Occupation Description:
Optometrists
SD Change Rating 
2010 Current Employment 235
2020 Projected Employment 280
10% Start Wage $29.29
25% Start Wage $39.70
Average Wage $73.01
* Wages Updated to Quarter Ending September 2012
Optometrists perform eye examinations to determine the presence of visual, muscular or neurological abnormalities. They prescribe lenses and other optical aids or therapy such as eye exercises. They also test patients to ensure proper depth and color perception and the ability to focus and coordinate the eyes. Optometrists are trained to recognize diseased conditions of the eye and formations of other eye diseases and refer patients with these conditions to the appropriate health professional. If optometrists have a therapeutic license, they may prescribe topical medicines such as eye drops and salves.
Work Place Examples: Top South Dakota industries in which you can find employment for this occupation.
- Offices of other health practitioners
- Department stores
- Federal Government
- Offices of physicians
Working Conditions:
Because optometrists are generally self-employed, they can set their own hours. However, they may work evenings and weekends to accommodate patients. They work in sterile examining rooms and offices.
Training Qualifications: For training related information such as where you can go to receive training and programs offered in South Dakota, please click on the Training Providers & Programs link on the menu to the right.
Hiring Preference - Doctoral or professional degree
Training Requirement - First Professional degree in optometry or related program
People interested in this occupation should like working with and helping people.
Apprenticeship Training:
No apprenticeship required.
Licensing Requirements: If licensing is required please check the link below for information on requirements.
Website: n/a
Description: n/a
Address:
http://www.state.sd.us/doh/optometry/index.htm
Skills: Skills required for success in this occupation!
- Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
- Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Judgement and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
- Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
- Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
- Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
- Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.
- Instructing - Teaching others how to do something
Interest Areas: These are the interest areas for this occupation! You may wish to check out other occupations that match your interests. If you haven't tried it yet, you might want to take the built-in interest surveys under the section entitled Examine Your Possiblities.
- Investigative - "Thinker" These individuals are interested in science and logic. They like to analyze, evaluate and solve problems, and enjoy learning and understanding the causes of events.
- Realistic - "Doer" These individuals prefer to work with objects, things, machines, tools, plants, or animals. They have mechanical ability, enjoy being outdoors, and working with their hands.
- Social - "Helper" These individuals like to work with other people. They enjoy teaching, helping and curing people. They are good with words.
O*Net Link: For additional occupational information you should check out this link!
http://online.onetcenter.org/link/summary/29-1041.00
SDWorks: Find your South Dakota career opportunity for this occupation!
https://apps.sd.gov/applications/LD10SDWORKS_SS_Seeker/SS_Seeker_Quick_Search.aspx?ONet=29104100
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