Sync consultant

What does a vision consultant do? – Tasks and work environment

A vision consultant works to support and guide individuals with visual impairments to facilitate their daily life and increase their independence. Tasks include counseling, habilitation, and rehabilitation, with interventions tailored individually based on client needs. Vision consultants often collaborate with other professionals such as optometrists, occupational therapists, and special educators. The work takes place both in clients' homes, at clinics, and sometimes in work environments, providing a varied and often field-based work environment. The role also includes informing relatives and collaborating with authorities and organizations within the vision field.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for vision consultants has shown stable and positive growth. In 2022, the average salary was 43,200 SEK, which increased to 44 700 SEK in 2023 and further to 46 500 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 7.6% during the period. The development reflects an increasing demand for qualified interventions in habilitation and rehabilitation, while skill requirements have also risen. The salary increase can also be linked to a greater focus on accessibility and inclusion in society, strengthening the profession's position and bargaining power in the labor market. The trend indicates that the skills of vision consultants remain in demand and valued in both public and private sectors.

Vision consultant salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 46 500 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 30,200 SEK/month (female, government sector, low education)
• Highest salary: 60,200 SEK/month (male, municipal sector, research education)
• Hourly wage: 280 SEK
• Women: 45 300 SEK/month
• Men: 48 800 SEK/month
• Women’s share of men’s salary: 93%

Education and qualifications

To work as a vision consultant, a university degree in vision pedagogy, occupational therapy, or similar fields is usually required, often supplemented with specialized courses in vision rehabilitation. Practical experience working with people with visual impairments is advantageous, and many positions also require knowledge in pedagogy and social work. Opportunities for further education and certifications exist, which can strengthen competitiveness in the job market.

• Higher education: Examples include vision pedagogy, occupational therapy, or social work (3–4.5 years)
• Specialized courses: Focused on vision rehabilitation and habilitation
• Internship: Often included during education or as part of traineeships
• Valuable experience: Working with persons with disabilities
• Further education: Courses or certifications in the vision field are recommended

Common benefits and compensations

Vision consultants are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, flexible working hours, and generous vacation. Opportunities for professional development, further training, and supervision are often included as part of employment. Some employers also provide compensation for work-related travel or work tools, especially when working at clients' sites.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a vision consultant is assessed as moderate, meaning there are good opportunities for employment, but some regions may be more competitive than others. Challenges in the profession include staying updated with new aids and methods, as well as meeting requirements for documentation and collaboration. The need for emotional competence and the ability to solve problems independently is high, as work often involves complex and individually tailored interventions. Changes in legislation and resource allocation can also affect working conditions. Digitalization and new work methods increase demands for ongoing training.

Tips for aspiring vision consultants

To succeed as a vision consultant, it is beneficial to have a genuine interest in people and strong empathetic skills, as the work often involves close contact with individuals in vulnerable situations. Being solution-oriented and flexible facilitates adapting interventions individually and sometimes quickly based on client needs. A structured work style is valuable for managing documentation and collaboration with other actors. Being communicative and pedagogical is important both in meetings with clients and in training relatives or staff. Finally, patience and perseverance are required, as change work sometimes progresses in small steps over a long period.

Key facts about vision consultants

• Average salary: 46 500 SEK/month
• Salary range: 30,200–60,200 SEK/month
• Gender difference: Women earn 93% of men's salary
• Educational level: Higher education in vision pedagogy or related field
• Job market: 758 available jobs, moderate opportunities

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a vision consultant, there are opportunities to advance to specialist roles or take on coordination responsibilities within habilitation and rehabilitation. Some choose to further their education as vision pedagogues or work in training and supervising colleagues. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast for planners and investigators, demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, with a balanced labor market. The number of available jobs is relatively large nationwide, offering good mobility and development opportunities. For those wishing to broaden their skills, options include project management, development work, or work within interest organizations.

Frequently asked questions about vision consultants

• What does a vision consultant earn?
  - The average salary is 46 500 SEK/month, with a range between 30,200 SEK and 60,200 SEK depending on experience, sector, and education level.
• Are there gender differences in vision consultant salaries?
  - Yes, women earn on average 45 300 SEK while men earn 48 800 SEK, meaning women earn 93% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a vision consultant?
  - A university degree in vision pedagogy, occupational therapy, social work, or similar is required, often supplemented with specialized courses in vision rehabilitation.
• What is the job market like for vision consultants?
  - Opportunities are moderate nationwide, with 758 available jobs and a forecast of unchanged demand in the coming years.
• What benefits are common for vision consultants?
  - Benefits include occupational pension, wellness allowance, flexible hours, generous vacation, and professional development.
• How has the salary development been for vision consultants?
  - The salary has been stable and positive over the last three years, increasing from 43,200 SEK to 46 500 SEK per month.