Optometrists

Also called : Optometrist, Optometry Doctor (OD), Therapeutic Optometrist

What they do

Diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system. Examine eyes and visual system, diagnose problems or impairments, prescribe corrective lenses, and provide treatment. May prescribe therapeutic drugs to treat specific eye conditions.

On the job, one would

Examine eyes, using observation, instruments, and pharmaceutical agents, to determine visual acuity and perception, focus, and coordination and to diagnose diseases and other abnormalities, such as glaucoma or color blindness.

Analyze test results and develop a treatment plan.

Prescribe, supply, fit and adjust eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other vision aids.

Prescribe medications to treat eye diseases if state laws permit.

Educate and counsel patients on contact lens care, visual hygiene, lighting arrangements, and safety factors.

KNOWLEDGE

Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.

Biology
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

SKILLS

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.

Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

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

Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

ABILITIES

Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

PERSONALITY

People interested in this work, will do well at jobs that need;

Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Concern for Others
Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.

Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.

Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.

Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.

Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.

Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

Social Orientation
Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.

Related Occupations

TECHNOLOGY

Accounting software

Calendar and scheduling software

Data base user interface and query software

Medical software

Spreadsheet software

Word processing software

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Preparation
Extensive Preparation Needed
Education
Graduate Degree or higher.
Experience
Extensive skills, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations.
Jobtraining
Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.