How to become an Ophthalmologist

Also called: Eye Specialist, Eye Surgeon

Provides diagnostic, treatment and preventative medical and surgical services related to diseases, injuries and deficiencies of the human eye and associated structures.

Main tasks

• Conducts comprehensive eye examinations to assess eye health, and diagnose and treat eye conditions
• Prescribes and administers medications and treatment for eye diseases and injuries
• Performs surgical procedures on the eye such as cataract removal or laser eye surgery
• Orders and interprets diagnostic tests and collaborates with other Health Professionals to manage patients' overall health
• Prescribes and fits corrective lenses such as glasses or contact lenses

Ways in

• University: Medicine & Dentistry degrees, Offered by 34 universities in Australia
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing is required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $260,676 a year
• About 21,700 people work in this job group now, and about 28,900 are projected by 2035. (+33%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

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Questions people ask

How do I become an Ophthalmologist?

Ways in include: Medicine & Dentistry degrees.

How much does an Ophthalmologist earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $260,676 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is an Ophthalmologist a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 33% by 2035, from about 21,700 to about 28,900 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become an Ophthalmologist?

Usually. 92% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of an Ophthalmologist?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04