ANZSCO 2514

Optometrists and Orthoptists

Overview

EMPLOYED

9,600

PART-TIME SHARE

21%

FEMALE SHARE

59%

MEDIAN WEEKLY EARNINGS

$2,280

MEDIAN AGE

34

ANNUAL EMPLOYMENT GROWTH

300

About this data

Summary

Optometrists and Orthoptists perform eye examinations and vision tests, prescribe lenses, other optical aids and therapy, and diagnose and manage eye movement disorders and associated sensory problems.

Tasks

  • Examining patients' eyes and setting tests to determine the nature and extent of vision problems and abnormalities
  • Assessing ocular health and visual function by measuring visual acuity and refractive error, and testing the function of visual pathways, visual fields, eye movements, freedom of vision and intraocular pressure, and performing other tests using special eye test equipment
  • Detecting, diagnosing and managing eye disease, referring patients to, and receiving referrals from other health providers, and prescribing medications for the treatment of eye disease
  • Diagnosing eye movement disorders and defects of binocular function
  • Prescribing lenses, contact lenses and low vision aids, and checking suitability and comfort
  • Prescribing exercises to coordinate movement and focusing of eyes
  • Managing programs for eye movement disorders, and instructing and counselling patients in the use of corrective techniques and eye exercises
  • Advising on visual health matters such as contact lens care, vision care for the elderly, optics, visual ergonomics, and occupational and industrial eye safety
  • Conducting preventative screening programs
  • Conducting rehabilitation programs for the visually impaired

ANZSCO Classification

Details

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    Earnings and Hours

    Weekly Earnings (Before Tax)
    Source: Share of workers who work full-time hours: ABS, Labour Force Survey, 2023, four-quarter average, customised report.
    Average full-time hours worked per week: ABS, 2021 Census of Population and Housing based on place of usual residence.
    Median full-time earnings per week and Median hourly earnings: ABS, Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2023, customised report.
    Note: median earnings data have not been produced for some occupations where there is a high standard error, and are published with "N/A" values.
    Earnings and Hours Optometrists and Orthoptists All Occupations
    Share of workers who work full-time hours 79% 70%
    Average full-time hours worked per week 40 hours 44 hours
    Median full-time earnings per week $2,280 $1,697
    Median hourly earnings $60 $43

    Industries

    Optometrists and Orthoptists work in industries like:

    Source: Ranked using ABS, Labour Force Survey, 2023, four-quarter average data, custom report.
    Note: industries that comprise less than 5% of an occupation have been suppressed.

    States and territories

    New South Wales

    31.8%

    Victoria

    30.9%

    Queensland

    16.4%

    South Australia

    7.3%

    Tasmania

    5.3%

    Northern Territory

    1.1%

    Australian Capital Territory

    1.9%

    Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, Detailed, August 2024, Jobs and Skills Australia trend data.

    Age and gender

    Age and Gender Profile
    Source: ABS, Labour Force Survey, 2023, four-quarter average, customised report.
    Age and Gender Optometrists and Orthoptists All Occupations
    Median age 34 years 39 years
    Female share of employment 59% 48%
    Source: ABS, 2021 Census of Population and Housing based on place of usual residence.
    Age Profile (% Share) All Occupations Optometrists and Orthoptists
    15–19 5.2 0.1
    20–24 9.1 7.3
    25–34 22.7 36.3
    35–44 22.3 20.9
    45–54 20.4 18.6
    55–59 8.8 6.4
    60–64 6.5 6.8
    65 and Over 4.9 3.7

    Education

    Registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency or the Australian Orthoptic Board is required.

    Visit

    • Course Seeker to search and compare higher education courses.
    • ComparED to compare undergraduate and postgraduate student experiences and outcomes.
    Source: ABS, 2021 Census of Population and Housing based on place of usual residence.
    Highest Level of Educational Attainment (% Share) All Occupations Optometrists and Orthoptists
    Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate 12.2 40.8
    Bachelor degree 23.2 52.5
    Advanced Diploma/Diploma 11.1 3.3
    Certificate III/IV 19.5 0.6
    Year 12 15.9 1.0
    Year 11 4.0 0.1
    Year 10 and below 9.7 0.2
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      Occupation profiles data

      This file contains data displayed on the Occupation Profile pages.

      Use of data in this file must include the relevant attribution text provided.

      Occupation profiles data - November 2024.xlsx

      occupation_profiles_data_-_november_2024.xlsx946664

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      Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations

      Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) is the skill-based classification system used to categorise occupations in the Australian and New Zealand labour markets. ANZSCO provides a basis for the standardised collection, analysis and dissemination of occupation data. Visit the ABS website to learn how ANZSCO works. Jobs and Skills Australia displays data for occupations that are defined by ANZSCO 2013 Version 1.3.