Healthcare career

Ophthalmologist

Also called: Eye Surgeon · Eye Physician · Retina Specialist · Cataract Surgeon

What ophthalmologists do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
What does an ophthalmologist do?

Ophthalmologists are physicians who diagnose and treat eye diseases and injuries, prescribe vision correction and perform eye surgery. The median pay is $300,080 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 12 years after high school, and employment is projected to grow +4.5% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

  • Median pay
    $300,080
    $144.27/hour · May 2025
  • Job growth
    +4.5%
    2025–35, about as fast as average
  • Openings per year
    200
    Average, 2025–35
  • Typical entry education
    Doctoral or professional degree
    BLS classification
  • Time to train
    12 years after high school
    Typical program length
  • U.S. jobs
    9,700
    Employment, 2025

What ophthalmologists do

Ophthalmologists are medical and surgical eye doctors. They perform cataract surgery, treat glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease, repair retinal detachments, perform LASIK and treat eye injuries. They work closely with optometrists, who refer patients for surgery and complex care.

Ophthalmologists complete medical school, a one-year internship and a three-year ophthalmology residency, often followed by a fellowship in retina, cornea, glaucoma or pediatrics.

Typical duties

  • Examine eyes and diagnose disease
  • Perform cataract surgery
  • Treat glaucoma
  • Manage retinal disease
  • Perform laser procedures
  • Treat eye injuries
  • Prescribe medications and lenses

Work environment and schedule

Ophthalmologists work in clinics, surgery centers and hospitals.

Schedule: Most work regular hours with some on-call for eye emergencies.

A day in the life

  1. Perform cataract surgeries.
  2. Give an eye injection for macular degeneration.
  3. See post-op patients.
  4. Evaluate glaucoma progression.

See a full day in the life of an ophthalmologist →

Ophthalmologist salary

Half of ophthalmologists earned more than $300,080 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $100,180 for the lowest 10% to $489,710 for the top 10%.

Full ophthalmologist pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become an ophthalmologist

  1. Earn a bachelor’s degree
  2. Complete medical school
  3. Complete internship
  4. Complete ophthalmology residency
  5. Pass boards

Medical school, a one-year internship and a three-year ophthalmology residency are required, plus a license and board certification.

Step-by-step guide to becoming an ophthalmologist →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

  • Eye examination
  • Cataract surgery
  • Laser procedures
  • Retinal care
  • Glaucoma management

People skills

  • Steady hands
  • Attention to detail
  • Communication
  • Calm focus

All ophthalmologist skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Very high pay
  • Life-changing surgeries
  • Regular hours
  • Advanced technology

Cons

  • Competitive residency
  • Long training
  • Microsurgery pressure
  • High patient volume

Certifications and licenses

  • ABO board certification: American Board of Ophthalmology.
  • State medical license: Required.
  • Retina fellowship: Subspecialty.
  • Cornea or glaucoma fellowship: Subspecialty.

Career path

  1. Ophthalmology Resident: Train.
  2. Ophthalmologist: Practice.
  3. Subspecialist: Retina, cornea or glaucoma.
  4. Practice Partner: Own a practice.

Learn the job before day one

Our Ophthalmologist training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as prepare a patient for cataract surgery and give an intravitreal injection, safety and how to land your first job.

View Ophthalmologist trainingIs this career right for me?

Optometrist

Examine eyes, prescribe glasses and contacts, and treat eye conditions.

  • $136,570
  • 8 years after high school

Optician

Fit eyeglasses and contact lenses so patients see clearly and comfortably.

  • $47,260
  • 1–2 years on the job

Surgical Technologist

Prepare the operating room, keep the sterile field and pass instruments to surgeons.

  • $64,650
  • 12–24 months

Compare: Ophthalmologist vs. Optometrist · Ophthalmologist vs. Ophthalmic Tech · Ophthalmologist vs. Optician · Ophthalmologist vs. Surgical Tech

Ophthalmologist FAQ

What’s the difference between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist?

Ophthalmologists are physicians who perform eye surgery; optometrists provide primary eye care.

How long is training?

About 12 years after high school.

Is cataract surgery common?

Yes, it’s one of the most common surgeries in the U.S.

How much does an ophthalmologist make?

The median annual wage for ophthalmologists was $300,080 ($144.27 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $100,180 and the highest 10% earned more than $489,710.

How long does it take to become an ophthalmologist?

Most people need about 12 years after high school of training. Medical school, a one-year internship and a three-year ophthalmology residency are required, plus a license and board certification.

Do you need a degree to be an ophthalmologist?

Yes. BLS lists a doctoral or professional degree as the typical entry-level education, and you also need a state license to practice.

More ophthalmologist questions →

Sources

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

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