeSUITE
- GalacTek ECLIPSE
- Automatic Data Processing AdvancedMD EHR
- Cerner PowerWorks Practice Management
- Epic Practice Management
- GE Healthcare Centricity Practice Solution
- CareCloud Central
- Benchmark Systems Benchmark Clinical EHR
- Allscripts PM
- IOS Health Systems Medios EHR
- Kareo Practice Management
- McKesson Practice Plus
- Modernizing Medicine Practice Management
- NextGen Healthcare NextGen Practice Management
- Vitera Healthcare Solutions Vitera Intergy
- WRSHealth EMR
How do I Become an Ophthalmologist?
What education or degrees do I need to become an Ophthalmologist?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Ophthalmologists Sector
Below are examples of industries where Ophthalmologists work:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
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