The Future of Optometry Careers: Key Trends and Hiring Practices for 2025
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Highlights
- New optometry career trends like teleoptometry, public health, and academia are reshaping the profession.
- Many ODs are now pursuing specializations in pediatrics, sports vision, and dry eye management.
- Employers are adjusting hiring practices, prioritizing tech-savvy optometrists with specialized skills.
The optometry profession is evolving quickly. From new career paths in specialized fields to the rise of teleoptometry and changing compensation expectations, providers must adapt to succeed.
This article highlights the most important optometry career trends shaping the future — and how hiring practices are evolving in response.
1. Growth in Optometry Careers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 10% growth in optometry jobs between 2021 and 2031, with about 1,700 openings annually.
This growth reflects both new care demands and increasing technology integration into daily practice.
2. Shift Toward Specialization
Optometrists are moving into specialized areas to meet patient needs and attract new patients.
Key specialties include:
- Pediatrics
- Low vision
- Dry eye management
- Neuro-optometry
New technologies (like AI-assisted glaucoma imaging and advanced treatments for dry eye) are accelerating this shift.
Specialization boosts expertise, revenue, and patient trust.
3. Technology and Teleoptometry
Teleoptometry and digital health tools are transforming patient care.
Optometrists can now:
- Conduct virtual consultations
- Monitor eye conditions remotely
- Share educational resources and reminders via digital platforms
Tools like digital retinal imaging improve diagnoses from a distance, while patient communication platforms enhance efficiency and engagement.
Learn how RevEngage supports modern patient communication.
4. Diversification of Roles and Work Settings
Optometry careers are no longer limited to private practice.
New opportunities are growing in:
- Corporate wellness programs – promoting employee vision health
- Vision care companies – developing new products and services
- Academia and research – advancing eye health innovation
- Public health – promoting preventive care and shaping policy
These roles allow optometrists to broaden their expertise while contributing to industry growth.
5. Changing Compensation Trends
Salaries are rising as employers compete for specialized skills. Median pay for optometrists jumped from $124,300 in 2021 to $187,654 in 2023, with top earners reaching over $370,000.
Providers with advanced certifications in pediatrics, geriatrics, or specialty contact lenses are especially in demand. Employers are also offering performance-based incentives to attract and retain top talent.
6. Post-Pandemic Eye Health Needs
The pandemic accelerated conditions like pediatric myopia and dry eye due to increased screen time. Studies show screen use can raise myopia risk up to 8x.
Recent increases in vision disorders have created demand for specialists in myopia control and dry eye management, shaping hiring and patient care needs.
7. The Growing Importance of Soft Skills
With telehealth on the rise, optometrists need more than clinical expertise. Employers value strong communication, empathy, and patient engagement skills as critical to building trust and loyalty.
8. Networking and Reputation Matter
Networking and professional reputation are key drivers of success. Optometrists who actively participate in conferences, professional groups, and community outreach open doors to referrals and collaborations.
Reputation also plays a major role: patients increasingly check online reviews and social profiles before choosing providers.
How Career Trends Are Changing Hiring Practices
Employers are now:
- Prioritizing specialization over general practice
- Seeking optometrists with strong tech skills
- Offering competitive pay to attract high-demand specialists
- Valuing soft skills and adaptability in diverse settings
In short, optometry hiring is shifting to match evolving patient expectations and the modern care environment.
Help Your Practice Thrive With RevolutionEHR
As optometry careers evolve, practices need tools that keep pace. RevolutionEHR helps practices adapt with integrated, cloud-based technology that supports teleoptometry, patient communication, and streamlined workflows.
Schedule a demo today to see how RevolutionEHR can support your growth.
FAQs
- What are the fastest-growing optometry career trends for 2025? Specializations, teleoptometry, and roles incorporate wellness, academia, and public health are expanding quickly.
- How much do optometrists earn in 2025? Median salaries continue to rise, with specialists in pediatrics, geriatrics, and contact lenses commanding the highest pay.
- What skills are employers looking for in optometrists? Employers prioritize tech fluency, telehealth experience, and strong soft skills like communication and empathy.
- How is teleoptometry shaping careers? Teleoptometry allows optometrists to expand access, conduct virtual visits, and deliver care beyond traditional practice settings.
Backed by deep expertise in optometry and a commitment to the success of eye care practices, RevolutionEHR offers insights and perspectives designed to help providers streamline operations, enhance patient care, and thrive in a changing healthcare landscape.