We surveyed 315 optometrists to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical optometrist. Here are the results.
How much intelligence is required as an optometrist?
Low
High
Working as an optometrist typically requires higher levels of intelligence when compared with the average career. This means that optometrists are required to actively learn new things related to their discipline and solve complex problems.
Can I learn to become an optometrist?
Intrinsic Talent
Acquired Talent
A career as an optometrist typically depends predominantly on qualities you’re born with, with a small aspect of skills you can learn.
Is it easy to get a job as an optometrist?
Easy
Hard
It’s typically quite difficult to find a job as an optometrist. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for optometrists.
Is being an optometrist stressful?
Low
High
Optometrists tend not to find their jobs stressful, which likely contributes positively to career satisfaction.
Is being organized important as an optometrist?
Low
High
Organization is not considered a particuarly important part of being an optometrist.
How competitive is the workplace for optometrists?
Low
High
Competition at work is not common for optometrists.
Does being an optometrist require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?
Low
High
Time pressure tends not to be a major contributor of stress for optometrists.
Are optometrists allowed to express themselves creatively?
Low
High
Optometrists rarely get a chance to express themselves creatively.
Do optometrists have control over the direction of their work?
Low
High
While sometimes the direction is set, occasionally optometrists will have some flexibility over the direction of their work.
Is being an optometrist physically demanding?
Low
High
Work as an optometrists is not the most physically demanding of careers, falling in the bottom half of all careers.
Are optometrists exposed to a wide variety of work?
Low
High
Optometrists tend to have a monotonous work routine, with little variety in their day-to-day tasks.
Does being an optometrist require attention to detail?
Low
High
Attention to detail isn't necessarily required to be successful as an optometrist.
Does being a good optometrist require compassion and empathy?
Low
High
Being compassionate and empathetic is considered helpful to those looking to pursue careers as optometrists.