Career comparison
Ophthalmologist vs. Optometrist
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Ophthalmologists earn more at the median ($300,080 vs. $136,570), while optometrists usually get to work faster (8 years after high school of training). Ophthalmologists diagnose and treat eye diseases and perform eye surgery. Optometrists examine eyes, prescribe glasses and contacts, and treat eye conditions.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Ophthalmologist | Optometrist | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $300,080 ($144.27/hr) | $136,570 ($65.66/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $100,180 – $489,710 | $74,870 – $202,180 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +4.5% (about as fast as average) | +9.5% (much faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 200 | 2,000 |
| Typical entry education | Doctoral or professional degree | Doctoral or professional degree |
| Training time | 12 years after high school | 8 years after high school |
| Key credential | ABO board certification | NBEO exams |
| Work setting | Ophthalmologists work in clinics, surgery centers and hospitals.. | Optometrists work in private practices, retail optical stores, clinics and medical centers.. |
What each job does
Ophthalmologist
- Examine eyes and diagnose disease
- Perform cataract surgery
- Treat glaucoma
- Manage retinal disease
- Perform laser procedures
Optometrist
- Perform eye exams
- Prescribe glasses and contacts
- Diagnose eye diseases
- Treat infections and dry eye
- Manage glaucoma and diabetic eye care
How they’re similar
Both careers involve high-pay, helping others, and indoor work. Both are part of the healthcare field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose ophthalmologist if…
- I want to restore sight
- I have steady hands
- I like surgery and technology
Choose optometrist if…
- I’m interested in vision and eyes
- I like regular hours
- I enjoy helping patients
Still torn? Take the Ophthalmologist fit quiz and the Optometrist fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, ophthalmologist or optometrist?
Ophthalmologists earn more at the median: $300,080 versus $136,570 for optometrists, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Optometrists typically train faster (8 years after high school) than ophthalmologists (12 years after high school).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects optometrists to grow +9.5% from 2025–35, compared with +4.5% for ophthalmologists.