Ophthalmologist

Your Fit

Income

$299K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

3.6%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Ophthalmologist?

An Ophthalmologist is a medical doctor specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and surgery of the eyes and visual system. They manage various eye diseases, perform eye surgery, and prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses.

Sample job titles:

Glaucoma Specialist, Ophthalmologist, Physician, Retina Specialist

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Ophthalmologist.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Ophthalmologist earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Ophthalmologist.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$121K per year	NA per year	$299K per year	NA per year	$613K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $234K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Ophthalmologist do?

Work environment

Ophthalmologists typically work in hospitals, private clinics, or academic settings. They may have operating rooms for surgical procedures and examination rooms for patient consultations. The role may involve emergency care, scheduled surgeries, and regular patient check-ups, often requiring precision and attention to detail.

Quick task list

Diagnoses and treats eye diseases and injuries.
Performs eye surgeries, such as cataract removal, laser eye surgery, and glaucoma treatment.
Prescribes eyeglasses and contact lenses.
Provides routine eye care and vision tests.
Conducts research on vision disorders and treatment.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Retinal Specialist: Focuses on diseases of the retina, including surgical and medical treatment.
Pediatric Ophthalmology: Specializes in eye diseases and surgery for children.
Glaucoma Specialist: Concentrates on treating glaucoma and related disorders.
Corneal Specialist: Deals with diseases of the cornea, including transplants and refractive surgery.
Neuro-Ophthalmology: Focuses on eye problems related to the nervous system.

Description

Ophthalmology is a field that requires a high level of expertise in both medicine and surgery. Ophthalmologists are responsible for a wide range of tasks, from diagnosing eye diseases using advanced technology to performing intricate eye surgeries. They must be knowledgeable about a vast array of conditions affecting the eye and visual system and skilled in various surgical techniques.

The role of an Ophthalmologist is multifaceted, involving patient care, surgery, and often research. They must keep up-to-date with the latest advancements in eye care, including new surgical methods and treatments. Ophthalmologists have the opportunity to make a significant impact on patients' lives by preserving and improving vision.

This career is suited for those who are detail-oriented and enjoy a mix of patient interaction, surgical practice, and potentially, academic research. It offers the challenge and satisfaction of providing critical care that can dramatically enhance patients' quality of life, such as restoring sight or preventing blindness.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

The ability to profoundly impact patients' quality of life by preserving or restoring vision.
A diverse range of tasks and responsibilities, from clinical care to surgery.
Continuous learning and staying abreast of technological advancements in eye care.
Opportunities for specialization in areas of interest within the field.

You might make a good Ophthalmologist if you are...

Fascinated by the complexities of the eye and visual system.
Skilled in working with precision and attention to detail.
Interested in a blend of medicine, surgery, and patient care.
Keen on a career that offers opportunities for ongoing learning and specialization.

Pros:

High level of job satisfaction from improving or restoring patients' vision.
Well-respected and financially rewarding profession.
Variety in daily work, including patient interaction and surgery.

Cons:

Lengthy and competitive educational and training path.
High-stress situations, especially during surgical procedures.
Potential for long working hours and on-call duties.

How to become an Ophthalmologist

Typical education

To become an Ophthalmologist, one must complete a 4-year undergraduate degree, 4 years of medical school, and a residency in ophthalmology, which usually lasts about 3-4 years. This totals approximately 11-12 years of post-secondary education.

High school preparation

Courses:

Advanced science courses, particularly biology and chemistry.
Mathematics to develop analytical and problem-solving skills.
Physics to understand optics and light, which are fundamental in ophthalmology.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering in healthcare settings, particularly those related to eye care.
Shadowing an Ophthalmologist or other medical professionals.
Participating in science clubs or fairs, focusing on biology or health sciences.

Preparation after high school

Completing a bachelor's degree, preferably in a science-related field.
Attending medical school to obtain a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) degree.
Completing a residency program in ophthalmology.
Obtaining a medical license and considering additional fellowship training for specialization.

More resources

American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) - Provides educational resources, clinical guidelines, and news for ophthalmologists.
American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) - Offers resources for specialists in cataract and refractive surgery.
EyeWiki - An online encyclopedia created by the AAO for ophthalmic information.
Journal of Ophthalmology - Features research articles and studies in the field of ophthalmology.
Ophthalmology Times - Provides news and updates on the latest advancements in ophthalmology.

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