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8 Vision Care Careers to Explore in 2025

Is Eye Care Still A Promising Career?

If you’re wondering whether a career in Eye Care is still worth pursuing, the short answer is absolutely. The vision care industry is not just holding its own—it’s on a growth trajectory that’s hard to ignore. With advancements in Eye Care technology, the increasing complexity of vision health, and the rising demand for Eye Care professionals, the opportunities are expanding faster than ever.

All populace grow older and getting older means being prone to eye problems or diseases and who do we call? (nope, not the ghostbusters) the eye doctors!

The Demand is Real

We’re not just seeing steady demand—we’re looking at double-digit growth. According to Techsciresearch the industry is expected to undergo significant growth through 2025, far outpacing most other healthcare fields​.

Why? Two main reasons:

One, An Aging Population.

By 2030, one in every five Americans will be over 65, and with age comes a higher risk of eye diseases like cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. This demographic shift alone is creating unprecedented demand for optometrists, ophthalmologists, and other Eye Care specialists. [2]

Two, Digital Eye Strain and Screen Time. 

Thanks to our digital lives, younger generations are experiencing unprecedented levels of eye strain, dry eyes, and refractive errors. By 2025, the Vision Council predicts that 80% of adults will experience some form of digital eye strain. This means there’s a growing need for specialized roles like vision therapists and opticians who can provide targeted solutions.

The Market is Booming

But it’s not just about a growing patient pool— it’s also about a booming business.The National Association of Vision Care Plans (NAVCP) reports that managed vision care plans currently cover 66% of all Americans, representing more than 218 million people in the U.S.​(NAVCP). That’s a huge opportunity for optometrists, ophthalmologists, and everyone in between to thrive. Not to mention the growing revenue market of this industry alone 2028 & onwards [3]

Bottom line? Eye care isn’t just a promising career—it’s a high-growth field that’s only going to get bigger. The question isn’t if you should get into it, but how soon. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to switch lanes in your healthcare career, now is the perfect time to make your move.

10 Vision Care Careers to Explore in 2025

1. Optometrist

  • Description: Optometrists are the frontline providers of vision care. They conduct comprehensive eye exams, diagnose vision problems, prescribe corrective lenses, and provide essential preventive care for maintaining optimal eye health. They’re often the first point of contact for patients experiencing vision issues.
  • Growth Outlook: The demand for optometrists is expected to grow by 10% from 2021 to 2031, which is faster than the average for all occupations​. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also notes an expected average of about 1,700 job openings each year during this period, largely due to retirements and industry expansion. [4]
  • Educational Path: Becoming an optometrist requires completing a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree, which typically involves four years of specialized education after completing a bachelor’s degree. Aspiring optometrists also need to pass the Optometry Admission Test (OAT) and obtain state licensure​. Additional residencies are optional but can provide specialized training in areas like ocular disease or pediatric optometry.
  • Median Salary: According to recent data, the median annual salary for optometrists is around $144,547, though it can vary significantly depending on location and experience. [5]
  • Emerging Trends: There’s a growing demand for optometrists who specialize in areas like geriatric care, neuro-optometry, and vision therapy.

2. Ophthalmologist

  • Description: Ophthalmologists are medical doctors specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of eye diseases and disorders. They provide comprehensive Eye Care, from performing complex surgeries like cataract removal and glaucoma treatments to managing chronic eye conditions. 
  • Growth Outlook: The required number of ophthalmologists is projected to increase by 117% from 2015 to 2040, driven by the aging population requiring surgical interventions. [6]
  • Educational Path: Requires an MD or DO degree, followed by a 3-year residency in ophthalmology, and additional fellowship for subspecialties​. Learn more here.
  • Median Salary: Around $400,000 annually, varying by experience and subspecialty​
  • Emerging Trends: Adoption of laser-assisted cataract surgery and minimally invasive glaucoma procedures.

3. Ophthalmic Technician

  • Description: Ophthalmic technicians assist ophthalmologists by performing preliminary vision tests, preparing patients for procedures, and managing diagnostic equipment. They play a vital role in ensuring efficient and effective patient care during eye surgeries and routine exams
  • Growth Outlook: The role of ophthalmic technicians is projected to grow by 12% through 2025 to 2032 due to increased surgical procedures for eye-related conditions.[7]
  • Educational Path: Typically requires a certificate or associate degree in ophthalmic technology.
  • Median Salary: $42k – 60k  depending on experience and location
  • Emerging Trends: Increased use of advanced imaging technologies such as OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography).

4. Vision Therapist

  • Description: Vision therapists help patients with visual processing disorders or those recovering from eye injuries. They use tailored exercises and tools to improve eye coordination, tracking, and focus.
  • Growth Outlook: The role is expected to grow an average of 3.22% per year, with a projection of 39,390 new jobs filled by 2029. [8]
  • Educational Path: Typically requires certification in vision therapy, often through programs like the College of Optometrists in Vision Development
  • Median Salary: The median annual salary for vision therapists is approximately $65,000, depending on experience and location [9]
  • Emerging Trends: Vision therapy’s integration with neurological care for patients with brain injuries is a growing trend in the field​

5. Optical Manager

  • Description: Optical managers oversee the daily operations of optical stores or departments, managing staff, inventory, and customer service. They ensure that the business runs efficiently, balancing both the clinical and retail aspects of vision care​
  • Growth Outlook: The role of optical managers is projected to grow by 4% from 2024-2028 and about 6,274 active optical manager job openings in the US [9]
  • Reasons for Growth: The optical retail market shows significant growth potential in the coming years due to increased consumer demand for prescription eyewear and advanced lenses and about 2,800 new jobs for optical managers are projected over the next decade. [9]
  • Educational Path: A degree in business management or opticianry is preferred.
  • Median Salary: Optical managers earn a median salary of approximately $73,209 annually, varying by experience, location, and the size of the optical business they manage​  [10]
  • Emerging Trends: Adoption of e-commerce strategies for optical sales.

6. Optician

  • Description: Opticians fit and dispense corrective eyewear based on prescriptions from optometrists or ophthalmologists. They assist customers in selecting lenses and frames that meet both functional and aesthetic needs, ensuring proper fit and alignment
  • Growth Outlook:The demand for opticians is projected to grow by 3% through 2032 and about 7,400 openings for opticians are projected each year, on average, over the decade.[11]
  • Reasons for Growth: With more people using digital devices, there is a surge in vision-related issues, leading to higher demand for corrective lenses.
  • Educational Path: Typically requires a certification in opticianry or an associate degree in ophthalmic dispensing. Some states also require opticians to obtain a license, which involves passing an exam like the ABO (American Board of Opticianry) and NCLE (National Contact Lens Examiners) certifications​.
  • Median Salary: The median annual salary for opticians is approximately $44,170 per year with variations depending on location, experience, and work setting​. [11]
  • Emerging Trends: Implementation of 3D printing for custom eyewear designs is making it easier to create personalized frames.

7. Vision Care Administrator

  • Description: Vision care administrators manage the business and administrative aspects of large Eye Care practices or clinics.
  • Growth Outlook: Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical and health services managers is projected to grow 28% from 2021 to 2031 [13] This growth is driven by the increasing complexity of managing modern multi-specialty practices and the rise of integrated care models
  • Reasons for Growth:More Eye Care clinics are moving towards integrated and group practice models to provide a comprehensive range of services.
  • Educational Path: A bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration is typically required, but many employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree (MHA) for more advanced roles
  • Median Salary: Vision care administrators earn a median annual salary of around $127,980, varying based on experience, location, and the size of the practice​.Not to mention, healthcare executives in the top 10% of all earners reported salaries of $209,990 or higher. [14]

8. Vision Care Researcher

  • Description:Vision researchers conduct studies on various aspects of visual health, eye diseases, and visual processing. Their research often spans fields such as genetics, neuroscience, and ophthalmology.
  • Growth Outlook: While not often highlighted with specific numbers, the role of a vision researcher is expected to be increasingly in demand as investment in vision science and ocular health expands.
  • Reasons for Growth: Age-related conditions like macular degeneration and glaucoma are becoming more prevalent, necessitating new research in prevention and treatment​.
  • Educational Path: Typically requires a PhD in vision science or a related field such as neuroscience or biology. Many researchers also complete postdoctoral fellowships to specialize further and gain research experience.
  • Median Salary: Although exact figures are hard to pinpoint due to the varied nature of the roles, salaries typically range from $70,000 to $150,000 for early-career researchers, with potential for higher earnings in private sector or specialized research roles. ​[15]

For more insights, check out the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) or the Journal of Vision Research.

Conclusion

If you’re looking at vision care careers for 2025, the possibilities are wide open.

From primary care roles like optometrists and ophthalmologists to specialized positions such as vision therapists and optical managers, the field offers a range of rewarding paths for professionals at all levels. The rising demand for vision care services—fueled by an aging population, increased screen usage, and rapid technological advancements—means that the need for skilled Eye Care professionals will only continue to grow.

If you’re an Ophthalmologist or Optometrist looking for a fresh opportunity with competitive pay, it’s worth checking out our job listings for current openings that could be your next big move. Explore the options, find a role that aligns with your goals, and take the next step in your career journey.

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