Overview of this occupation
Optometrists and Orthoptists perform eye examinations and vision tests, prescribe lenses, other optical aids and therapy, and diagnose and manage eye movement disorders and associated sensory problems.
What they do:
- Analyse test results to inform diagnosis or treatment
- Develop medical treatment plans
- Diagnose medical conditions
- Educate patients, family members or caregivers on techniques for managing disabilities or illnesses
- Examine patients or clients to assess general physical condition or identify potential issues
- Fit eyeglasses, contact lenses or other vision aids
- Prescribe assistive medical devices or related treatments
- Prescribe medications
- Prescribe treatments or therapies
- Test patient vision and eye health
- Treat acute illnesses, infections or injuries
- Treat chronic diseases or disorders
What technology tools they use:
- Diagnostic and medical imaging software
- Medical examination, measurement, and monitoring devices
- Patient management systems and electronic health records
What their interests are:
- Scientific – they enjoy investigating, experimenting, discovering new ideas and analysing data.
Source: Australian Skills Classification, job and Skills Australia, Commonwealth of Australia. Used under Creative Commons BY 4.0 licence and Jobs and Skills Australia, ABS Census 2016, Customised Report.
Quick facts
Optometrists and Orthoptists
The number of people employed in an occupations as their main job across all Australian states.
The projected increase in employment in Australia from May 2023 to May 2028.
The distribution of people employed in an occupation in NSW.
This shows the median age of all workers in this occupation.
Those who usually work less than 35 hours per week.
See footnotes for source details and additional information.
Skills and knowledge
What are they good at?
This table lists skills and knowledge categories according to how relevant they are for this occupation.
High expertise | Intermediate |
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Source: Australian Skills Classification, Jobs and Skills Australia, Commonwealth of Australia. Used under Creative Commons BY 4.0 licence.
Education and qualifications
Optometrists and Orthoptists – Skill level 1
Occupation at Skill Level 1 have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor's degree of higher qualification .
At least five years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification
Source: Conceptual basis of ANZSCO, ABS Survey, Release Nov 2021.
Qualifications in this workforce
This table shows the distribution of employment by highest qualification completed (in any field of study).7
Source: ABS, 2021 Census of Population and Housing based on place of usual residence.
Use this as a guide for understanding what qualifications are the most common in this field. For personalised support on your education journey, talk to a Careers NSW specialist.
Talk to one of our specialists
At any career stage you can talk with a specialist from Careers NSW about your goals and how you can achieve them.