Ophthalmologist

Explore This Path

Help people see the world clearly and improve their quality of life.
Restore vision and prevent eye diseases through expert care and surgery.
Explore the intricate world of eye health and cutting-edge treatments.

💰 Earn $215K-$239K

📚 Doctoral or Professional Degree

⏱️ 48 MONTH TRAINING

📈 4.5% JOB GROWTH

Find Training

What You’ll Do

Diagnose and perform surgery to treat and help prevent disorders and diseases of the eye. May also provide vision services for treatment including glasses and contacts.

Perform comprehensive examinations of the visual system to determine the nature or extent of ocular disorders.
Diagnose or treat injuries, disorders, or diseases of the eye and eye structures including the cornea, sclera, conjunctiva, or eyelids.
Provide or direct the provision of postoperative care.
Develop or implement plans and procedures for ophthalmologic services.
Prescribe or administer topical or systemic medications to treat ophthalmic conditions and to manage pain.

Scoop

Minimum Education

Doctoral or Professional Degree

Career Prospects

Good (Increasing by 1-5%)

Training Time

Over 4 years

Job Openings

300 Annually

Median Earnings

$214,730 in California

$239,200 Nationally

$25K

$50K

$75K

$100K

$125K

$150K

$175K

$200K

$225K

$250K

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Relating with or serving others
Thinking and problem solving
Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Science
Speaking

You value 🙏

Accomplishing things
Having freedom
Receiving recognition

Deep Dive

Ophthalmologist

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years