Examine eyes, diagnose vision problems and disease, and prescribe glasses, contacts, and treatments.
Offices and clinics; seated, close patient work, regular pace.
Usually full-time; often regular hours, some weekends.
May 2024–25 BLS wage data · 2024–34 BLS employment projections.
Openings a year counts new jobs plus the ones that open when people retire or move on — a truer picture of your odds than growth alone.
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Doctoral / professional degree
Training path: OD (~8 years total).
Requires a doctor of optometry degree, national exams, and a state license.
Healthcare's calmest doctorate — regular hours, six figures.
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Standard Occupational Classification 29-1041. 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.