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Alabama Department of Labor

Labor Market Information Division
SOC: 29-1041 Optometrists
Diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system. Examine eyes and visual system, diagnose problems or impairments, prescribe corrective lenses, and provide treatment. May prescribe therapeutic drugs to treat specific eye conditions.
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Education: 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).
OJT: Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Tasks: 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. Prescribe, supply, fit and adjust eyeglasses, contact lenses and other vision aids. Analyze test results and develop a treatment plan. Prescribe medications to treat eye diseases if state laws permit. Remove foreign bodies from the eye. Prescribe therapeutic procedures to correct or conserve vision. Educate and counsel patients on contact lens care, visual hygiene, lighting arrangements and safety factors. Consult with and refer patients to ophthalmologist or other health care practitioner if additional medical treatment is determined necessary. Provide patients undergoing eye surgeries, such as cataract and laser vision correction, with pre- and post-operative care. Provide vision therapy and low vision rehabilitation.
License: This applicant should submit an applicantion on forms provided by the State Department of Public Health with appropriate fees attached. Applicant should ensure the application is complete and includes any additional information requested by the Office of EMS and Trauma. License Fee: $12.00 Renewal Fee: $12.00
Outlook: Very Good
Alabama Employment Outlook
Alabama Wage Data
Hourly Wage   Annual Wage
Entry $32.64   Entry $67,899.00
Mean $53.04   Mean $110,339.00
Experience $63.25 Experience $131,559.00

The data is based on the May 2017 Occupation Employment Survey employment and wage estimate file. The wages have been aged using the most current ECI factors reflecting wages as of June 2018.

Alabama Projections
Estimated Employment 2016Projected Employment 2026Annual Average OpeningsAnnual Growth Rate
600700301.55
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University of Alabama at Birmingham
Occupational Videos
29-1041.00 Optometrists