Nature of Work:

Optometrist specializes in examining eyes. Their duties include examining and testing eye problem, vision and perform surgery. Optometrist also prescribes medication for the eyes, like eye glasses, contact lenses and other drugs for the eyes.

Basic Tasks:

• Assessing patient eye condition
• Examining and testing eye vision and defects
• Performs minor and major eye surgery
• Prescribe effective medication for eye problems
• Prescribe the use of eye glasses, contact lenses, eye drops and other eye drugs.
• Give prior advice to the patient conditions.
• Checking for signs and symptoms of major general disease like diabetes.
• Writing referral notices to doctors
• Assist different kinds of patients

Education and Training Requirements:

• Must be a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Optometry and hold an authorized license from the government.
• For entry level applicants, an internship from eye specialization centers or shops is required.
• Must have 3-5 years experience working on a hospital

Salary Information:

Local employment:

• P12, 000- P20, 000 per month

Overseas employment:

• USA- Entry Level Optometrist receives USD6, 499 or PhP319,750 per month

 - Experienced Optometrist receives USD7, 612 or PhP347, 510 per month

• Canada- Optometrist receives CAD7, 027 or PhP274, 747 per month
• Dubai- they offer USD1,360 or PhP69, 912 per month

Skills and Competency Requirements:

• Have above average knowledge in eye conditions, diseases and defects.
• Must know how to perform minor and major eye surgery
• Knowledge in basic pharmacy, prescription of medications, eye glasses and contact lenses.
• Can read and assess different diagnosis
• Can assess eye problem, diseases and defects.
• Can check other major illness aside from eye problems by eye examinations
• Know how to assist patients with different personalities
• Ability to measure eye grades and vision
• Know how to use medical equipments use in eye examinations and surgeries.
• Accurate and keen to details

Employment Opportunities:

Optometrist is one of the highest paying jobs in US. Because of the high demand in medical care across US, UAE and Canada, the demand for Optometrist also increases. Experience Optometrist have more edge since most Hospitals require experienced Doctors, however entry level applicants are encouraged to apply as long as they pass the examination.

Work Environment:

Optometrist can work in private and public hospitals or different eye centers or eyeglasses shops. Optometrist environment can be a pressure since it dealt with medical care however; the working condition of optometrist is not toxic as other medical specialist.

Work Hours:

Typical working time of Optometrist is 8-10 hours a day depending on situation. Situation as emergency and major operations can take about 5-10 hours working.

Career Advancement:

Promotion in Medical Industry is quite different from other industries, the promotion is by levels. Entry level Optometrist can be promoted as Optometrist 1 to final level. Experienced Optometrist can be promoted as Head Optometrist or Director.