"Healthy eyesight is an important factor for so many other things. Learning, driving, sports, and general quality of life are, in part, dependent on good eyesight. But getting to know my patients and their families is why I look forward to coming to work each day! I ask about their general health and listen for clues about conditions, medications, or other treatments that may impact their eye health. This leads to conversations about how they’re doing overall and opportunities for me to educate and support them.

I love helping patients problem solve to find the best solution for their needs. I also conduct exams, update prescriptions, and explain to patients how to care for their glasses or contacts. Building trust and tending to these relationships is the best part of being an optometrist!"

Interested in this occupation? Download the job flyer here!

Job Description

SOC Code: 29-1041

Optometrists diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system. Examine eyes and visual system, diagnose problems or impairments, prescribe corrective lenses, and provide treatment. May prescribe therapeutic drugs to treat specific eye conditions.*

*Source: This information is based on O*NET™ data. O*NET is a trademark registered to the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.

Top Job Skills:

• Educate patients
• Counsel patients
• Improve patient care
• Mathematical Skills
• Prescribe corrective lenses

General Work Activities:

• Mental Processes
  • Analyze test data or images to inform diagnosis or treatment
  • Develop medical treatment plans
• Interacting With Others
  • Fit eyeglasses, contact lenses, or other vision aids
  • Prescribe assistive medical devices or related treatments
  • Train patients, family members, or caregivers in techniques for managing disabilities or illnesses
  • Treat acute illnesses, infections, or injuries
  • Collaborate with healthcare professionals to plan or provide treatment
  • Prescribe treatments or therapies
  • Treat chronic diseases or disorders
• Information Input
  • Test patient vision

  • Monitor patients following surgeries or other treatments

     

Source: SC Works Online Services (SCWOS)

*All data is factual, but names, Images, and quotations have been adapted to protect the Identity of employees and businesses.

Job Statistics

 

Examples of Workforce Areas with Job Openings

 

• Midlands
• Trident
• Upper Savannah
• Upstate
• Pee Dee
• Lower Savannah

Source: SC Works Online Services. Ask an SC Works representative for more information about postings in your area.

Examples of Employers with Job Openings

• Walmart Inc.
• Physicians Eyecare Group
• National Vision, Inc.
• City Wide Facility Solutions
• EssilorLuxottica
• Eye Health America

Source: SC Works Online Services. Ask an SC Works representative for more information about postings in your area

Related Occupations

• Dermatologists
• Emergency Medicine Physicians
• Pediatric Surgeons
• General Internal Medicine Physicians
• Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric

NOTE: All data based on state averages. Information may vary depending on region, experience, and specific employment situation. Last Updated: 2025

Learn More with SCWOS

SC Works Online Services (SCWOS) is the state’s largest job database and provides all of South Carolina's job postings from all major sites, including Monster and Career Builder, in one resource. SCWOS has thousands of positions listed by employers all over the state. To access SCWOS, visit jobs.scworks.org.

Find in-depth breakdowns of occupational statistics such as necessary job certifications, job skills and abilities, current job openings, overview of general work activities, and more by visiting O*NET.org.