Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz
Ophthalmologists
Ophthalmologists diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases and injuries of the eyes and related structures.
Table of contents
What they do
Ophthalmologists diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases and injuries of the eyes and related structures.
- Perform ophthalmic surgeries such as cataract, glaucoma, refractive, corneal, Vitro-retinal, eye muscle, or oculoplastic surgeries.
- Perform comprehensive examinations of the visual system to determine the nature or extent of ocular disorders.
- Diagnose or treat injuries, disorders, or diseases of the eye and eye structures including the cornea, sclera, conjunctiva, or eyelids.
- Document or evaluate patients’ medical histories.
Typical day
On a daily basis, Ophthalmologists document or evaluate patients’ medical histories. They perform comprehensive examinations of the visual system to determine the nature or extent of ocular disorders.
A typical day for an Ophthalmologist will also include:
- Diagnose or treat injuries, disorders, or diseases of the eye and eye structures including the cornea, sclera, conjunctiva, or eyelids.
- Develop treatment plans based on patients’ histories and goals, the nature and severity of disorders, and treatment risks and benefits.
- Perform, order, or interpret the results of diagnostic or clinical tests.
- Educate patients about maintenance and promotion of healthy vision.
- Prescribe or administer topical or systemic medications to treat ophthalmic conditions and to manage pain.
Other responsibilities
Besides their typical day, Ophthalmologists also perform ophthalmic surgeries such as cataracts, glaucoma, refractive, corneal, Vitro-retinal, eye muscle, or oculoplastic surgeries. They may also refer patients for more specialized treatments when conditions exceed the experience, expertise, or scope of practice of the practitioner.
On a weekly to monthly basis, Ophthalmologists collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of health professionals to provide optimal patient care. They might also perform laser surgeries to alter, remove, reshape, or replace ocular tissue.
In addition, they provide or direct the provision of postoperative care.
Although specific duties may vary, many of them prescribe ophthalmologic treatments or therapies such as chemotherapy, cryotherapy, or low vision therapy.
To some Ophthalmologists, it is also their responsibility to instruct interns, residents, or others in ophthalmologic procedures and techniques.
What is the job like
Job satisfaction
Is this job meaningful
74% said they were satisfied with their job and 82% said they found their job meaningful.
I am the Managing Director at Eye7 eye hospital and an ophthalmologist by profession. As a doctor, a typical day at work is never typical. There is always a lot of dynamic stuff going on. However, it is always important to know your priorities during the day. If I have had any previous day pending … Read More
95% percent of my time is spent in surgery. As an ophthalmologist, you’re focusing your time on a very high impact procedure. It’s a major lifestyle change for people. It’s an incredibly rewarding profession for the impact it can make on people. I’m very focused and take it incredibly seriously. I work very hard and … Read More
Pros
Suitable for people who like to solve problems mentally.
Suitable for people who value achievements and are results-oriented.
This career is perfect for people who love to work indoors.
Demand for this career is growing very fast.
Cons
Not suitable for people who like to work with designs.
It is very hard to get into this career. Extensive skills, knowledge, and experience are required for this career.
Long working hours (More than 40 hours per week).
How much do they make
Average salary
Average hourly wage
Entry-level Ophthalmologists with little to no experience can expect to make anywhere between $61,380 to $126,470 per year or $30 to $61 per hour.
Salary by experience | Annual | Hourly |
---|---|---|
Highest (Top 10%) | $208,000+ | $100+ |
Senior (Top 25%) | $208,000+ | $100+ |
Median | $208,000+ | $100+ |
Junior (Bottom 25%) | $126,470 | $61 |
No experience (Bottom 10%) | $61,380 | $30 |
What is the work day like
Working hours
Working schedule
How often do you use email in this job?
Telephone
How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
Group discussions
How often do you have group discussions in this job?
Public speaking
How often does this job require you to do public speaking?
Level of competition
How much competitive pressure is in this job?
What is the work environment like
Office-style environment
Indoors in an environmentally controlled condition
Warehouse-style environment
Indoors in a non-controlled environmental condition such as a warehouse
Outdoors
Outdoors exposed to all weather conditions
Outdoors – Under Cover
Outdoors but under cover (e.g. structure with roof but no walls)
How to become one
Difficulty to become one
Required level of education
What level of education do you need to perform the job?
Relevant majors
Ophthalmology Residency Program
Medicine
Osteopathic Medicine/Osteopathy
Relevant work experience
How much related work experience do you need to get hired for the job?
On The Job Training
How much on the job training do you need to perform the job?
Should you become one
Best personality type for this career
People with this personality likes to work with ideas that require an extensive amount of thinking. They prefer work that requires them to solve problems mentally.
People with The Builder personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
People with The Thinker personality likes to work with ideas that require an extensive amount of thinking. They prefer work that requires them to solve problems mentally.
People with The Artist personality likes to work with designs and patterns. They prefer activities that require self-expression and prefer work that can be done without following a clear set of rules.
People with The Helper personality type likes to work with people and in teams. They prefer work that allows them to build relationships with others.
People with The Leader personality likes to start and work on projects. They also like leading people and making many decisions.
People with The Organizer personality type likes to follow set procedures and routines. They prefer working with data and details more than with ideas.
You can read more about these career personality types here.
People who are suitable for this job tend to like working with ideas and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
They also like working with, communicating with, and teaching people. They like helping or providing service to others.
Take this quiz to see if this is the right career for you.
Work Values
Which values are the most important to a person’s satisfaction for this job?
You are someone who is results oriented. You prefer work that allows you to utilize your skills and abilities while at the same time giving you a sense of accomplishment.
You are someone who values job security, steady employment, and good working conditions. You also prefer work that keeps you busy all the time with something different to do every day.
You are someone who values job advancement and leadership roles. You prefer work that receives recognition for the work you do and jobs that are looked up to by others in the company and your community.
You are someone who likes to provide a service to others. You prefer a work environment where you can work with your co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment.
You are someone who values a company that stands behind their employees. You prefer a work environment where everyone is treated fairly and is being supported by the company.
You are someone who likes to work on your own and make your own decisions. You prefer work that requires little supervision and are allowed to try out your own ideas.
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