Optometrists

Job Zone

Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

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.100
Analyze test results and develop a treatment plan.99
Prescribe, supply, fit and adjust eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other vision aids.95
Prescribe medications to treat eye diseases if state laws permit.95
Educate and counsel patients on contact lens care, visual hygiene, lighting arrangements, and safety factors.93
Remove foreign bodies from the eye.89
Provide patients undergoing eye surgeries, such as cataract and laser vision correction, with pre- and post-operative care.89
Consult with and refer patients to ophthalmologist or other health care practitioner if additional medical treatment is determined necessary.88
Prescribe therapeutic procedures to correct or conserve vision.85
Provide vision therapy and low-vision rehabilitation.78

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Active Listening78
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 Thinking78
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension78
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Speaking75
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Writing75
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Social Perceptiveness72
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Science69
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Complex Problem Solving60
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Coordination60
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Judgment and Decision Making60
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Instructing56
Teaching others how to do something.
Monitoring56
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

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Persuasion56
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Service Orientation56
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Time Management56
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Active Learning53
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Learning Strategies53
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Management of Personnel Resources53
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Mathematics50
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Negotiation50
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Systems Analysis50
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation50
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Quality Control Analysis38
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Operation and Control31
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Management of Financial Resources28
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Management of Material Resources28
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Operations Analysis28
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Operations Monitoring28
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Troubleshooting25
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Programming22
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Technology Design22
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Equipment Maintenance0
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Equipment Selection0
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Repairing0
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Medicine and Dentistry95
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.
Biology88
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Customer and Personal Service85
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 Language73
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Mathematics66
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Education and Training64
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Therapy and Counseling64
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Administration and Management63
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Psychology63
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Economics and Accounting57
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Physics57
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Administrative56
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

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Computers and Electronics55
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Law and Government55
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Personnel and Human Resources55
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Sales and Marketing53
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Public Safety and Security50
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Chemistry48
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Communications and Media42
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Sociology and Anthropology36
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Engineering and Technology33
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Telecommunications33
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Production and Processing26
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Mechanical23
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Foreign Language19
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Philosophy and Theology19
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Design13
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Transportation8
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Geography7
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
History and Archeology7
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Fine Arts6
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Building and Construction4
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Food Production0
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Oral Expression78
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Problem Sensitivity78
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 Reasoning75
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning75
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Near Vision75
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Oral Comprehension75
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Written Comprehension75
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Flexibility of Closure72
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Information Ordering72
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Written Expression72
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Category Flexibility69
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Speech Clarity69
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

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Speech Recognition69
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Finger Dexterity66
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Far Vision56
The ability to see details at a distance.
Selective Attention56
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Arm-Hand Steadiness53
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Control Precision53
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Fluency of Ideas53
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Perceptual Speed53
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Visual Color Discrimination53
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Manual Dexterity50
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Mathematical Reasoning50
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Time Sharing50
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Visualization50
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Number Facility47
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Originality47
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Speed of Closure44
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Depth Perception35
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Memorization35
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Multilimb Coordination31
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Auditory Attention25
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Hearing Sensitivity25
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Rate Control25
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Reaction Time25
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Trunk Strength25
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Wrist-Finger Speed25
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Static Strength22
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Response Orientation19
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Extent Flexibility6
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Dynamic Strength3
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Explosive Strength3
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Glare Sensitivity0
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Gross Body Coordination0
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium0
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Night Vision0
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision0
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Sound Localization0
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Spatial Orientation0
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Speed of Limb Movement0
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Stamina0
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Assisting and Caring for Others95
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems95
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge95
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Documenting/Recording Information93
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Getting Information92
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public89
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Processing Information89
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Analyzing Data or Information88
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others86
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events82
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Working with Computers81
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships78
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

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Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings78
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates76
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards73
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Training and Teaching Others73
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Performing Administrative Activities71
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others68
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Developing and Building Teams68
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information68
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates68
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Scheduling Work and Activities68
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People67
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work66
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Developing Objectives and Strategies64
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others64
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials63
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Coaching and Developing Others61
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources58
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization57
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Selling or Influencing Others57
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Thinking Creatively57
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Controlling Machines and Processes56
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Staffing Organizational Units56
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others54
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Handling and Moving Objects51
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Performing General Physical Activities36
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment25
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment24
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment19
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment11
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Attention to Detail100
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Dependability82
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Cautiousness76
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Integrity74
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Intellectual Curiosity69
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Cooperation64
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Empathy63
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Achievement Orientation61
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Sincerity60
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Self-Control58
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Social Orientation58
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Self-Confidence54
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

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Stress Tolerance54
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Perseverance50
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Innovation39
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Optimism39
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Initiative38
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Tolerance for Ambiguity36
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Adaptability34
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Humility33
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Leadership Orientation25
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Investigative80
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Social67
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Realistic63
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Conventional49
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Enterprising21
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Artistic10
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day100%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day100%
E-Mail
- Every day90%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others86%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important76%
- Very important24%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom81%
Physical Proximity
- Very close (near touching)65%
- Moderately close (at arm's length)30%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day70%
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
- Once a month or more but not every week15%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important67%
- Very important14%
- Important14%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day50%
- Once a week or more but not every day45%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom48%
- Some freedom43%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually65%
- More than half the time15%

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Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results48%
- Important results38%
- Moderate results14%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important47%
- Very important37%
- Important16%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day40%
- Once a week or more but not every day45%
Time Pressure
- Every day43%
- Once a week or more but not every day29%
- Once a month or more but not every week24%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Every day40%
- Once a week or more but not every day35%
- Once a month or more but not every week15%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important45%
- Very important25%
- Important15%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility35%
- High responsibility35%
- Limited responsibility20%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important26%
- Very important37%
- Important32%
Spend Time Sitting
- More than half the time62%
- About half the time33%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually15%
- More than half the time55%
- About half the time15%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours33%
- 40 hours62%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility26%
- High responsibility32%
- Moderate responsibility21%
- Limited responsibility16%
Level of Competition
- Extremely competitive15%
- Highly competitive35%
- Moderately competitive40%
Conflict Situations
- Once a week or more but not every day52%
- Once a month or more but not every week38%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a week or more but not every day45%
- Once a month or more but not every week40%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious25%
- Very serious20%
- Serious25%
- Not serious at all20%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Once a week or more but not every day25%
- Once a month or more but not every week20%
- Once a year or more but not every month20%
- Never30%
Spend Time Standing
- About half the time40%
- Less than half the time55%
Degree of Automation
- Moderately automated20%
- Slightly automated60%
Public Speaking
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Once a year or more but not every month57%
- Never24%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Less than half the time80%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Less than half the time68%
- Never26%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a year or more but not every month25%
- Never55%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Never76%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month48%
- Never43%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Once a year or more but not every month20%
- Never70%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
- Never67%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time38%
- Never57%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time20%
- Never75%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Fairly important25%
- Not important at all70%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Once a year or more but not every month20%
- Never75%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never86%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Never95%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Never90%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Never90%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Never95%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Never100%
Exposed to High Places
- Never100%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never100%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Never100%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never100%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never100%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Never100%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Never100%
Work Schedules
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

Doctoral degree
Professional degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Internet browser software
Apple Safari, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, Web browser software
Medical software
First Insight MaximEyes, HealthLine Systems Eyecom, Universal Software Solutions VersaVision, VisionScience Software Acuity Pro
Data base user interface and query software
Microsoft Access, Microsoft SQL Server, Operational Data Store ODS software
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Accounting software
Intuit QuickBooks
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Calendar and scheduling software
Scheduling software

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Test patient vision.
Analyze test data or images to inform diagnosis or treatment.
Develop medical treatment plans.
Fit eyeglasses, contact lenses, or other vision aids.
Prescribe assistive medical devices or related treatments.
Prescribe medications.
Train patients, family members, or caregivers in techniques for managing disabilities or illnesses.
Monitor patients following surgeries or other treatments.
Treat acute illnesses, infections, or injuries.
Collaborate with healthcare professionals to plan or provide treatment.
Refer patients to other healthcare practitioners or health resources.
Prescribe treatments or therapies.

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Treat chronic diseases or disorders.

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology