Ophthalmologists (Except Pediatric)
O*NET title: Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric
Diagnose and perform surgery to treat and help prevent disorders and diseases of the eye. May also provide vision services for treatment including glasses and contacts.
Also called: Clinical Ophthalmologist, Cornea and External Disease Physician, Cornea Specialist, Glaucoma Specialist, Medical Doctor (MD), Neuro-Ophthalmologist
Median pay
$300,080
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$100,180 – $489,710
People employed
8,950
Holland code
ISR
Investigative · Social · Realistic
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want a lot of freedom to make your own decisions?
- 2.Are you happy talking and working with people most of the day?
- 3.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 4.Do you want the same hours every week?
- 5.Do you want to lead or coordinate other people’s work?
- 6.Do you enjoy serving customers or the public?
- 7.Do you work well under tight deadlines?
- 8.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
The hard parts
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
- Exposure to disease or infection
- Tight deadlines are common
Ophthalmologists (Except Pediatric) pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (34 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What ophthalmologists (except pediatric) do
- 01Perform comprehensive examinations of the visual system to determine the nature or extent of ocular disorders.
- 02Diagnose or treat injuries, disorders, or diseases of the eye and eye structures including the cornea, sclera, conjunctiva, or eyelids.
- 03Provide or direct the provision of postoperative care.
- 04Develop or implement plans and procedures for ophthalmologic services.
- 05Prescribe or administer topical or systemic medications to treat ophthalmic conditions and to manage pain.
- 06Develop treatment plans based on patients' histories and goals, the nature and severity of disorders, and treatment risks and benefits.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Medicine and Dentistry
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Biology
- Administration and Management
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
- Intellectual Curiosity
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a graduate degree (O*NET Job Zone 5).
- Related work experience: over 4 years, up to and including 6 years.
- On-the-job training: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- A professional certification is often expected.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from ophthalmologists (except pediatric)
- Athletic Trainers51% · −79%
- Midwives51% · group pay
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary50% · −64%
- Ophthalmic Medical Technologists50% · group pay
- Genetic Counselors49% · −67%
Majors that lead here
- Medicine
- Osteopathic Medicine/Osteopathy
- Ophthalmology Residency Program
- Ophthalmology Residency/Fellowship Programs, Other
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.