Optometrist Salary in South Africa

An optometrist is a healthcare professional who is an eye specialist. He is responsible for examining and diagnosing the common issues related to your eyes. Optometrists diagnose and treat the commonly occurring problems of the eyes and send you to a surgeon or ophthalmologist for surgical procedures if needed.

Occupation:	Optometrist
Monthly Salary Range:	R 28000 – R 111000
Average Monthly Salary:	R 1203801
Description:	Optometrists are responsible for diagnosing and treating the commonly occurring issues of the eyes.
Minimum Qualification:	Bachelor of Science in optometry.

In this guide, we will talk about the average salary of optometrists in South Africa, how much they earn, their professional responsibilities, and the differences in wages based on gender, cities, and professional experience. Without wasting any more time, let us start with the guide below.

Overview of Optometrist Salary

Entry-level optometrists typically earn around R 28,000 per month. The average monthly income, including extras and benefits, is about R 71,400. Median pay is approximately R 72,800 per month, meaning half of optometrists earn below and half earn above this value.

Experienced optometrists, especially in private practices or urban areas, can earn up to R 111,000 per month.

Extras & Additional Compensation

Optometrists may also receive:

• Bonuses, commissions, or performance-based incentives.
• Overtime pay or allowances for weekend and after-hours work.
• Additional perks in private practices, including optical sales incentives.

Salary Structure

Based on Professional Experience

Years of Experience	Approximate Monthly Salary (ZAR)
0 – 2 Years	R 41,500
2 – 5 Years	R 53,300
5 – 10 Years	R 73,500
10 – 15 Years	R 91,100
15 – 20 Years	R 97,600
20+ Years / Senior	R 104,000

Variation by Location / Employer Type

• Urban centres and private practices generally pay higher wages.
• Smaller towns or public-sector clinics may offer more modest salaries, often with public-sector benefits.

Responsibilities of an Optometrist

• Conduct eye and vision examinations to diagnose refractive errors, eye diseases, and visual problems.
• Prescribe corrective lenses and provide fitting and follow-up care.
• Provide counselling and guidance on eye health and vision maintenance.
• Refer patients to ophthalmologists or specialists when advanced care is needed.
• Manage patient records, conduct follow-up assessments, and oversee optical supplies.
• Run screening programs, perform minor therapeutic interventions, and educate patients about eye care.

FAQs

What is a typical starting salary for an optometrist in South Africa?

Around R 28,000 – R 30,000 per month, depending on location and employer.

What can an experienced optometrist expect to earn?

With experience and in private practice, monthly earnings of R 90,000 – R 104,000 are possible, including extras and bonuses.

What factors influence optometrist salary the most?

Years of experience, type of employer (private vs public), city/region, additional services, workload, and performance-based incentives.

Is optometry a viable career in South Africa currently?

Yes — demand for eye care remains steady, and with experience and private practice opportunities, optometry offers competitive income and growth potential.