
Occupations: Optometrists
Optometrists
Overview of the profession:
Optometrists play a crucial role in healthcare by focusing on diagnosing and managing visual disorders and eye health. Optometrists are trained to provide eye examinations, prescribe corrective lenses, and detect various eye conditions, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. They also educate patients on proper eye care and preventive measures to improve eye health. To practice in Michigan, Optometrists must complete a Doctoral of Optometry degree accredited by the Accreditation Council in Optometric Education. Then, to obtain licensure through the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), optometrists must pass the National Board of Examiners in Optometry examination and the Michigan Optometry Jurisprudence Exam.
Additionally, for any Optometrists who prescribe controlled substances, LARA requires professionals to hold a Diagnostic Pharmaceutical Agents and Therapeutic Agents Certification and to complete an Opioid and Controlled Substance Awareness Training. Optometrists typically work in optometry or physician offices and retail stores that sell eyeglasses. However, they also find employment in post-secondary and research institutions. The contributions of Optometrists are essential in ensuring that individuals maintain optimal vision, which is vital for quality of life and daily functioning.
Policy Highlights
Includes recent proposed legislation
Current Optometrist Workforce Data
We've provided the latest data from Lightcast below. Click on the images to enlarge them and review them in further detail.




2024 Hourly Wages
10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|
$42.77 | $50.03 | $62.12 | $72.93 | $81.64 |
Top Posted Job Titles
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Optometrists
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Managing Optometrists
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Doctors of Optometry
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Township Managers
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Optometrists/Doctors of Optometry
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Clinical Faculties
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Optometry Interns
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Ophthalmology Assistants
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Technicians
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Directors of Professional Services
Index Ranking
Ranked 1st (out of 36) "healthiest" profession according to the 2024 Michigan Healthcare Workforce Index.
Learn more here.
2024 Employment: 1,579
Projected 2034 Employment: 1,712 (+8%)
Highlighted Workforce Initiatives
Name: Michigan Reconnect Short-Term Training Program​
Prosperity Region: Statewide
Description: In the Michigan Reconnect Short-Term Training Program, students can choose to attend a career training program in Michigan through the Reconnect Short-Term Training Program and receive a one-time scholarship up to $1,500 towards tuition costs. Michigan Reconnect (Reconnect) is a last-dollar scholarship program that provides financial assistance to attend an in-district community college tuition-free. Entry-level Optician Certifications can be achieved through this program. ​
Name: Minority Opthalmology Mentoring​
Prosperity Region: National/Statewide
Description: The Minority Ophthalmology Mentoring for Students program is offered in partnership by the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology (AUPO). The purpose of the program is to prepare medical students who are interested in ophthalmology and underrepresented in medicine to become competitive ophthalmology residency applicants. Medical students start the program during their first year of medical school. They are matched one-on-one to a mentor throughout four years of medical school and get to participate in medical career planning, networking opportunities and ophthalmology education.
Name: Student Career Exploration Program​
Prosperity Region: 9
Description: Henry Ford Jackson Hospital’s Student Career Exploration Program gives students an opportunity to explore healthcare-related careers, learn from our team of diverse professionals, and gain a better understanding of healthcare as a whole. This experience and exposure will allow students to gain insight related to their future education and career pathways. Students are requested to identify a maximum of four (4) Henry Ford Jackson Hospital departments they wish to observe. During the weeklong session, students will have the opportunity to observe a career within that department for a couple of hours.
Career Pathway
What does Michigan require to become a licensed optometrist?
In addition to completing a doctoral degree in optometry, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) requires professionals to pass two examinations for licensure: all parts of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry examination and the Michigan Optometry Jurisprudence Exam. For optometrists who prescribe controlled substances, LARA requires professionals to hold a Diagnostic Pharmaceutical Agents and Therapeutic Agents Certification and to complete Opioid and Controlled Substance Awareness Training.

How do optometrists become board-certified?
Board certification is a voluntary credential that’s awarded to professionals who go above and beyond a state’s licensing requirements. To be eligible for board certification, Optometrists need to graduate from an accredited optometry school, hold an active license, complete a residency, or submit 150 qualifying points that professionals earn through experience, continuing education, or advanced patient care and complete a written examination.