Optometrists
SOC Code: 29-1041 Job Zone 5: Extensive Preparation Needed
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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Prevailing Wage Levels (National)
DOL/OFLC prevailing wage thresholds for Optometrists. Hourly rates x 2,080 = annual.
FY2027 Weighted Lottery Impact
| Level | Lottery Entries | Est. Selection Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | 1 entry | ~16% |
| Level II (Qualified) | 2 entries | ~31% |
| Level III (Experienced) | 3 entries | ~45% |
| Level IV (Expert) | 4 entries | ~61% |
Prevailing Wages by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilmington, NC | $101,421 | $148,699 | $195,978 | $243,256 |
| Syracuse, NY | $105,331 | $150,738 | $196,144 | $241,550 |
| St. George, UT | $54,808 | $116,875 | $178,922 | $240,989 |
| Watertown-Fort Drum, NY | $106,766 | $151,278 | $195,770 | $240,282 |
| Roanoke, VA | $65,062 | $119,621 | $174,179 | $228,738 |
| Boulder, CO | $90,126 | $134,805 | $179,483 | $224,162 |
| Utica-Rome, NY | $98,758 | $139,589 | $180,419 | $221,250 |
| New Haven, CT | $122,429 | $153,462 | $184,496 | $215,530 |
| Jacksonville, NC | $101,837 | $139,506 | $177,154 | $214,822 |
| Bangor, ME | $93,205 | $133,494 | $173,805 | $214,094 |
H-1B Filing Data
Top H-1B Employers
| Employer | Filings | Avg Wage |
|---|---|---|
| National Vision, Inc. | 24 | $110,988 |
| Visionworks of America, Inc. | 11 | $157,796 |
| National Vision, Inc | 8 | $128,558 |
| Doctor's Exchange of Arizona, P.C. | 7 | $143,003 |
| Warby Parker Inc. | 5 | $183,082 |
| Gundersen Lutheran Administrative Services, Inc. | 5 | $155,000 |
| FAMILY HEALTHCARE NETWORK | 5 | $169,867 |
| Crystal Clear Eye Associates of Florida, P.A. | 5 | $134,680 |
| Henry Ford Health System | 4 | $116,290 |
| UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI | 4 | $132,000 |
Filing Trend
| Year | Filings | Avg Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 18 | $132,714 |
| 2021 | 16 | $125,593 |
| 2022 | 12 | $140,593 |
| 2023 | 59 | $119,819 |
| 2024 | 81 | $134,439 |
| 2025 | 93 | $149,818 |
| 2026 | 8 | $167,294 |
Key Skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Critical Thinking | 4.1 | |
| Reading Comprehension | 4.1 | |
| Active Listening | 4.1 | |
| Speaking | 4.0 | |
| Writing | 4.0 | |
| Social Perceptiveness | 3.9 | |
| Science | 3.8 | |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.4 | |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.4 | |
| Coordination | 3.4 |
Knowledge Areas
| Knowledge | Importance |
|---|---|
| Medicine and Dentistry | 4.8 |
| Biology | 4.5 |
| Customer and Personal Service | 4.4 |
| English Language | 3.9 |
| Mathematics | 3.6 |
| Education and Training | 3.6 |
| Therapy and Counseling | 3.5 |
| Psychology | 3.5 |
Education Requirements
| Education Level | % of Workers |
|---|---|
| Post-first professional | 95.2% |
| First professional degree (MD, JD) | 4.8% |
Typical 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.
- Analyze test results and develop a treatment plan.
- Prescribe, supply, fit and adjust eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other vision aids.
- Prescribe medications to treat eye diseases if state laws permit.
- 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.
- Remove foreign bodies from the eye.
- Provide patients undergoing eye surgeries, such as cataract and laser vision correction, with pre- and post-operative care.
Technology Skills
Green = Hot Technology in demand
Apple Safari Intuit QuickBooks Microsoft Access Microsoft Edge Microsoft Excel Microsoft SQL Server Microsoft Word Mozilla Firefox Accra Med Software Filopto AltaPoint Data Systems AltaPoint Vision Babcock Winx Pro Compulink Business Systems Eyecare Advantage Digital Healthcare OptoMize First Insight E-Z Frame First Insight MaximEyes
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