Optometrist
Examine vision and eye health, diagnose problems and provide treatments including glasses, contact lenses and eye-care advice.
What They Do
Optometrists are healthcare professionals who examine eyesight, diagnose vision problems and identify and manage a range of eye conditions.
They conduct detailed eye examinations, measure visual acuity, assess eye health and prescribe glasses, contact lenses and other visual aids.
Jobs and Skills Australia also identifies detecting and managing eye disease, prescribing medications, referring patients to other health professionals and providing advice about eye health among the occupation’s key responsibilities.
Who This Career Suits
This career suits people who enjoy healthcare, science and working closely with people.
Optometrists need strong attention to detail because subtle changes in eyesight or eye health can indicate conditions requiring treatment or further investigation.
It can particularly suit someone who enjoys combining clinical science, technology and patient communication in a professional healthcare environment.
Key Skills
Clinical Skills, Communication, Attention to Detail, Problem Solving, Vision Science, Patient Care, Technology, Decision Making
Work Environment
Optometry Clinic, Healthcare, Indoor, Clinical, Patient-Focused
Education & Training
Becoming an Optometrist in Australia requires completion of an approved university optometry program followed by professional registration.
Approved Australian pathways include combined Vision Science and Master of Optometry programs and postgraduate Doctor of Optometry programs.
Current approved programs are offered by universities including Deakin University, Flinders University, Queensland University of Technology, University of Canberra, University of Melbourne, University of New South Wales and the University of Western Australia.
Training can include:
vision science, ocular anatomy, clinical optometry, eye disease, pharmacology, contact lenses, binocular vision, diagnostic equipment and supervised clinical placements.
Graduates must meet registration requirements through the Optometry Board of Australia and Ahpra before practising independently.
Career Changer Pathway
Optometry can suit people moving from science, healthcare, biomedical science or other allied-health backgrounds.
Because Optometrist is a regulated health profession, career changers still need to complete an approved optometry qualification and meet registration requirements.
Some postgraduate programs provide pathways for applicants who already hold a relevant undergraduate degree, while other programs combine undergraduate vision science with postgraduate professional training.
Early Career
Graduate Optometrists develop confidence conducting eye examinations, prescribing corrective lenses and identifying common eye-health conditions.
They may begin in an established optometry practice, retail optical business, community clinic or healthcare organisation.
Early-career Optometrists also develop their patient communication, clinical decision-making and referral skills while gaining experience across different age groups and eye conditions.
Mid Career
Experienced Optometrists manage a broader range of eye and vision conditions and may develop specialist interests.
They may specialise in:
contact lenses, children's vision, myopia management, dry-eye treatment, ocular disease, low vision or therapeutic optometry.
Experienced practitioners may also supervise graduates, manage clinics or develop long-term relationships with patients and other healthcare professionals.
Senior / Veteran Career
Experienced Optometrists can progress into Senior Optometrist, Clinical Lead, Practice Manager or Area Optometrist roles.
Others establish or purchase their own optometry practices and combine clinical work with business management.
Senior practitioners may also move into university teaching, research, professional training, corporate clinical leadership or specialised eye-health services.
Salary Guide
Early Career
85000
Mid Career
110000
Senior / Veteran
140000
Indicative annual salary (AUD)
Indicative annual salary (AUD)
Indicative annual salary (AUD)
Salary data source:
Indeed / Jobs and Skills Australia
Salary data source URL:
Date :
9 October 2026 at 12:00:00 am
Career Outlook
Optometrist was identified by Jobs and Skills Australia as an occupation in persistent shortage between 2021 and 2024, indicating sustained difficulty filling positions over several years.
The occupation also attracted one of the highest numbers of submissions in JSA's 2025 Occupation Shortage List stakeholder consultation, suggesting continued industry concern about workforce supply.
Demand is supported by Australia's ageing population, ongoing need for vision correction and increasing management of eye-health conditions. Opportunities may be particularly attractive in regional areas where access to healthcare professionals can be more limited.
Job Outlook :
Outlook Source :
Strong
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