Overview
EMPLOYED
5,200
PART-TIME SHARE
50%
FEMALE SHARE
57%
MEDIAN WEEKLY EARNINGS
N/A
MEDIAN AGE
38
ANNUAL EMPLOYMENT GROWTH
N/A
Summary
Optometrists perform eye examinations and vision tests to determine the presence of visual, ocular and other abnormalities, ocular diseases and systemic diseases with ocular manifestations, and prescribe lenses, other optical aids, therapy and medication to correct and manage vision problems and eye diseases.
Tasks
- Examines patients' eyes and sets tests to determine the nature and extent of vision abnormalities
- Assesses ocular health and visual function by measuring visual acuity and refractive error, as well as testing the function of visual pathways and fields, eye movements, freedom of vision and intraocular pressure, and performs other tests
- Detects, diagnoses and manages eye disease
- Refers patients to, and receives referrals from other health providers, and prescribes medications for the treatment of eye disease
- Diagnoses eye movement disorders and defects of binocular function
- Prescribes lenses, contact lenses and low vision aids, and checks suitability
- Prescribes exercises to co-ordinate eye movement and focusing
- Manages programmes for eye movement disorders, and instructs patients in the use of corrective techniques and eye exercises
- Advises on visual health matters such as contact lens care, vision care for the elderly, optics, visual ergonomics, and occupational and industrial eye safety
- Conducts preventative screening programs
- Conducts rehabilitation programs for the visually impaired
ANZSCO Classification
Details
On this page
Hours worked
Hours worked | Optometrists | All Occupations |
---|---|---|
Share of workers who work full-time hours | 50% | 64% |
Average full-time hours worked per week | 40 hours | 44 hours |
Industries
Optometrists work in industries like:
Source:
ABS, 2021 Census of Population and Housing based on place of usual residence.
Note: industries that comprise less than 5% of an occupation have been suppressed.
States and territories
New South Wales
32.4%
Victoria
26.3%
Queensland
21.5%
South Australia
6.8%
Western Australia
8.4%
Tasmania
2.0%
Northern Territory
0.7%
Australian Capital Territory
1.8%
Source: ABS, 2021 Census of Population and Housing based on place of usual residence.
Age and gender
Age and Gender | Optometrists | All Occupations |
---|---|---|
Median age | 38 years | 40 years |
Female share of employment | 57% | 49% |
Education
Registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency is required.
Visit
- Course Seeker to search and compare higher education courses.
- ComparED to compare undergraduate and postgraduate student experiences and outcomes.
Highest Level of Educational Attainment (% Share) | All Occupations | Optometrists |
---|---|---|
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate | 12.2 | 38.7 |
Bachelor degree | 23.2 | 55.3 |
Advanced Diploma/Diploma | 11.1 | 2.3 |
Certificate III/IV | 19.5 | 0.5 |
Year 12 | 15.9 | 1.2 |
Year 11 | 4.0 | 0.0 |
Year 10 and below | 9.7 | 0.2 |
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
DownloadAustralian 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.