Optometrist
Examine and treat eye conditions.
Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right nowJob growth
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5-year projectionSalary
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Typical salaryJob satisfaction
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Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right nowSalary
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Typical salaryJob growth
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5-year projectionJob satisfaction
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On this page
- What's it like to be an Optometrist?
- How to become an Optometrist
- Latest Optometrist jobs
- Top skills and experience for Optometrists
- Is Optometrist the right role for you?
- Optometrist role reviews
What's it like to be an Optometrist?
An Optometrist is a health care professional who provides primary eyecare through comprehensive eye examinations to detect and treat various visual abnormalities and eye diseases. They have an intimate knowledge of the workings of the eye and visual systems. Optometrists use a variety of complex techniques and instruments to understand their patients’ needs.Did you find this video helpful?
Tasks and duties
- Conducting eye examinations.
- Communication with patients to understand their condition and medical history.
- Performing tests in order to detect and diagnose eye diseases, such as glaucoma.
- Advising patients on their best treatment options, such as glasses, contact lenses, eye exercises, medications and lifestyle changes.
- Administering treatments to address eye conditions.
How to become an Optometrist
To work as an Optometrist, you will need to complete a degree in optometry that is accredited by the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand (OCANZ).
- Complete a relevant degree such as the Bachelor of Vision Science / Master of Optometry. This double degree usually takes between 3.5–5 years of full-time study. Entry is based on Year 12 results and performance in the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT).
- Alternatively, if you have already completed an undergraduate degree, complete a Doctor of Optometry. This course usually takes 4 years of full-time study. Entry is based on prior academic performance, as well as performance in the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT).
- Register with the Optometry Board of Australia to practise as an Optometrist.
Compare your salary
Find out how your salary compares with the average salary for Optometrists.Latest Optometrist jobs on SEEK
Be one of the first to discover these recently listed jobs, or browse all Optometrist jobs on SEEK right now.Did you find this helpful?
Skills and experience employers are looking for
Having the right skills and experience can make you an in-demand applicant. Optometrist employers on SEEK are looking for job seekers with expertise in the following areas. Optometry
Dispensing
Patient Care
Industry Development
Fashion
Paediatrics
AHPRA Registration
Clinical Skills
Glass
Rapport Building
Source: SEEK job ads and SEEK Profile data
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Latest Optometrist reviews
May 2021
Optometry is as satisfying as you make it, but you need to find the right work environment for you and put in the effort.
Reviewer's QualificationBachelor of Optometry/Bachelor of Science
Experience5 – 9 years
Organisation sizeI'm self-employed
SpecialisationPrimary Eye Care
The good thingsThis is a career that offers much flexibility in hours and days. Don't do it for the money. The best thing about it is the satisfaction you get from helping patients, looking after them long-term, var...
The challengesYou won't make millions unless you get very creative with business and expand. However, you can make a decent income. There are many retail pressures, and many of my colleagues are burnt out from work...
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Jul 2025
Once a great profession, Optometry is in decline
Reviewer's QualificationBachelor of Optometry
Experience10+ years
Organisation sizeSmall (1-19 employees)
SpecialisationHealthcare & Medical
The good thingsIf you are considering a career as an Optometrist, just don't. There is an enormous oversupply of Optometrist in the workforce is worsening year on year as Universities pump out more graduates with c...
The challengesDeclining work conditions, declining salary, poor job security
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SEEK has not verified the truth or accuracy of these comments and does not adopt or endorse any of the comments posted on this page.SEEK collects and posts the comments for what they are worth and for information purposes only to assist candidates to find employment through www.seek.com.au
