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Ophthalmologist
 
 
Summary Job Description Education Skills, Abilities and Interests More Information
Summary

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

OutlookFaster-than-average-job growth

Median Income$166,400+ per year in 2008.

Work Context & ConditionsOphthalmologist diagnose or treat injuries, disorders, or diseases of the eye and eye structures including the cornea, sclera, conjunctiva, or eyelids. Prescribe 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.

Minimum Education RequirementsM.D.

SkillsPersuasion, Monitoring, Critical Thinking, Instructing, Management of Material Resources, Active Listening, Service Orientation, Equipment Selection, Time Management, Troubleshooting, Active Learning, Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making, Coordination, Reading Comprehension, Speaking, Science

AbilitiesOral Expression, Control Precision, Speech Recognition, Deductive Reasoning, Problem Sensitivity, Near Vision, Speech Clarity, Inductive Reasoning, Oral Comprehension

InterviewsEmily ChewVideo Icon