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Life As an Ophthalmologist

Ophthalmologist Definition Diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases and injuries of the eyes and related structures.

Life As an Ophthalmologist

  • Perform ophthalmic surgeries such as cataract, glaucoma, refractive, corneal, vitro-retinal, eye muscle, or oculoplastic surgeries.
  • Perform laser surgeries to alter, remove, reshape, or replace ocular tissue.
  • Document or evaluate patients’ medical histories.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of health professionals to provide optimal patient care.
  • Conduct clinical or laboratory-based research in ophthalmology.
  • Perform comprehensive examinations of the visual system to determine the nature or extent of ocular disorders.

What an Ophthalmologist Should Know

Ophthalmologists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

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.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.

Types of Ophthalmologist Jobs

  • Medical Doctor
  • Vitreo-Retinal Surgeon
  • Retina Subspecialist
  • General Ophthalmologist
  • MD

Job Opportunities 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. The BLS estimates 14,300 yearly job openings in this field.

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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.

Ophthalmologist Salary

The salary for Ophthalmologists ranges between about $60,280 and $208,000 a year.

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Ophthalmologists who work in Alaska, Arizona, or Colorado, make the highest salaries.

Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Ophthalmologists in different U.S. states.

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

What Tools do Ophthalmologists Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Ophthalmologists may use on a daily basis:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Email software
  • Bizmatics PrognoCIS EMR
  • Greenway Medical Technologies PrimeSUITE
  • GalacTek ECLIPSE
  • Allscripts PM
  • Automatic Data Processing AdvancedMD EHR
  • Benchmark Systems Benchmark Clinical EHR
  • CareCloud Central
  • Cerner PowerWorks Practice Management
  • Epic Practice Management
  • GE Healthcare Centricity Practice Solution
  • HealthFusion MediTouch
  • 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

How do I Become an Ophthalmologist?

What education is needed to be an Ophthalmologist?

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How Long Does it Take to Become an Ophthalmologist?

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References:

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More about our data sources and methodologies.

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