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Optometrists

Examines eyes, prescribes glasses and contacts, and treats eye conditions.

Typical education to startDoctoral or professional degree
Job outlook2025–2035: +10%
Median pay$136,570 a year (2025)
Interest codeISR Investigative, Social, Realistic

Read the full guide

Optometrists test vision, prescribe glasses and contact lenses, and diagnose and treat eye diseases such as glaucoma. Many work in private practice or retail eye care; others in clinics and hospitals.

Open the optometrist guide

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High school courses that build toward it

Ranked by how much the job relies on what each course teaches, from O*NET's knowledge ratings. Your school's own courses and the counselor have the final word.

Optometrists on O*NET OnLine · O*NET 31.0 (U.S. Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0); BLS Employment Projections 2025.