Description
Diagnose and treat refractive errors and corneal conditions using laser and lens-based procedures to reduce dependence on glasses or contacts. Evaluate candidacy, perform surgeries such as LASIK, PRK, SMILE, phakic IOLs, and refractive lens exchange, and manage comprehensive pre- and postoperative care.
- • Evaluate patients for refractive surgery candidacy through detailed history and ocular examination.
- • Perform and interpret corneal topography/tomography, pachymetry, wavefront aberrometry, and biometry.
- • Develop individualized refractive treatment plans aligned with patient goals, lifestyle, and risk profile.
- • Perform laser vision correction procedures such as LASIK, PRK, and SMILE using excimer and femtosecond lasers.
- • Perform lens-based refractive procedures including phakic IOL implantation, refractive lens exchange, and refractive cataract surgery.
- • Optimize the ocular surface pre- and postoperatively, managing dry eye and blepharitis to improve outcomes.
- • Prescribe and manage perioperative medications including topical antibiotics, steroids, NSAIDs, and lubricants.
- • Provide and oversee postoperative care, monitoring healing, visual recovery, and managing complications or enhancements.
- • Counsel patients on surgical options, risks, benefits, alternatives, and realistic outcome expectations; obtain informed consent.
- • Prescribe glasses or contact lenses when surgery is not indicated or for residual refractive error.
- • Collaborate and co-manage care with optometrists and other eye-care professionals.
- • Document medical histories, refractions, diagnostic findings, treatment plans, and outcomes in the medical record.
- • Refer patients with coexisting ocular or systemic disease to appropriate subspecialists when outside scope or expertise.
- • Maintain and refine laser settings, nomograms, and safety protocols to ensure consistent quality and compliance.
- • Teach residents, fellows, or staff refractive evaluation, laser safety, and surgical techniques.
- • Conduct or participate in clinical research and outcomes analysis in refractive surgery and related technologies.
- • Provide ophthalmic consultation to other medical professionals regarding refractive surgery and corneal considerations.
- • Perform corneal procedures relevant to refractive practice, such as collagen cross-linking or superficial keratectomy, when indicated.
Related specializations
Interview options
Interview options
Interviewee gender
Interviewee accent
Interview time
Related Pathways
Healthcare & Human Services
View
Source
Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
Learn more
Sources & Standards:
This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
