Vision Therapist

Also called: Optometric Vision Therapist, COVT

Works with an optometrist to train eye-teaming and focusing skills through exercises, often for kids who struggle with reading.

A day in the life

Runs a 45-minute session with a 10-year-old whose eyes don't team up well: tracking a swinging ball, flipping lenses and playing 3D games. You note progress, coach parents on home exercises and report to the optometrist. Some patients are recovering from concussions.

Pay over a career

Starting
$32k
Typical
$42k
High
$58k

Estimate.

Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.

Training

Certificate, about 1 year after high school. Many train on the job, some with a college degree; COVT certification after experience.

Ways in: On-the-job training, Certification. Training cost: Under $15k.

Outlook

Growing faster than average. Growing with concussion care and pediatric optometry.

Will it last? Our AI estimate

Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. Software and VR run more exercises; motivating kids and adjusting sessions stays human.

Could start right away

Age 18+. One way to start: Apply to optometrists who offer vision therapy; many train therapists on the job

Start now, in high school

Classes: Biology, Psychology, Physics (optics).

More Vision & Hearing careers

Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.