Examine and treat eye conditions, prescribe medication, and perform surgeries such as cataract and corrective procedures.
Clinics, hospitals, and surgical centers
Full time, with some on-call surgery
May 2024–25 BLS wage data · 2024–34 BLS employment projections.
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Doctoral / professional degree
Training path: Medical degree plus paid residency.
Requires a medical degree, a residency in ophthalmology, and a state medical license to practice.
A physician who diagnoses and treats eye disease and performs eye surgery, and one of the very highest-paid jobs tracked, above $239,000.
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Standard Occupational Classification 29-1241. Pay, employment, and outlook from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS wage survey and 2024–34 employment projections). See something off? Tell us.