1

Associate Optometrist Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Join Mountain Valley Eye Care as a Full-Time Associate Optometrist Mountain Valley Eye Care, located in the San Luis Valley, is surrounded by some of Colorado's most beautiful scenery. Our valley ...

Associate Optometrist Location : Highlands Ranch, CO Schedule : Full-time or part-time Compensation : Competitive, based on experience. $500-$600 per day About Us: We are a patient-focused optometry ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Associate Optometrist information

See Colorado salary details

$68.3K

$130.6K

$194.5K

How much do associate optometrist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate optometrist in Colorado is $130,613.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,000.00 and $153,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate optometrist?

Associate Optometrists are licensed eye care professionals who work under the supervision or partnership of a senior optometrist or within an optometry practice. They perform comprehensive eye exams, diagnose and treat visual problems, and prescribe corrective lenses or treatments. Associate Optometrists may also assist with patient education and manage certain eye diseases. This role is typically suited for optometrists early in their careers, offering opportunities for skill development and experience in a clinical setting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate optometrist?

To thrive as an Associate Optometrist, you need a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree, state licensure, and a strong background in vision assessment and ocular disease management. Familiarity with diagnostic tools such as autorefractors, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and electronic health records is typically required. Excellent interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and patient education abilities help you stand out in this role. These competencies ensure accurate diagnoses, effective patient care, and a positive clinical experience, which are critical for success in optometry practice.

What are some typical challenges an associate optometrist may encounter when transitioning from school to clinical practice?

Associate Optometrists often find the transition from academic settings to clinical practice challenging due to the increased patient volume, time management demands, and the need to quickly adapt to different practice management systems. Additionally, building rapport with patients and collaborating effectively with support staff and other healthcare professionals can require practice and strong communication skills. With experience, most new optometrists become more confident in their diagnostic abilities and develop efficient workflows that allow them to provide high-quality patient care.

What is the difference between Associate Optometrist vs Optometry Technician?

AspectAssociate OptometristOptometry Technician
CredentialsDoctor of Optometry (OD) licenseCertified or registered technician, no OD license
Work EnvironmentExam rooms, patient consultations, diagnosis, treatment planningPre-testing, assisting during exams, patient data collection
ResponsibilitiesDiagnose eye conditions, prescribe glasses/contact lenses, manage patient carePerform preliminary tests, assist with exams, prepare patients

Associate Optometrists hold a Doctor of Optometry degree and are licensed to diagnose and treat eye conditions, while Optometry Technicians support the clinical team by conducting tests and assisting during exams. Both roles are essential in eye care clinics, but their responsibilities and credentials differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optometrist jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Optometrist jobs in Colorado are:

What are popular job titles related to Associate Optometrist jobs in Colorado?

For Associate Optometrist jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Associate Optometrist jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Optometrist jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Associate Optometrist jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Associate Optometrist job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Optometrist job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, and 23% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $130,613 per year, or $62.8 per hour.

Associate Optometrist

Highlands Ranch, CO

$500 - $600/day

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Associate Optometrist
Location: Highlands Ranch, CO
Schedule: Full-time or part-time
Compensation: Competitive, based on experience. $500-$600 per day

About Us:  
We are a patient-focused optometry practice committed to providing exceptional eye care in a welcoming and professional environment. We serve families of all ages, providing routine comprehensive care to medically focused encounters. This is a sublease location in a Target Optical. Our clinic is equipped with modern diagnostic technology and supported by a friendly, experienced team. This is a great location to practice if you enjoy an active, outdoor lifestyle and still want the options that a big city has to offer. We are located just 15 minutes from Chatfield State Park, 30 minutes from the mountains and Denver.

Responsibilities:  

  • Perform comprehensive eye exams and contact lens fittings  
  • Diagnose and manage ocular diseases  
  • Educate patients on eye health, treatment options, and preventative care  
  • Maintain accurate patient records and documentation  
  • Collaborate with staff to ensure a smooth and efficient patient experience  

Qualifications:  

  • Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree from an accredited school  
  • Active state optometry license in good standing  
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills  
  • Comfortable working independently and adapting to different practice settings  

Benefits:  

  • Flexible scheduling  
  • Supportive team environment  
  • Modern equipment and tools  
  • Opportunity to build long-term relationships with patients and staff