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Career pathway

Optometrists and Orthoptists

ANZSCO 2514

Employed

9,700

Part-time share

41%

Female share

76%

Median age

33 yrs

Employment outlook

Growing

Source: Jobs and Skills Australia · ABS 2021 Census of Population and Housing.

Pay and some job figures are hidden for this job. Jobs and Skills Australia and the ABS do not publish figures for small groups, often under 50 people, or they change the figures to protect privacy. A blank means the figure is not published. It does not mean zero.

Optometrists and Orthoptists is a job in Australia. The job figures on this page come from Jobs and Skills Australia and the ABS Census, where they are published. The courses listed here lead to this job. Compare the fee, study mode, length, place, and how to get in before you enquire.

Jobs and Skills Australia rates the job outlook as Growing.

Jobs, part-time share, age, and pay appear on this page only when Jobs and Skills Australia or the ABS has published them for Optometrists and Orthoptists. A blank is a missing figure, not a pay of zero. The courses below are linked to this job. Open one to compare the fee, study mode, length, campus, and how to get in.

There is no single national fee or length for training that leads to Optometrists and Orthoptists. Each provider sets its own price, study mode, and entry rules. Those rules can include past study, an English level, work experience, or an interview. Check the AQF level, and whether you study in Australia or online, before you enquire.

About this career

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.

What they typically do

  • 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

States and territories

Share of workers by location

VIC
28.4%
NSW
26.3%
QLD
24.9%
WA
8.2%
SA
5.2%
ACT
2.9%
TAS
2.1%
NT
2%

Qualification pathways

These accredited qualifications can lead to a career as an Optometrists and Orthoptists.

No qualification pathways published on training.gov.au yet.