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Details Report for:
29-1069.06 - Ophthalmologists

Diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases and injuries of the eyes and related structures.

This title represents an occupation for which data collection is currently underway.

View report: Summary  Details  Custom

Tasks  |  Interests  |  Work Values  |  Education  |  Wages & Employment

Tasks   Save Table (XLS/CSV)

  • Diagnose or treat injuries, disorders, or diseases of the eye and eye structures including the cornea, sclera, conjunctiva, or eyelids.
  • Prescribe ophthalmologic treatments or therapies such as chemotherapy, cryotherapy, and low vision therapy.
  • Perform comprehensive examinations of the visual system to determine the nature or extent of ocular disorders.
  • Perform ophthalmic surgeries such as cataract, glaucoma, refractive, corneal, vitro-retinal, eye muscle, and oculoplastic surgeries.
  • Perform laser surgeries to alter, remove, reshape, or replace ocular tissue.
  • Develop treatment plans based on patients' histories and goals, the nature and severity of disorders, and treatment risks and benefits.
  • Perform, order, or interpret the results of diagnostic or clinical tests.
  • Prescribe corrective lenses such as glasses and contact lenses.
  • Prescribe or administer topical or systemic medications to treat ophthalmic conditions and to manage pain.
  • Provide or direct the provision of postoperative care.
  • Document or evaluate patients' medical histories.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of health professionals to provide optimal patient care.
  • Conduct clinical or laboratory-based research in ophthalmology.
  • Develop or implement plans and procedures for ophthalmologic services.
  • Educate patients about maintenance and promotion of healthy vision.
  • Instruct interns, residents, or others in ophthalmologic procedures and techniques.
  • Provide ophthalmic consultation to other medical professionals.
  • Refer patients for more specialized treatments when conditions exceed the experience, expertise, or scope of practice of practitioner.

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Interests   Save Table (XLS/CSV)


Occupational Interest
Interest
100   Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
72   Social — Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
67   Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
33   Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
22   Enterprising — Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
17   Artistic — Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

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Work Values   Save Table (XLS/CSV)


Extent
Work Value
83   Achievement — Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
83   Independence — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employs to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
78   Recognition — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
72   Relationships — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
72   Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
67   Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

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Education

Education data collected from Physicians and Surgeons.


Percentage of Respondents
Education Level Attained
100   Bachelor's degree or higher
 High school or less
 Some college

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics external site survey of employees aged 25-44.

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Wages & Employment Trends

National

Employment data collected from Physicians and Surgeons.

Category Occupation Information
 
Employment (2006) 633,000 employees
 
Projected growth (2006-2016) Faster than average (14% to 20%) Faster than average (14% to 20%)
 
Projected need (2006-2016) 204,000 additional employees

State & National

          CareerOneStop

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2008 wage data external site and 2006-2016 employment projections external site. "Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2006-2016). "Projected need" represents job openings due to growth and net replacement.

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