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 842037 – R 1565565
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

Optometrists are involved in providing health care facilities for the problems related to your eyes. They examine and diagnose the disorders and diseases of the eyes and give the proper treatment for them. These are the medical professionals with a bachelor of science in optometry who, in South Africa with a job can earn an average of R 1,215,751 per year.

The salaries of optometrists in South Africa vary based on professional experience, level of education, and gender. Let’s look at the average benefits and extras an optometrist working in South Africa can make.

Extras

An optometrist working in South Africa can earn an average of R 31,974 annually in bonuses. We cannot specify the amount because the bonus and extra income also depend upon the performance of the Optometrist, his spare hours, and his experience. Let’s discuss the salary structure and variance in detail below.

Salary Structure

Salary Variation Based on Professional Experience

The entry-level Optometrist with 0 to 1 year of experience can earn an average of R 243,258 per year. Similarly, those with 1 to 4 years of experience can earn an average of R 297,114 annually.

Then comes the mid-career Optometrist with 5 to 9 years of experience. They can make up an amount equal to approximately 345,497 per month. Then, there are optometrists with more than ten years of experience who can make up an average total of R 383,048.

Responsibilities of Optometrists

• Optometrists are responsible for conducting eye examinations using general diagnostic interpretation and optometric equipment.
• They diagnose and treat ocular diseases.
• Optometrists are responsible for prescribing and setting eyeglasses, visionary equipment, and contact lenses for patients if needed.
• Moreover, optometrists answer questions and advise and counsel patients about their optical and visionary issues.
• Optometrists also recommend proper patient follow-up and care plans to patients so they can take care of them after being diagnosed with specific issues.

FAQs

Are optometrists in demand in South Africa?

Optometrists are healthcare professionals who focus on the health of the eyes of the patient. They are responsible for examining, diagnosing, and treating visionary problems and other eye disorders and diseases. Undoubtedly, the demand for optometrists is high in South Africa, just like in any other country, as they are essential for caring for human eyes.

Is an optometrist a doctor in South Africa?

No, an optometrist is not a doctor; he is a medical professional licensed to practice optometry. Optometrists determine, check, and examine the eyes and recommend the need for glasses and contact lenses to their patients. Keep in mind optometrists do not perform any surgery.

How many years in optometry in South Africa?

Optometrists working in South Africa study for more than four years. Remember that to work as an optometrist practically, you must ensure that you have registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

What are the responsibilities of an optometrist in South Africa?

An optometrist in South Africa conducts eye examinations and diagnoses and treats common eye-related problems. He is also responsible for providing information and guiding patients regarding their vision and optical issues. Moreover, an optometrist prescribes and sets eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other visionary equipment for the patients if they need them.

Does the Optometrist earn any bonus or incentives?

Yes, optometrists earn a good amount of rands as a bonus amount. They make an average of R 31974 per year. The amount is not specified because it depends upon the optometrist’s extra hours, experience, and education.