ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Assistant Professor Optometry Jobs (NOW HIRING)

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsHealthcare JobsOptical JobsEye Care Professional JobsAssistant Professor Optometry Jobs

Assistant Professor Optometry information

See salary details

$42.5K

$80.1K

$135K

How much do assistant professor optometry jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant professor optometry in the United States is $80,057.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $91,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assistant professor in optometry?

Assistant Professors in Optometry are early-career faculty members at colleges or universities who teach optometry courses, conduct research, and may provide clinical supervision to students. They typically hold a doctoral degree in optometry (OD) or a related field and are involved in both classroom instruction and research activities. Their responsibilities can also include advising students, developing curriculum, and contributing to professional and academic communities. Assistant Professors usually work toward tenure as they gain experience and demonstrate excellence in their roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant professor in optometry?

To thrive as an Assistant Professor of Optometry, you need a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree, clinical expertise, research experience, and often a record of scholarly publications. Familiarity with diagnostic imaging systems, electronic health records, and educational technology platforms is typical, and board certification may be required. Strong communication, mentoring abilities, and a passion for teaching distinguish outstanding candidates in this academic role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for effectively educating future optometrists, advancing research, and contributing to clinical excellence in academic settings.

What opportunities for research and collaboration are typically available for assistant professors in optometry departments?

Assistant Professors in Optometry often have access to a range of research opportunities, including interdisciplinary projects with other health sciences departments, clinical research with patient populations, and collaborations with external partners such as hospitals or vision research organizations. Many institutions encourage junior faculty to publish research, apply for grants, and participate in conferences. Collaborative work is highly valued and can help build a strong professional network, supporting both career advancement and the development of innovative teaching methods.

What is the difference between Assistant Professor Optometry vs Clinical Optometrist?

AspectAssistant Professor OptometryClinical Optometrist
Required CredentialsDoctor of Optometry (OD), academic credentials, teaching experienceDoctor of Optometry (OD), state licensure
Work EnvironmentUniversities, academic settings, research and teachingPrivate clinics, hospitals, retail optical stores
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, research centersHealthcare providers, private practices
Common Search & Comparison IntentAcademic career, teaching roles, research opportunitiesPatient care, clinical practice, diagnostics

While both roles require an OD degree and licensure, Assistant Professor Optometry focuses on teaching and research within academic institutions, whereas Clinical Optometrists primarily provide patient care in clinical settings. The choice depends on whether you aim to pursue an academic or clinical career in optometry.

What are popular job titles related to Assistant Professor Optometry jobs?

For Assistant Professor Optometry jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Assistant Professor Optometry job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,057 per year, or $38.5 per hour.

Assistant Professor- IL- Pediatrics and Vision Therapy, Chicago College of Optometry

Downers Grove, IL • On-site

Midwestern University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Midwestern Universityexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Midwestern University rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Responsibilities:
Candidates should have strong expertise in Primary Eye Care and Pediatrics/Vision Therapy and be able to develop and teach courses and/or laboratory sessions in these areas. The candidate must also be able to provide direct patient care and clinical instruction to professional students as well as residents, and be involved in interdisciplinary practice with other educational professionals. Candidates must be willing to actively participate in curricular assessment, professional development, student counseling, and service activities within the college, university, and the scientific community. Successful candidates are also expected to be involved in research and scholarly activities and have a sincere commitment to optometric education, community service, and patient care. Primary duties include, but are not limited to:
a) Teaching
  • Developing and delivering lectures and/or laboratories for the area of specialty and related areas, as assigned;
  • Embracing and enhancing the didactic philosophies in the O.D. program;
  • Maintaining and expanding the high-quality clinical practice environment for optometry students on rotation; and
  • Precepting students on clinical rotation at the Midwestern University Eye Institute- Downers

b) Service
  • Helping to maintain and grow the state-of-the-art optometry program with a strong interdisciplinary focus that meets the needs of patients in the surrounding community; is efficient, patient-friendly, and cost-effective;
  • Working closely together with all optometry and ophthalmology faculty to provide a complete range of eye and vision care services;
  • Participating in leadership roles in state, regional, and national optometry organizations;
  • Participating in college and University committees, as assigned; and
  • Participating in College and University service

c) Scholarly activity
  • Engaging in research and scholarly activity, including presentations at scientific meetings, research, and publication in peer-reviewed journals sufficient to qualify for academic advancement in a non-tenure track

Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Doctor of Optometry degree from an ACOE-accredited institution, must have completed an ACOE-accredited residency, and must be eligible for an Illinois optometric license. Primary eye care clinical expertise is also required.
Contact information: Interested applicants should apply online at www.midwestern.edu and include a curriculum vitae and a letter of interest. Inquiries may be directed to Dr. Brianne Hobbs, OD, PhD, FAAO, Dean and Professor, Chicago College of Optometry, 555 31st Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515; e-mail: bhobbs@midwestern.edu
Midwestern University is a private, not-for-profit organization that provides graduate and post-graduate education in the health sciences. The University has two campuses, one in Downers Grove, Illinois, and the other in Glendale, Arizona. More than 6,000 full-time students are enrolled in graduate programs in osteopathic medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nurse anesthesia, cardiovascular perfusion, podiatry, optometry, clinical psychology, speech language pathology, biomedical sciences, and veterinary medicine. Over 500 full-time faculty members and 400 staff members are dedicated to the education and development of our students in an environment that encourages learning, respect for all members of the health care team, service, interdisciplinary scholarly activity, and personal growth.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance plans as well as life insurance, short/long-term disability, and pet insurance. We offer flexible spending accounts, including healthcare reimbursement and child/dependent care accounts. We offer a work-life balance with a competitive time off package including paid holidays, sick/flex days, personal days, and vacation days. We offer a 403(b) retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, child care subsidy reimbursement program, identity theft protection, and an employee assistance program. Wellness is important to us, and we offer a wellness facility on-site with a fully equipped fitness facility.
Midwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not discriminate against an employee or applicant based upon race; color; religion; creed; national origin or ancestry; ethnicity; sex (including pregnancy); gender (including gender expressions, gender identity; and sexual orientation); marital status; age; disability; citizenship; past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services; genetic information; or any other protected class, in accord with all federal, state and local laws and regulations. Midwestern University complies with the Smoke-Free Arizona Act (A.R.S. 36-601.01) and the Smoke Free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82/). Midwestern University complies with the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003 and Arizona Equal Pay Acts.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

What Midwestern University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply