All About Ophthalmologists
Ophthalmologist Definition Diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases and injuries of the eyes and related structures.
Life As an Ophthalmologist: What Do They Do?
- Refer patients for more specialized treatments when conditions exceed the experience, expertise, or scope of practice of practitioner.
- Diagnose or treat injuries, disorders, or diseases of the eye and eye structures including the cornea, sclera, conjunctiva, or eyelids.
- Prescribe or administer topical or systemic medications to treat ophthalmic conditions and to manage pain.
- Perform, order, or interpret the results of diagnostic or clinical tests.
- Instruct interns, residents, or others in ophthalmologic procedures and techniques.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of health professionals to provide optimal patient care.
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Ophthalmologist Required Skills
Below is a list of the skills most Ophthalmologists say are important on the job.
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- General Ophthalmologist
- Physician/Ophthalmologist
- Medical Director
- Physician
- Physician, Ophthalmologist
Job Outlook for Ophthalmologists
In the United States, there were 372,400 jobs for Ophthalmologist in 2016. 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.

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.
What is the Average Salary of an Ophthalmologist
The typical yearly salary for Ophthalmologists is somewhere between $60,280 and $208,000.

Ophthalmologists who work in Alaska, Arizona, or Colorado, make the highest salaries.
How much do Ophthalmologists make 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 |
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
Becoming an Ophthalmologist
Education needed to be an Ophthalmologist:

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where Ophthalmologists Are Employed

The table below shows the approximate number of Ophthalmologists employed by various industries.

References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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