Australian Education Pathways

Optometrists and Orthoptists

University degree Strong growth · ANZSCO skill level 1 · occupation 2514

Optometrists and Orthoptists perform eye examinations and vision tests, prescribe lenses, other optical aids and therapy, and diagnose and manage eye movement disorders and associated sensory problems.

People employed9,700
Projected growth+18%over 5 years (to 2030)
Recent growth+2.1%per year
Median age33
Female share76%

How do you get there?

Highest qualification held by people in this job: 93.3% university · 3.9% vet / tafe · 1.3% school / entry (ABS Census via JSA).

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Where these jobs are

VIC 28.4% · NSW 26.3% · QLD 24.9% · WA 8.2% · SA 5.2% · ACT 2.9% · TAS 2.1% · NT 2%

Top industries

Health Care and Social Assistance · Education and Training.

Source: Jobs and Skills Australia — Occupation profiles (Feb 2026) + Employment Projections (May 2025–2035). © Commonwealth of Australia, CC BY 4.0. Figures are national estimates.