[Core] [21% incumbents] 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.
  DWAs: Test patient vision.

[Core] [21% incumbents] Analyze test results and develop a treatment plan.
  DWAs: Analyze test data or images to inform diagnosis or treatment. | Develop medical treatment plans.

[Core] [21% incumbents] Prescribe, supply, fit and adjust eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other vision aids.
  DWAs: Fit eyeglasses, contact lenses, or other vision aids. | Prescribe assistive medical devices or related treatments.

[Core] [21% incumbents] Prescribe medications to treat eye diseases if state laws permit.
  DWAs: Prescribe medications.

[Core] [21% incumbents] Educate and counsel patients on contact lens care, visual hygiene, lighting arrangements, and safety factors.
  DWAs: Train patients, family members, or caregivers in techniques for managing disabilities or illnesses.

[Core] [21% incumbents] Remove foreign bodies from the eye.
  DWAs: Treat acute illnesses, infections, or injuries.

[Core] [21% incumbents] Provide patients undergoing eye surgeries, such as cataract and laser vision correction, with pre- and post-operative care.
  DWAs: Monitor patients following surgeries or other treatments.

[Core] [21% incumbents] Consult with and refer patients to ophthalmologist or other health care practitioner if additional medical treatment is determined necessary.
  DWAs: Collaborate with healthcare professionals to plan or provide treatment. | Refer patients to other healthcare practitioners or health resources.

[Core] [21% incumbents] Prescribe therapeutic procedures to correct or conserve vision.
  DWAs: Prescribe treatments or therapies.

[Core] [21% incumbents] Provide vision therapy and low-vision rehabilitation.
  DWAs: Treat chronic diseases or disorders.

--- SKILLS ---
  Reading Comprehension (imp:4.12 lvl:4.88) — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  Active Listening (imp:4.12 lvl:4.25) — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand
  Critical Thinking (imp:4.12 lvl:4.25) — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternativ
  Writing (imp:4.00 lvl:4.00) — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audienc
  Speaking (imp:4.00 lvl:4.00) — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  Science (imp:3.75 lvl:3.88) — Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
  Monitoring (imp:3.25 lvl:3.50) — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organization
  Active Learning (imp:3.12 lvl:3.88) — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future pr
  Learning Strategies (imp:3.12 lvl:3.12) — Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate fo
  Mathematics (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — Using mathematics to solve problems.

--- KNOWLEDGE ---
  Medicine and Dentistry (imp:4.81 lvl:5.38) — Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human i
  Biology (imp:4.52 lvl:5.00) — Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interd
  Customer and Personal Service (imp:4.40 lvl:5.14) — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal servic
  English Language (imp:3.90 lvl:4.00) — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the mea
  Mathematics (imp:3.62 lvl:4.10) — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their appl
  Education and Training (imp:3.57 lvl:4.43) — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching
  Therapy and Counseling (imp:3.55 lvl:4.57) — Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and r
  Psychology (imp:3.52 lvl:4.14) — Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, 
  Administration and Management (imp:3.50 lvl:4.24) — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, 
  Economics and Accounting (imp:3.29 lvl:3.38) — Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial mar
  Physics (imp:3.29 lvl:3.57) — Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships,
  Administrative (imp:3.24 lvl:4.33) — Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word proce
  Personnel and Human Resources (imp:3.19 lvl:3.71) — Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, tra
  Computers and Electronics (imp:3.19 lvl:4.19) — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and comput
  Law and Government (imp:3.19 lvl:3.19) — Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulat
  Sales and Marketing (imp:3.10 lvl:4.05) — Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products
  Public Safety and Security (imp:3.00 lvl:2.95) — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote
  Chemistry (imp:2.90 lvl:3.52) — Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances a
  Communications and Media (imp:2.67 lvl:2.57) — Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and m
  Sociology and Anthropology (imp:2.43 lvl:2.43) — Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human 
  Telecommunications (imp:2.33 lvl:1.57) — Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of te
  Engineering and Technology (imp:2.30 lvl:2.20) — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. Th
  Production and Processing (imp:2.05 lvl:1.86) — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ot
  Mechanical (imp:1.90 lvl:1.67) — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and main
  Foreign Language (imp:1.76 lvl:1.57) — Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language inclu
  Philosophy and Theology (imp:1.76 lvl:1.86) — Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their 
  Design (imp:1.52 lvl:1.10) — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of 
  Transportation (imp:1.33 lvl:0.67) — Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea
  Geography (imp:1.29 lvl:0.62) — Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, an
  History and Archeology (imp:1.29 lvl:0.67) — Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civi
  Fine Arts (imp:1.24 lvl:0.62) — Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform
  Building and Construction (imp:1.14 lvl:0.38) — Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or r
  Food Production (imp:1.00) — Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food

--- ABILITIES ---
  Oral Expression (imp:4.12 lvl:4.12) — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will unde
  Problem Sensitivity (imp:4.12 lvl:5.00) — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does no
  Oral Comprehension (imp:4.00 lvl:5.00) — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through 
  Written Comprehension (imp:4.00 lvl:4.75) — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  Deductive Reasoning (imp:4.00 lvl:4.75) — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that 
  Inductive Reasoning (imp:4.00 lvl:4.88) — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusion
  Near Vision (imp:4.00 lvl:4.62) — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  Written Expression (imp:3.88 lvl:4.00) — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will under
  Information Ordering (imp:3.88 lvl:4.00) — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according
  Flexibility of Closure (imp:3.88 lvl:4.00) — The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or so
  Category Flexibility (imp:3.75 lvl:4.00) — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping
  Speech Recognition (imp:3.75 lvl:4.00) — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
  Speech Clarity (imp:3.75 lvl:3.75) — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
  Finger Dexterity (imp:3.62 lvl:3.88) — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or bot
  Selective Attention (imp:3.25 lvl:3.25) — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distrac
  Far Vision (imp:3.25 lvl:3.75) — The ability to see details at a distance.
  Fluency of Ideas (imp:3.12 lvl:3.12) — The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas
  Perceptual Speed (imp:3.12 lvl:3.25) — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among
  Arm-Hand Steadiness (imp:3.12 lvl:3.62) — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while hold
  Control Precision (imp:3.12 lvl:3.75) — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehi
  Visual Color Discrimination (imp:3.12 lvl:3.12) — The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of c
  Mathematical Reasoning (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a prob
  Visualization (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when 
  Time Sharing (imp:3.00 lvl:2.88) — The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of
  Manual Dexterity (imp:3.00 lvl:3.25) — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your
  Originality (imp:2.88 lvl:3.00) — The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situa
  Number Facility (imp:2.88 lvl:3.50) — The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
  Speed of Closure (imp:2.75 lvl:3.00) — The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into mea
  Memorization (imp:2.38 lvl:2.88) — The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and proced
  Depth Perception (imp:2.38 lvl:2.25) — The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you
  Multilimb Coordination (imp:2.25 lvl:1.88) — The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or
  Rate Control (imp:2.00 lvl:1.00) — The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in an
  Reaction Time (imp:2.00 lvl:1.38) — The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sou
  Wrist-Finger Speed (imp:2.00 lvl:2.00) — The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and 
  Trunk Strength (imp:2.00 lvl:2.00) — The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the 
  Hearing Sensitivity (imp:2.00 lvl:2.00) — The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch 
  Auditory Attention (imp:2.00 lvl:1.88) — The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distra
  Static Strength (imp:1.88 lvl:0.88) — The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
  Response Orientation (imp:1.75 lvl:1.50) — The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two o
  Extent Flexibility (imp:1.25 lvl:0.25) — The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
  Explosive Strength (imp:1.12 lvl:0.12) — The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping
  Dynamic Strength (imp:1.12 lvl:0.25) — The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This inv
  Spatial Orientation (imp:1.00) — The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know wher
  Speed of Limb Movement (imp:1.00) — The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
  Stamina (imp:1.00) — The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getti
  Dynamic Flexibility (imp:1.00) — The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with yo
  Gross Body Coordination (imp:1.00) — The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together wh
  Gross Body Equilibrium (imp:1.00) — The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unsta
  Night Vision (imp:1.00) — The ability to see under low-light conditions.
  Peripheral Vision (imp:1.00) — The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes ar
  Glare Sensitivity (imp:1.00) — The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
  Sound Localization (imp:1.00) — The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.

--- WORK ACTIVITIES ---
  Assisting and Caring for Others (imp:4.81 lvl:5.48) — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other pe
  Making Decisions and Solving Problems (imp:4.80 lvl:6.05) — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and sol
  Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge (imp:4.79 lvl:6.14) — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  Documenting/Recording Information (imp:4.71 lvl:4.90) — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in writte
  Getting Information (imp:4.67 lvl:5.95) — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sour
  Performing for or Working Directly with the Public (imp:4.57 lvl:4.95) — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving
  Processing Information (imp:4.55 lvl:5.62) — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying
  Analyzing Data or Information (imp:4.52 lvl:5.05) — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by break
  Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others (imp:4.45 lvl:4.45) — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
  Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events (imp:4.29 lvl:5.67) — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or 
  Working with Computers (imp:4.24 lvl:3.52) — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to progra
  Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings (imp:4.10 lvl:5.29) — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment,
  Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships (imp:4.10 lvl:4.90) — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and m
  Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates (imp:4.05 lvl:4.52) — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone,
  Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards (imp:3.90 lvl:4.62) — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events o
  Training and Teaching Others (imp:3.90 lvl:4.43) — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or tr
  Performing Administrative Activities (imp:3.85 lvl:4.38) — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files
  Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information (imp:3.71 lvl:3.38) — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resourc
  Scheduling Work and Activities (imp:3.71 lvl:3.95) — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
  Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others (imp:3.71 lvl:4.10) — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
  Developing and Building Teams (imp:3.71 lvl:3.67) — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team membe
  Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates (imp:3.71 lvl:4.10) — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance 
  Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People (imp:3.67 lvl:4.38) — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
  Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work (imp:3.62 lvl:4.48) — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your
  Developing Objectives and Strategies (imp:3.57 lvl:4.19) — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to 
  Providing Consultation and Advice to Others (imp:3.57 lvl:4.29) — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical,
  Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials (imp:3.52 lvl:3.71) — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors o
  Coaching and Developing Others (imp:3.43 lvl:4.05) — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherw
  Monitoring and Controlling Resources (imp:3.33 lvl:4.24) — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
  Thinking Creatively (imp:3.29 lvl:4.00) — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, syste
  Communicating with People Outside the Organization (imp:3.29 lvl:3.90) — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organizatio
  Selling or Influencing Others (imp:3.29 lvl:3.52) — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or
  Controlling Machines and Processes (imp:3.24 lvl:3.33) — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines 
  Staffing Organizational Units (imp:3.24 lvl:3.62) — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organ
  Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others (imp:3.15 lvl:4.24) — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, 
  Handling and Moving Objects (imp:3.05 lvl:3.71) — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials,
  Performing General Physical Activities (imp:2.43 lvl:2.00) — Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require co
  Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment (imp:2.00 lvl:1.81) — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines,
  Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment (imp:1.95 lvl:2.00) — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, an
  Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment (imp:1.76 lvl:1.38) — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to t
  Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment (imp:1.43 lvl:0.80) — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, s

--- WORK STYLES ---
  Dependability (imp:5.00) — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related o
  Attention to Detail (imp:4.00) — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
  Attention to Detail (imp:3.00) — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
  Integrity (imp:3.00) — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
  Dependability (imp:2.47) — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related o
  Cautiousness (imp:2.28) — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related
  Integrity (imp:2.21) — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
  Intellectual Curiosity (imp:2.08) — A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep 
  Cautiousness (imp:2.00) — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related
  Cooperation (imp:1.92) — A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
  Empathy (imp:1.89) — A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feel
  Achievement Orientation (imp:1.83) — A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, 
  Sincerity (imp:1.81) — A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, withou
  Social Orientation (imp:1.74) — A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
  Self-Control (imp:1.73) — A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in res
  Self-Confidence (imp:1.63) — A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control 
  Stress Tolerance (imp:1.61) — A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
  Perseverance (imp:1.49) — A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in 
  Innovation (imp:1.17) — A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on 
  Optimism (imp:1.16) — A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even un
  Initiative (imp:1.13) — A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may
  Tolerance for Ambiguity (imp:1.08) — A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
  Adaptability (imp:1.02) — A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas 
  Intellectual Curiosity (imp:1.00) — A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep 
  Humility (imp:0.99) — A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
  Leadership Orientation (imp:0.76) — A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
  Innovation () — A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on 
  Achievement Orientation () — A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, 
  Tolerance for Ambiguity () — A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
  Initiative () — A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may
  Adaptability () — A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas 
  Self-Confidence () — A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control 
  Perseverance () — A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in 
  Leadership Orientation () — A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
  Humility () — A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
  Sincerity () — A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, withou
  Empathy () — A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feel
  Cooperation () — A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
  Optimism () — A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even un
  Social Orientation () — A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
  Stress Tolerance () — A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
  Self-Control () — A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in res

--- TRANSFERABLE SKILLS ---
  Social Perceptiveness (imp:3.88 lvl:3.88) — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  Coordination (imp:3.38 lvl:3.50) — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  Complex Problem Solving (imp:3.38 lvl:3.88) — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and ev
  Judgment and Decision Making (imp:3.38 lvl:3.88) — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the m
  Persuasion (imp:3.25 lvl:3.38) — Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
  Instructing (imp:3.25 lvl:3.25) — Teaching others how to do something.
  Service Orientation (imp:3.25 lvl:3.75) — Actively looking for ways to help people.
  Time Management (imp:3.25 lvl:3.25) — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  Management of Personnel Resources (imp:3.12 lvl:3.12) — Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best 
  Negotiation (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
  Systems Analysis (imp:3.00 lvl:3.12) — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, 
  Systems Evaluation (imp:3.00 lvl:3.12) — Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed 
  Quality Control Analysis (imp:2.50 lvl:2.88) — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate
  Operation and Control (imp:2.25 lvl:2.25) — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
  Operations Analysis (imp:2.12 lvl:2.12) — Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
  Operations Monitoring (imp:2.12 lvl:2.12) — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working pr
  Management of Financial Resources (imp:2.12 lvl:2.12) — Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for the
  Management of Material Resources (imp:2.12 lvl:2.12) — Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materi
  Troubleshooting (imp:2.00 lvl:1.88) — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
  Technology Design (imp:1.88 lvl:0.88) — Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
  Programming (imp:1.88 lvl:1.12) — Writing computer programs for various purposes.
  Equipment Selection (imp:1.00) — Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
  Installation (imp:1.00) — Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
  Equipment Maintenance (imp:1.00) — Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind o
  Repairing (imp:1.00) — Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

--- NATIONAL WAGES ---
  total_employment : 42,790
  annual_median    : $136,570
  annual_pct10     : $74,870
  annual_pct25     : $109,400
  annual_pct75     : $165,120
  annual_pct90     : $202,180
  annual_mean      : $141,550
  hourly_median    : $65.66

--- GEOGRAPHIC DISPERSION ---
  highest_state    : Alaska ($170,310)
  lowest_state     : Oklahoma ($97,350)
  dispersion_ratio : 1.749x

--- TOP STATES BY WAGE (52 total) ---
  Health Care and Social Assistance        emp:   35,810  median: $ 134,370
  Retail Trade                             emp:    6,020  median: $ 159,250
  Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) emp:      550  median: $ 115,210
  Educational Services                     emp:      110  median: $ 124,280
  Management of Companies and Enterprises  emp:       60  median: $ 166,410

--- TOP INDUSTRIES BY EMPLOYMENT (5 total) ---
  Health Care and Social Assistance        emp:   35,810  median: $ 134,370
  Retail Trade                             emp:    6,020  median: $ 159,250
  Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) emp:      550  median: $ 115,210
  Educational Services                     emp:      110  median: $ 124,280
  Management of Companies and Enterprises  emp:       60  median: $ 166,410

exact_match_status : found
matched_title      : Optometry
match_score        : 0.7619
wikidata_qid       : Q618211
word_count         : 6,605
wikipedia_url      : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optometry
license            : CC BY-SA 4.0
fetched_at         : 2026-06-02T21:31:16.361520Z

--- WIKIPEDIA FULL TEXT ---
Optometry (from Ancient Greek ὄψις (ópsis), meaning "eye", and μέτρον (métron), meaning "measure") is the healthcare practice concerned with examining the eyes for visual defects, prescribing corrective lenses, and detecting eye abnormalities.
In the United States and Canada, optometrists hold a post-baccalaureate four-year Doctor of Optometry degree. They are trained and licensed to treat some eye-related conditions, in addition to providing refractive (optical) eye care. Within their scope of practice, optometrists are health care practitioners according to the WHO and bill medical insurances (example: Medicare) accordingly. 
In the United Kingdom, optometrists may also provide medical care (e.g., prescribe medications and perform various surgeries) for eye-related conditions in addition to providing refractive care. The Doctor of Optometry degree is rarer in the UK.
Some optometrists participate in academic research for eye-related conditions and diseases. In addition to prescribing glasses and contact lenses for vision-related deficiencies, optometrists are trained in monitoring and treating ocular diseases. 
Training for optometrists varies greatly between countries. Some countries only require certificate training while others require a doctoral degree. 
In the United States, ophthalmologists are medical doctors (MDs and DOs) who typically hold a four-year college degree, a four-year medical degree, and additional years of training after medical school in an ophthalmology residency (at least four years) during which they receive training in advanced medical management of eye disease and ocular surgery as well as prescribing glasses. Some ophthalmologists receive additional post-residency training in a fellowship.


== Etymology ==
The term "optometry" comes from the Greek words ὄψις (opsis; "view") and μέτρον (metron; "something used to measure", "measure", "rule"). The word entered the language when the instrument for measuring vision was called an optometer, (before the terms phoropter or refractor were used). The root word opto is a shortened form derived from the Greek word ophthalmos meaning, "eye." Like most healthcare professions, the education and certification of optometrists are regulated in most countries. Optometric professionals and optometry-related organizations interact with governmental agencies, other healthcare professionals, and the community to deliver eye and vision care.


== Definition of optometry and optometrist ==

The World Council of Optometry,  World Health Organization and about 75 optometry organizations from over 40 countries have adopted the following definition, to be used to describe optometry and optometrists.

Optometry is a healthcare profession that is autonomous, educated, and regulated (licensed/registered), and optometrists are the primary healthcare practitioners of the eye and visual system who provide comprehensive eye and vision care, which includes refraction and dispensing, detection/diagnosis and management of disease in the eye, and the rehabilitation of conditions of the visual system.


== History ==

Optometric history is tied to the development of:

vision science (related areas of medicine, microbiology, neurology, physiology, psychology, etc.)
optics, optical aids
optical instruments, imaging techniques
other eye care professions
The history of optometry can be traced back to thirteenth century, with Roger Bacon's Opus Majus providing a theoretical outline of the use of lenses to improve human vision.
It is unknown when the first spectacles were made. The British scientist and historian Sir Joseph Needham, in his Science and Civilization in China, reported the earliest mention of spectacles was in Venetian guild regulations c. 1300. He suggested that the occasional claim that spectacles were invented in China may have come from a paper by German-American anthropologist Berthold Laufer.  Per Needham, the paper by Laufer had many inconsistencies, and that the references in the document used by Laufer were not in the original copies but added during the Ming dynasty.  Early Chinese sources mention the eyeglasses were imported.
Research by David A. Goss in the United States shows they may have originated in the late 13th century in Italy as stated in a manuscript from 1305 where a monk from Pisa named Rivalto stated "It is not yet 20 years since there was discovered the art of making eyeglasses". Spectacles were manufactured in Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands by 1300. Needham stated spectacles were first made shortly after 1286.
In 1907, Laufer stated in his history of spectacles 'the opinion that spectacles originated in India is of the greatest probability and that spectacles must have been known in India earlier than in Europe'.  However, as already mentioned, Joseph Needham showed that the references Laufer cited were not in the older and best versions of the document Laufer used, leaving his claims unsupported.
In Sri Lanka, it is well documented  that during the reign of King Bhuvanekabahu IV (AD 1346 – 1353) of the Gampola period the ancient tradition of optical lens making with a natural stone called Diyatarippu was given royal patronage. A few of the craftsmen still live and practice in the original hamlet given to the exponents of the craft by royal decree.  But the date of King Bhuvanekabahu is decades after the mention of spectacles in the Venetian guild regulations, and after the 1306 sermon by Dominican friar Giordano da Pisa, where da Pisa said the invention of spectacles was both recent and that he had personally met the inventor.
The German word brille (eyeglasses) is derived from Sanskrit vaidurya. Etymologically, brille is derived from beryl, Latin beryllus, from Greek beryllos, from Prakrit verulia, veluriya, from Sanskrit vaidurya, of Dravidian origin from the city of Velur (modern Belur). Medieval Latin berillus was also applied to eyeglasses, hence German brille, from Middle High German berille, and French besicles (plural) spectacles, altered from old French bericle.
Benito Daza de Valdes published the first full book on opticians in 1623, where he mentioned the use and fitting of eyeglasses. In 1692, William Molyneux wrote a book on optics and lenses where he stated his ideas on myopia and problems related to close-up vision. The scientists Claudius Ptolemy and Johannes Kepler also contributed to the creation of optometry. Kepler discovered how the retina in the eye creates vision. From 1773 until around 1829, Thomas Young discovered the disability of astigmatism and it was George Biddell Airy who designed glasses to correct that problem that included sphero-cylindrical lenses.
Although the term optometer appeared in the 1759 book A Treatise on the Eye: The Manner and Phenomena of Vision by Scottish physician William Porterfield, it was not until the early twentieth century in the United States and Australia that "optometry" began to be used to describe the profession. By the early twenty-first century, however, marking the distinction with dispensing opticians, it had become the internationally accepted term.


== Diseases ==
A partial list of the common diseases optometrists diagnose and manage:

Amblyopia
Cataracts
Corneal disease
Diabetic retinopathy
Dry eye syndrome
Eye neoplasm
Glaucoma
Hypertensive retinopathy
Macular degeneration
Refractive error (including astigmatism)
Strabismus
Uveitis


== Diagnosis ==


=== Eye examination ===
Following are examples of examination methods performed during an eye examination that enables diagnosis

Ocular tonometry to determine intraocular pressure
Refraction assessment
Retina examination
Slit lamp examination
Visual acuity
Color vision test
Visual field test
Dry eye test
Corneal topography


=== Specialized tests ===
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a medical technological platform used to assess ocular structures. The information is used by eye doctors to assess staging of pathological processes and confirm cl

--- SEMANTIC NEIGHBORS (5) ---

  Title: Eye care professional (similarity: 0.1212)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eye_care_professional
  QID: Q5422651
  Extract: An eye care professional is an individual who provides a service related to the eyes or vision. It is any healthcare worker involved in eye care, from one with a small amount of post-secondary training to practitioners with a doctoral level of education.

  Title: Canadian Association of Optometrists (similarity: 0.5000)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Association_of_Optometrists
  QID: Q24191436
  Extract: 
The Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO) is the national voice of optometry, providing leadership and support to its members to enhance the delivery of eye health and vision care for all Canadians. CAO was formally constituted with the proclamation of a federal act to incorporate the Canadian

  Title: Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria (similarity: 0.3038)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optometrists_and_Dispensing_Opticians_Registration_Board_of_Nigeria
  QID: Q125343079
  Extract: The Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria (ODORBN) is a government agency responsible for regulating the practice of optometry and dispensing opticianry in Nigeria. It was established by the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians (Registration, etc.) decree of 1989, now 

  Title: Vision therapy (similarity: 0.2308)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vision_therapy
  QID: Q7936207
  Extract: Vision therapy (VT), or behavioral optometry, is an umbrella term for alternative medicine treatments using eye exercises, based around the pseudoscientific claim that vision problems are the true underlying cause of learning difficulties, particularly in children. Vision therapy has not been shown 

  Title: Eyeglass prescription (similarity: 0.1818)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eyeglass_prescription
  QID: Q2340387
  Extract: An eyeglass prescription is an order written by an eyewear prescriber, such as an optometrist, that specifies the value of all parameters the prescriber has deemed necessary to construct and/or dispense corrective lenses appropriate for a patient. If an eye examination indicates that corrective lens

model_pass1          : claude-sonnet-4-20250514
model_pass2          : claude-haiku-4-5-20251001
inference_confidence : high
confidence_notes     : Strong confidence supported by comprehensive O*NET data, BLS wage statistics, clear educational requirements, and well-defined Wikipedia match confirming the profession's scope and responsibilities.
inferred_at          : 2026-06-03T18:39:50.280125+00:00
tokens_input         : 4,607
tokens_output        : 4,195
cost_usd             : $0.045882
wikipedia_used       : True
wikipedia_title      : Optometry
wikipedia_note       : Wikipedia confirms optometry as the healthcare practice for examining eyes, prescribing corrective lenses, and detecting eye abnormalities. The semantic neighbors include eye care professionals and vision therapy, supporting the comprehensive scope of optometric practice.

--- PROSE FIELDS ---

ROLE SUMMARY:
Optometrists are primary eye care professionals who diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system. They examine eyes and visual systems, prescribe corrective lenses, and provide comprehensive vision care including therapeutic treatments. These healthcare professionals require extensive preparation with doctoral-level education and serve as the first point of contact for many vision-related health concerns.

DAY IN THE LIFE:
An optometrist begins their day by examining patients' eyes using specialized instruments and pharmaceutical agents to assess visual acuity, perception, and overall eye health. They analyze test results to develop treatment plans, often prescribing and fitting eyeglasses, contact lenses, or other vision aids. Throughout the day, they educate patients on proper eye care, lighting arrangements, and safety factors while documenting findings and treatment recommendations. When permitted by state laws, they prescribe medications to treat eye diseases and may remove foreign bodies from eyes. They also provide pre- and post-operative care for patients undergoing eye surgeries and consult with ophthalmologists when additional medical treatment is required.

WHO THRIVES:
Successful optometrists possess strong investigative and social interests, combining scientific curiosity with genuine care for patient welfare. They excel at critical thinking and problem-solving, with exceptional attention to detail and dependability that patients rely on for their vision health. These professionals must demonstrate excellent oral communication skills to explain complex vision conditions to patients and coordinate care with other healthcare providers. The role demands individuals who can handle the responsibility of making precise diagnoses and treatment decisions while maintaining the patience and empathy needed for direct patient care.

CAREER ENTRY:
Entry into optometry requires completion of a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree, with 95.2% of practitioners holding doctoral degrees according to education distribution data. Admission to optometry school typically requires completion of prerequisite undergraduate coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. The doctoral program involves four years of intensive study covering ocular anatomy, vision science, pharmacology, and clinical practice, followed by supervised clinical rotations and often additional residency training in specialized areas.

CAREER TRAJECTORY:
Optometrists can advance into specialized practice areas such as pediatric optometry, low vision rehabilitation, or contact lens specialization. Many establish their own private practices or become partners in existing practices, while others pursue academic careers combining clinical practice with teaching and research. Advanced opportunities include roles in healthcare administration, industry consulting for optical companies, or specialization in areas like vision therapy, sports vision, or occupational optometry.

MARKET INTELLIGENCE:
The optometry field employs 42,790 professionals nationwide with a median annual wage of $136,570 according to BLS OEWS May 2025 data. Wages range from $74,870 at the 10th percentile to $202,180 at the 90th percentile, with significant geographic variation from Oklahoma ($97,350) to Alaska ($170,310). The majority of optometrists work in Health Care and Social Assistance (35,810 employed), followed by Retail Trade (6,020 employed), reflecting the dual nature of clinical practice and retail optical services. Job Zone 5 classification indicates extensive preparation requirements, contributing to competitive compensation levels.

AUTOMATION OUTLOOK:
Optometry faces moderate automation risk in routine testing and basic diagnostics, as advanced imaging equipment and automated refraction systems continue to evolve. However, the core activities of making complex decisions and solving vision problems, analyzing comprehensive test results, and providing personalized patient care remain highly resistant to automation. The profession's emphasis on direct patient interaction, clinical judgment, and therapeutic decision-making positions it well against technological displacement.

--- REASONED EDGES ---
  [career_pathway] Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric (29-1241.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both professionals work with eye conditions but ophthalmologists provide surgical and advanced medical treatments that optometrists often refer to.
    data: Related occupation listed as Primary-Short
    data: Both require extensive medical knowledge in ophthalmology
    data: Optometrists consult and refer to ophthalmologists
  [riasec_cluster] Chiropractors (29-1011.00) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Both professions share high Investigative and Social RIASEC patterns and require doctoral-level education for primary healthcare roles.
    data: Related occupation listed as Primary-Long
    data: Both Job Zone 5 requiring extensive preparation
    data: Both involve patient examination and treatment planning
  [skill_overlap] General Internal Medicine Physicians (29-1216.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Strong overlap in critical thinking, problem sensitivity, and patient care skills required for diagnostic healthcare roles.
    data: Related occupation listed as Primary-Short
    data: Shared high importance in Making Decisions and Solving Problems
    data: Similar medicine and dentistry knowledge requirements
  [knowledge_overlap] Dermatologists (29-1213.00) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Both specialties require detailed medical knowledge and involve examining specific body systems for diagnosis and treatment.
    data: Related occupation listed as Primary-Short
    data: Both require medicine and dentistry knowledge at high levels
    data: Similar patient examination and diagnostic processes
  [task_similarity] Neurologists (29-1217.00) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Both involve specialized diagnostic procedures, analysis of test results, and development of treatment plans for complex conditions.
    data: Related occupation listed as Primary-Long
    data: Similar emphasis on analyzing test results and developing treatment plans
    data: Both require updating and using relevant medical knowledge

--- NORMALIZER SIGNALS ---
  match_keywords   : ['optometrist', 'eye doctor', 'vision care', 'eye examination', 'corrective lenses', 'eye health', 'visual acuity', 'optometry']
  exclude_keywords : ['ophthalmologist', 'eye surgeon', 'optical technician', 'dispensing optician', 'optometry assistant']
  title_patterns   : ['Optometrist', 'Doctor of Optometry', 'OD', 'Therapeutic Optometrist', 'Optometry Doctor']
  common_variations: ['Doctor of Optometry', 'Optometry Doctor (OD)', 'Therapeutic Optometrist', 'Primary Eye Care Provider', 'Vision Care Specialist', 'Eye Care Professional', 'Clinical Optometrist', 'Comprehensive Optometrist']

total_terms    : 40
top_words      : ['optometry', 'optometrists', 'eye', 'vision', 'university', 'practice', 'tendency', 'medical', 'others', 'care', 'health', 'equipment', 'years', 'four', 'institute', 'science', 'doctor', 'india', 'clinical', 'course']
source_layers  : onet_tasks | onet_dimensions | dwas | wikipedia | inference

TERM                    COUNT     FREQ  DOMINANT SOURCE      SOURCE BREAKDOWN
──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
optometry                 177  0.02905  wikipedia            wikipedia:95%  inference:5%
optometrists              102  0.01674  wikipedia            wikipedia:96%  inference:4%
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vision                     64  0.01051  wikipedia            wikipedia:66%  inference:17%  onet_tasks:8%
university                 56  0.00919  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
practice                   47  0.00771  wikipedia            wikipedia:87%  inference:13%
tendency                   42  0.00689  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
medical                    41  0.00673  wikipedia            wikipedia:88%  dwas:5%  onet_tasks:2%
others                     40  0.00657  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:95%  wikipedia:2%  inference:2%
care                       39  0.00640  wikipedia            wikipedia:62%  inference:26%  onet_tasks:8%
health                     25  0.00410  wikipedia            wikipedia:72%  inference:16%  onet_tasks:4%
equipment                  25  0.00410  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:92%  wikipedia:4%  inference:4%
years                      24  0.00394  wikipedia            wikipedia:96%  inference:4%
four                       23  0.00378  wikipedia            wikipedia:96%  inference:4%
institute                  23  0.00378  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
science                    22  0.00361  wikipedia            wikipedia:86%  onet_dimensions:9%  inference:5%
doctor                     22  0.00361  wikipedia            wikipedia:95%  inference:5%
india                      21  0.00345  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
clinical                   20  0.00328  wikipedia            wikipedia:75%  inference:25%
course                     20  0.00328  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
management                 19  0.00312  wikipedia            wikipedia:63%  onet_dimensions:37%
visual                     18  0.00296  wikipedia            wikipedia:56%  onet_dimensions:17%  inference:17%
prescribe                  18  0.00296  wikipedia            wikipedia:56%  onet_tasks:17%  dwas:17%
includes                   18  0.00296  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:67%  wikipedia:33%
college                    18  0.00296  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
program                    17  0.00279  wikipedia            wikipedia:88%  onet_dimensions:6%  inference:6%
healthcare                 17  0.00279  wikipedia            wikipedia:65%  inference:24%  dwas:12%
universities               17  0.00279  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
bachelor                   17  0.00279  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
treatment                  16  0.00263  wikipedia            wikipedia:25%  inference:25%  onet_dimensions:19%
principles                 16  0.00263  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
government                 16  0.00263  wikipedia            wikipedia:81%  onet_dimensions:19%
diseases                   15  0.00246  wikipedia            wikipedia:60%  onet_tasks:13%  inference:13%
lenses                     15  0.00246  wikipedia            wikipedia:67%  inference:20%  onet_tasks:7%
technology                 15  0.00246  wikipedia            wikipedia:73%  onet_dimensions:27%
optical                    15  0.00246  wikipedia            wikipedia:87%  inference:13%
optometrist                15  0.00246  wikipedia            wikipedia:93%  inference:7%
opticians                  15  0.00246  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
association                15  0.00246  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
body                       14  0.00230  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:71%  wikipedia:29%