myfuture


Advanced Search

Occupation Details

Optometrist



Fact Sheet

Using special equipment to check for eye abnormalities

Optometrists perform eye examinations to determine the presence of vision problems, and other eye conditions and diseases. They treat or manage these problems by prescribing glasses, contact lenses, optical aids, therapy or eye drops.

Duties and Tasks

Optometrists may perform the following tasks:

  • work out the nature and extent of vision problems and abnormalities by examining patients' eyes using specialised instruments, techniques and tests
  • correct vision defects by prescribing and dispensing glasses or contact lenses, special optical aids or vision therapy
  • examine patients for signs of eye and systemic conditions, including glaucoma, diabetes, high blood pressure and multiple sclerosis, and work with medical practitioners to co-manage patients when required
  • manage some eye conditions by prescribing therapeutic drugs
  • monitor patients' vision and ocular health with the use of digital photography and computerised vision tests
  • conduct eye screenings for the purposes of determining occupational fitness, or fitness to drive
  • undertake managerial, retail and administrative tasks

Quick Facts

School subjects that include some aspect of BIOLOGY provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a biology-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspects of CHEMISTRY provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a chemistry-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of MATHEMATICS provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a mathematics-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of PHYSICS provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a physics-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Use of precision or semi-precision tools or instruments or deft hand movements are required for these occupations. Included are jobs where poor co-ordination or incomplete use of hands or fingers may make tasks dangerous or difficult to undertake. Jobs requiring full use of hands/fingers are excluded.\par
These jobs require you to be able to see clearly to examine items close-up. It covers jobs where poor vision e.g. tunnel vision, could make the work place unsafe or the job difficult to undertake, e.g. draftsperson working with detailed drawings; checkout operator reading dockets; work requiring good hand-eye co-ordination for working with precision or semi-precision tools.
Workers performing these jobs would usually be expected to spend more than three-quarters of their day indoors, in an office, factory or other enclosed area protected from the weather. Jobs requiring mainly indoor work are excluded.
These jobs require moderate or better reading and writing skills. Workers may be expected to prepare, understand or act on written materials, such as letters or reports. People may wish to avoid these jobs if their reading or writing English skills are limited to a small range of words or phrases and symbols. Jobs remaining may still require very basic reading or writing skills.
Included are jobs providing health care diagnosis and treatment, such as general medicine, pharmacy, optometry, radiography, speech therapy, dental health, etc. Also covered are community and welfare services, such as social work, family and children services, and counselling, and personal services such as hairdressing and funeral services.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH IDEAS to investigate or seek solutions to scientific, technical, social or other issues. Activities include observing, researching, analysing and interpreting results. The ability to develop theories, apply logic and explore abstract ideas in a specialist area of knowledge is important.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH PEOPLE, to help, inform, teach or treat them. Activities include discussing personal issues, listening to people's problems, and providing advice, instruction, information or treatment to meet their needs.
Jobs in this group usually require completion of a recognised Bachelor Degree, or extensive relevant experience. Some jobs also require post-graduate study, such as a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Master Degree.

Work Conditions

Most optometrists are in daily contact with members of the public on a one-to-one basis.

Personal Requirements

  • patient and caring manner
  • able to carry out accurate and precise work
  • good communication skills
  • enjoy helping people

Labour Market Information

Australian JobOutlook for Optometrists

Related Jobs

Orthoptist

See State Specific Information below for further education and training options.