A satisfying career caring for people’s vision.
What's it like to be an Optometrist?
An Optometrist is a health care professional who provides primary eyecare through comprehensive eye examinations to detect and treat various visual abnormalities and eye diseases. They have an intimate knowledge of the workings of the eye and visual systems. Optometrists use a variety of complex techniques and instruments to understand their patients’ needs.
Tasks and duties
- Conducting eye examinations by taking a detailed case history to determine what visual problems the patient may be experiencing, as well as other relevant information about their health and visual needs.
- Performing tests in order to detect and diagnose eye disease, such as glaucoma.
- Advising patients on their best treatment options. This may include prescribing suitable spectacles, contact lenses or eye exercises, prescribing medications to treat infections or other eye diseases, or giving advice on lighting, visual habits or other issues.
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To work as an Optometrist, you will need to complete a degree in
optometry that is accredited by the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand (OCANZ).How to become an Optometrist
Courses with in-demand skills
Choose a course valued by hirers and studied by real Optometrists on SEEK. The skills in each course match the top skills hirers are currently seeking in Optometrist candidates, so you can study, graduate and work with confidence.
Hi there, have any of these? Add your skills directly to your SEEK Profile.Skills and experience employers are looking for
Patient Care
AHPRA Registration
Results Focused
Problem Identification
Solutions Focused
Rapport Building
Multitasking
Customer Service
Team Work
Skills listed in your SEEK Profile
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Source: SEEK job ads and SEEK Profile data
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How do
Optometrists rate their role? Average ratings calculated from 14 Optometrists surveyed on SEEK Career progression opportunities Job market trends for OptometristsIs Optometrist the right role for me?
Source: SEEK job ads and SEEK Role Reviews
Latest reviews from 12 Optometrists surveyed
on SEEK Optometry is as satisfying as you make it, but you need to find the right work environment for you and put in the effort. Reviewer's Qualification Bachelor of Optometry/Bachelor of Science Organisation size I'm self-employed Specialisation Primary Eye Care The good things This
is a career that offers much flexibility in hours and days. Don't do it for the money. The best thing about it is the satisfaction you get from helping patients, looking after them long-term, var... The challenges You won't make millions unless you get very creative with business and expand. However, you can make a decent income. There are many retail pressures, and many of my colleagues are burnt out from work... Read moreLatest Optometrist reviews
Reviewer's Qualification
Bachelor of Optometry
Organisation size
Small (1-19 employees)
Specialisation
Laser vision surgery
The good things
Great salary and very easy job. Work life balance is good especially for women with children
The challenges
Very little career progression and not much variety
Read more
Source: SEEK Role Reviews
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Source: SEEK job ads and SEEK Profile data