Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric

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.

Median wage

$239,200

$104,240–$239,200

Projected growth

—

Annual openings

—

per year

Employed (US)

12,110

Job Zone 5

Typical preparation

Extensive preparation

Stackable credential programs

55 mapped

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Core skills

Reading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingActive ListeningJudgment and Decision MakingMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessActive LearningComplex Problem Solving

Knowledge areas

Medicine and DentistryEnglish LanguageCustomer and Personal ServiceBiologyAdministration and Management

Technology & tools

Medical softwareElectronic mail softwareSpreadsheet softwareWord processing softwareAnalytical or scientific software

Representative tasks

Perform comprehensive examinations of the visual system to determine the nature or extent of ocular Diagnose or treat injuries, disorders, or diseases of the eye and eye structures including the corneProvide or direct the provision of postoperative care.

Competency framework

Skill expectations by proficiency level.

emerging

Comprehensive visual system examinations — conduct under attending supervision to identify common ocular disorders in a clinical training setting.Patient histories and ocular symptoms — gather and document accurately using electronic medical record software during supervised intake assessments.Basic ophthalmic diagnostic instruments — operate, including slit lamps and tonometers, under direct supervision in an outpatient ophthalmology clinic.Common eye conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma — recognize and describe their clinical presentations when reviewing patient cases with a supervising ophthalmologist.Topical ophthalmic medications — identify appropriate drug classes and administration routes under attending guidance for straightforward ocular conditions.Postoperative care protocols — assist in implementing under direct supervision following routine cataract or refractive surgery procedures.Patient education materials on healthy vision maintenance — deliver using standardized scripts under oversight in a clinic or hospital setting.Medical literature and clinical guidelines for ophthalmology — read and summarize to support evidence-based decision-making under faculty direction.Surgical anatomy of the eye and adnexa — demonstrate foundational knowledge when assisting in operating room procedures under senior surgeon supervision.Treatment risks and benefits for common ophthalmic disorders — explain at a basic level to patients with guidance from supervising clinical staff.

developing

Comprehensive ocular examinations — perform routinely and independently to characterize the nature and extent of visual system disorders across a general outpatient population.Diagnoses for a broad range of injuries, disorders, and diseases of the cornea, sclera, conjunctiva, and eyelids — formulate with reduced oversight in an ambulatory ophthalmology practice.Treatment plans incorporating patient history, disorder severity, and risk-benefit analysis — develop and initiate with limited consultation in routine clinical cases.Topical and systemic medications for ophthalmic conditions and pain management — prescribe and monitor using established protocols in a community or hospital-based clinic.Routine ophthalmic surgical procedures such as uncomplicated cataract extractions — perform with standard technique and appropriate backup resources available.Postoperative care plans for common surgical cases — implement and adjust based on patient progress in a structured follow-up schedule.Analytical and scientific software for imaging and diagnostic data — interpret results to support clinical decision-making for established patient cases.Patient education on vision health and disease management — deliver clearly and adapting communication style to individual patient needs in routine consultations.Clinical documentation and written reports — produce accurately using word processing and electronic health record platforms in compliance with practice standards.Time management across a scheduled patient panel — apply to balance diagnostic, surgical, and administrative responsibilities in a busy ophthalmology practice.

proficient

Complex and non-routine visual system disorders — evaluate and diagnose autonomously using advanced clinical reasoning and full diagnostic workup in tertiary care settings.Advanced ophthalmic surgeries including vitro-retinal, glaucoma drainage, corneal transplantation, and oculoplastic procedures — perform independently with consistently high patient outcomes.Multi-modal treatment plans for patients with complex comorbidities and competing risk factors — develop and execute across the full scope of ophthalmic practice.Systemic and topical pharmacotherapy regimens for atypical or refractory ophthalmic conditions — design and adapt based on ongoing patient response and emerging clinical evidence.Postoperative complications following major ophthalmic surgeries — identify, diagnose, and manage promptly to optimize recovery in inpatient and outpatient environments.Ophthalmologic service delivery plans and clinical protocols — develop and implement to standardize quality care across a departmental or group practice setting.Interdisciplinary consultation and coordination with neurology, endocrinology, and other specialties — lead to address systemic conditions with ocular manifestations.Active learning from peer-reviewed literature, clinical trials, and emerging technologies — apply to continuously refine surgical techniques and diagnostic approaches.Critical patient safety decisions in high-acuity situations, such as acute angle-closure glaucoma or ocular trauma — execute with sound judgment and self-control under time pressure.Instructional oversight of residents and fellows in clinical and surgical settings — provide through demonstration, case-based teaching, and real-time performance feedback.

advanced

Organizational vision and strategic plans for an ophthalmology department or practice — set and champion to advance clinical excellence, research output, and patient access at institutional scale.Subspecialty service lines and novel procedural programs — establish and lead, including technology acquisition decisions and outcomes benchmarking across the enterprise.Comprehensive competency frameworks and training curricula for ophthalmology residents, fellows, and allied health professionals — design and implement to elevate workforce capability.Evidence-based clinical policies and quality-improvement initiatives for ophthalmologic services — develop, monitor, and refine using analytical software and outcome metrics across a health system.Institutional research agendas in ophthalmic surgery and disease management — direct, securing funding, overseeing IRB compliance, and translating findings into clinical practice.Peer and professional networks at regional and national levels — engage to represent the institution, shape specialty standards, and influence clinical practice guidelines.Complex resource allocation and capital investment decisions for surgical suites, diagnostic equipment, and staffing — lead with accountability for both financial and patient care outcomes.Interprofessional and organizational change management during adoption of transformative technologies such as AI-assisted diagnostics or robotic surgical platforms — guide at the executive level.Patient safety culture and risk management strategies across ophthalmology service lines — model, promote, and hold teams accountable for adherence through formal governance structures.Mentorship and career development pathways for early-career ophthalmologists and subspecialists — architect and sustain to build the long-term talent pipeline of the profession.

Also known as

16 alternate job titles map to this occupation.

Medical Doctor (MD)Ophthalmology PhysicianGlaucoma SpecialistVitreoretinal Disease PhysicianOphthalmologist SpecialistSurgical OphthalmologistPhysicianOphthalmic SurgeonRefractive SurgeonClinical OphthalmologistOphthalmologistCornea and External Disease PhysicianRetina SpecialistOculoplastic SpecialistCornea SpecialistNeuro-Ophthalmologist

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