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HealthcareTop JobColorado Talent Pipeline Report-aligned occupation with strong annual openings, growth, and wage signals.

Optometrist

Diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system. Examine eyes and visual system, diagnose problems or impairments, prescribe corrective lenses, and provide treatment. May prescribe therapeutic drugs to treat specific eye conditions.

Annual openings

69

Median wage

$152,000

Typical education

First professional degree

Growth 2026–2032

+9%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

First professional degree

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenMay vary
  • On a computerMay vary
  • OutdoorsNo
  • With your handsYes

Interests it draws on

  • Healthcare
  • Doctoral (Advanced Degree)

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. 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.
  2. Analyze test results and develop a treatment plan.
  3. Prescribe, supply, fit and adjust eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other vision aids.
  4. Prescribe medications to treat eye diseases if state laws permit.
  5. Educate and counsel patients on contact lens care, visual hygiene, lighting arrangements, and safety factors.
  6. Remove foreign bodies from the eye.
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