Eye see the perfect job for you

Abigail O’Bright

For my friends out there, who are fascinated with vision science and the anatomy of the eye,

it may seem like your only options are to become an Optometrist or Ophthalmologist, since these are the most widely spoken of. While these are extremely interesting and important professions, I’m here to tell you that your passion for vision science does not need to stop there. There are plenty of ways to work in your dream field! Opticians, orthoptists, Ophthalmic Nurse, Community eyecare worker and medical technicians are other fun jobs in the eye care field that might be of interest to you.

Optometrist (median $86 115)

Optometrists are the doctors you would go see when you have any issues with your vision. An optometrist will perform eye exams and write you a prescription for corrective lenses, recommend alternative treatment, educate their patients on proper eye care, and refer to an Ophthalmologist or Orthoptist as required. Optometrists dabble in all areas of eye care including health promotion, utilizing technologies and small machines, eye exams, referrals, and even assist in picking out a pair of lenses.

Education: bachelor’s degree, 4-year optometry degree, 1-3 years residency to specialize

Ophthalmologist (median $168 000)

Ophthalmologists are similar to the last line of defense for all eye related health issues. When an optometrist or other physician believes surgery or advanced care is necessary, they will refer their patients to see an Ophthalmologist. They specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases and perform surgical procedures to rectify or manage eye diseases. These might include, glaucoma, retinal detachment, trauma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and more. Ophthalmologists also play a role in proper visual hygiene promotion and work in hospitals or private practices.

Education: bachelors degree, 4 year medical degree, 3-5 year residency to specialize in Ophthalmology

Optician (median $38 530/year)

The most common profession that you might think of outside of optometrist and ophthalmologist is an optician. When you get prescribed a new lens from the optometrist, you will probably find yourself at an optical store to fill that script and pick out a new pair of frames. The Optician is the one to help you pick frames that suit you, and take measurements so that the lenses align with your visual field. Opticians may also play a role in selling other optical devices such as magnifying glasses, binoculars, and telescopes. Maybe you have a side fancy for astrology?

Education: High school diploma and on the job training. Some people do a 2-year apprenticeship.

Orthoptist (median $82 000)

An eye care profession that you might not have heard of is an Orthoptist. An Orthoptist is comparable to an Ophthalmologist in the sense that they specialize in specific eye disorders, and these two positions work very closely together to treat patients effectively. The difference is that the orthoptist treats patients with non-surgical eye disorders. These can include eye movement disorders like strabismus, double vision, and lazy eye. The orthoptist practices visual therapy, to strengthen eye muscles and improve the alignment of the eyes. Vision therapy is beneficial In treating a variety of symptoms like poor hand-eye coordination and motion sickness as well. Once/if a patient requires surgical care or requires treatment outside of the scope of the orthoptist, they will be referred to an ophthalmologist.

Education: Bachelor’s degree and a two-year fellowship to obtain a license

Ophthalmic Nurse (median $68 450)

Another profession in the eye care field is an ophthalmic nurse. An ophthalmic nurse has gone through a general nursing degree, and then has decided to specialize in eye related care. Ophthalmic nurses work alongside an optometrist or ophthalmologist to help treat patients of all ages. They assist in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of eye injuries and diseases. Nurses can make those closer-knit connections with patients, which makes them an excellent patient advocate and it just makes sense to give them more of a say in their patient’s care. This position is of increasing need, as nurses are given more privileges and authority in the treatment of patients, like prescribing medications. Ophthalmic nurses monitor patients before, during and after surgical procedures, and can perform minor interventions when they see fit, without supervision. This can include any minor procedures.

Education: Nursing degree and pass NCLEX-RN exam. Nurses who have worked 4000hours in an ophthalmic setting can get their certification for registered nurses in Ophthalmology.

Community Eyecare Worker ($22.62/hour)

Now let’s say you have a passion for eyes and travelling, but don’t want to be the one to poke and prod at another humans’ eyes. Becoming a community eyecare worker sounds like a good fit for you. Community eyecare workers provide resources to those who live in marginalized communities and may not be aware of eye health services available near them. Community eyecare workers also educate those in smaller communities on safe eye care practices and focus on the prevention of eye care diseases. This position could give you the opportunity to travel and share your community’s knowledge and resources with others.

Education: High school diploma

Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician (average $20 000-$40 000)

Perhaps you want a profession in the eye care field but are more interested in mechanical aspect of creating lenses and would prefer working with your hands or machinery. An ophthalmic medical technician is the person who crafts the lenses that have been ordered by the optometrist and fits them into the frames you ordered with the optician. The medical technician must curve the lens in a very precise way to match the uniqueness of the prescription that the patient requires. This means cutting, grinding, and finishing the lens. Sometimes this requires hand work, and other times the use of machinery helps make the lenses.

Education: High school diploma and on the job training.

Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (median $37 940)

While similar in name to an Ophthalmic Lab tech, the Ophthalmic Medical technologist works alongside the Optometrist or Ophthalmologist, sometimes in the operating room, assisting with the use of the surgical equipment and instruments or diagnostic machinery. A person in this stream can work under 1 of 3 levels. A certified Ophthalmic assistant (COA) is entry level, Certified ophthalmic technician (COT) Is intermediate level and certified ophthalmic medical technologist (COMT) is the advanced level.

Education: High school diploma and 1–2-year degree training program.