Optometry is a highly specialized medical field and its practitioners must be highly skilled and knowledgeable about the industry. To be successful optometrist (or ophthalmologist), one must have:

• 1. An Interest in Keeping Current on the Industry: A great optometrist stays up to date with scientific research and technological developments related to the eye care industry. They pursue continuing education opportunities, as well.
• 2. Attentiveness and Accuracy: A great optometrist pays close attention to detail and strives for accuracy in all aspects of the job, especially given that any mistake can cause severe consequences in a patient's sight.
• 3. Awareness of Health and Safety Regulations: A great optometrist is thoroughly aware of health and safety regulations as they pertain to an office and patients. They keep facilities clean and are mindful of germs and other hazards.
• 4. Compassion: A great optometrist has compassion for patients and can empathize with ailments and other vision difficulties.
• 5. Ethics: A great optometrist has strong ethics and never compromises a patient's visual well-being, even when faced with an incentive. They understand that their only allegiance is to the patient.
• 6. Good Organizational and Business Skills: A great optometrist has excellent organizational and business skills and can keep an office running smoothly. Many optometrists work independently and are therefore responsible for finances and other aspects of running a business.
• 7. Manual Dexterity: A great optometrist has solid manual dexterity and is easily able to perform the intricate motions necessary with treating such a small part of the body.
• 8. Scientific Aptitude: A great optometrist has high scientific aptitude and can easily understand and remember a significant amount of information about the eye, the human body in general, and treatments.
• 9. Strong Communication Skills: A great optometrist has excellent communication skills and is able to connect with patients. They can clearly explain problems and treatments in laymen's terms.
• 10. Time for Patients: A great optometrist is one who spends adequate time with patients and never rushes someone through an exam.