Best institutions to study Optometry
Compare 23 U.S. colleges offering Optometry by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 18 states.
About Optometry programs
The Optometry program focuses on the healthcare practice of examining eyes for visual defects, prescribing corrective lenses, and detecting eye abnormalities. This program is ideal for individuals interested in a career that combines patient care with scientific knowledge, particularly in the field of vision health. Students will learn to diagnose and treat various eye conditions while providing essential education to patients about their eye care needs.
In the Optometry program, students develop core skills in reading comprehension, critical thinking, and active listening. Coursework covers essential knowledge in medicine, biology, and customer service, equipping students to analyze test results, prescribe treatments, and educate patients on proper eye care practices.
Top 23 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings
Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard, predominant credential).
Offered across 18 states & territories
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
| State | Institutions | Median earnings | Top institution by earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabamalimited | 1 | — | — |
| California | 3 | — | — |
| Floridalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Illinoislimited | 2 | — | — |
| Indianalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Kentuckylimited | 1 | — | — |
| Massachusettslimited | 2 | — | — |
| Michiganlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Missourilimited | 1 | — | — |
| New Yorklimited | 1 | — | — |
| Ohiolimited | 1 | — | — |
| Oklahomalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Oregonlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Pennsylvanialimited | 1 | — | — |
| Tennesseelimited | 1 | — | — |
| Texaslimited | 2 | — | — |
| Puerto Ricolimited | 1 | — | — |
| Arizonalimited | 1 | — | — |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 29-1041, Optometrists, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Optometry program can expect a promising career outlook, with an 8% growth rate and approximately 2,400 annual job openings. The median wage for optometrists is $134,830, and a doctoral or professional degree is typically required for entry into this field.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Optometry
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 51.17.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 51.17 (Optometry) maps to 1 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupation, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 29-1041 | Optometristsprimary |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Optometry programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Examine eyes, using observation, instruments, and pharmaceutical agents, to determine visual acuity and perception, focus, and coordination and to diagnose diseases and other abnormalities, such as glaucoma or color blindness.
- Analyze test results and develop a treatment plan.
- Prescribe, supply, fit and adjust eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other vision aids.
- Prescribe medications to treat eye diseases if state laws permit.
- Educate and counsel patients on contact lens care, visual hygiene, lighting arrangements, and safety factors.
- Remove foreign bodies from the eye.
Concentrations within Optometry
Specializations under this field (NCES CIP 2020).
- OptometryCIP 51.1701
A program that prepares individuals for the independent professional practice of optometry and that focuses on the principles and techniques for examining, diagnosing and treating conditions of the vi
Common questions
What is the primary focus of the Optometry program?+
The program focuses on examining eyes, prescribing corrective lenses, and detecting eye abnormalities.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, active listening, and patient education.
What is the job outlook for optometrists?+
The job outlook is much faster than average, with an expected growth rate of 8%.
What level of education do I need to become an optometrist?+
A doctoral or professional degree is typically required to enter the field.
What is the CIP code for Optometry?+
Optometry maps to CIP 51.17 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Explore every U.S. college in one conversation
Clema turns plain-language questions into sourced answers across every U.S. institution — earnings, aid, acceptance, graduation, safety, and athletics from IPEDS, College Scorecard, and 10+ federal datasets, built in.
Free for teams up to 3 · No credit card