Optometrist Job Description

What is the job description of an Optometrist? What are the duties and responsibilities of an Optometrist? What does an Optometrist do?

Job description of an Optometrist

Optometrists examine patients’ eyes, test their sight, give advice on visual problems and prescribe and fit spectacles or contact lenses when needed. They are trained to recognize diseases of the eye, such as glaucoma and cataract, as well as general health conditions such as diabetes.

They refer patients to medical practitioners when necessary, as well as sometimes sharing the care of patients with chronic conditions. Most of these activities involve the use of specialist equipment.

This Optometrist job description example includes the list of most important Optometrist duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Optometrist profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Optometrist Duties and Responsibilities

Optometrist job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • Examining the eyes of patients of all ages to detect signs of injury, disease, abnormality or vision defects;
  • Using specialist equipment for diagnosis and testing;
  • Issuing prescriptions for spectacles or contact lenses;
  • Liaising with other medical practitioners and sometimes sharing the care of patients with chronic ophthalmic conditions;
  • Fitting and checking prescribed lenses in order to correct vision defects;
  • Help and advice for patients choosing frames and lenses;
  • Writing referral communications to doctors;
  • Administering, organising and planning the development of the practice;
  • Liaising with sales representatives from vision care product suppliers;
  • Owning or managing a practice.
  • Communicating with patients to get detailed case histories;
  • Meeting sales targets with regard to selling spectacles or contact lenses;
  • Undertaking continuing education and training (CET).
  • Offering advice and reassurance about vision-related matters;
  • Managing staff, including dispensing opticians and clerical staff;
  • Supervising and training junior staff;
  • Managing the retail aspects of spectacles, contact lenses and other vision care products;
  • Checking for signs and symptoms of general health conditions (e.g. diabetes);

Optometrist Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Optometrist job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree.
  • Must possess a license for O.D. and optometry.
  • x years ‘experience as an Optometrist.
  • Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
  • In-depth knowledge of eye-related disorders and conditions.
  • Customer service oriented with excellent analytical skills.

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Optometrist starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Optometrist job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of an Optometrist may also reference it in preparation for the interview.