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Associate Optometrist Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Eyes

Associate Optometrist

La Junta, CO · On-site

$149.62 - $182.88/hr

Ark Valley Vision Care La Junta & Lamar, Colorado www.arkvalleyvision.com ASSOCIATE OPTOMETRIST Full-Time or Part-Time La Junta, Colorado About Ark Valley Vision Care Ark Valley Vision Care is a ...

Mountain Valley Eye Care

Optometrist

Alamosa, CO · On-site

$650/day

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 ...

Mountain Valley Eye Care

$650/day

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 ...

Evergreen Eyecare

$140K - $155K/yr

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

Evergreen Eyecare

Optometrist

Littleton, CO

$140K - $155K/yr

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

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All JobsAssociate Optometrist JobsAssociate Optometrist Jobs in Colorado

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 10, 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 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 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 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 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 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:
Associate Optometrist jobs near you
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

Eyes

La Junta, CO • On-site

$149.62 - $182.88/hr

Other

Medical, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Ark Valley Vision Care

La Junta & Lamar, Colorado

www.arkvalleyvision.com

ASSOCIATE OPTOMETRIST

Full-Time or Part-Time La Junta, Colorado

About Ark Valley Vision Care

Ark Valley Vision Care is a thriving, independently owned optometry practice with two locations in southeast Colorado — La Junta and Lamar. We provide full-scope optometric care to patients of all ages, from pediatric exams to advanced medical eye care. Our practice is physician-led, community-rooted, and equipped with technology that rivals any urban clinic.

We are proud to offer:
  • Eidon ultra-widefield retinal camera
  • OCT imaging system
  • Virtual reality visual field machine
  • YAG / SLT combination laser
  • Marco OPD III scan corneal topographer / wavefront analyzer / auto-refractor

Our patients are loyal, grateful, and genuinely care about their doctors. In a rural practice, you build real relationships — not a revolving door.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an Associate Optometrist for our La Junta location, with scheduling flexibility for full-time or part-time arrangements. La Junta is the county seat of Otero County, situated along the Arkansas River with easy access to outdoor recreation, ranching culture, and a close-knit community.

This role is ideal for a new graduate or early-career OD who:

  • Wants to practice comprehensive, hands-on optometry
  • Values patient relationships over patient volume
  • Is excited about managing a broad case mix, including medical eye care
  • Grew up in a rural or small-town environment and wants to return to that lifestyle
  • Is drawn to southeast Colorado, or the neighboring states of Kansas, Oklahoma, or New Mexico
Compensation & Benefits

Total annual compensation for ODs: $166,250

  • $120,000 salary based on experience
  • $1700 COA dues & insurance
  • $2500 for CE & associated travel
  • $16,000 estimated health insurance benefit
  • $750 estimated eyecare & eyewear benefit
  • $1000 estimated malpractice insurance
  • $300 gym membership
  • $9000 self-employment tax covered by company
  • $9200 4 weeks PTO
  • $5800 10 paid holidays

Production bonus:

After 6 months, if performance is satisfactory, the associate is eligible to receive 1% production bonus.

After 1 year, the associate is eligible for a 401k match up to 6%.

Candidate can elect to receive these benefits or receive their dollar value in paycheck.

Qualifications
  • Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree required
  • Colorado optometry license, or eligibility to obtain one
  • Full-scope clinical skills; therapeutic licensure preferred
  • Spanish fluency is a plus — not required
  • New graduates are encouraged to apply
Why Southeast Colorado?

La Junta and the surrounding region offer wide-open skies, affordable living, and a pace of life that many optometrists find deeply fulfilling. You will be a known, trusted member of your community. Your patients will remember your name, and you will remember theirs.

We will help you get settled. Housing can be a challenge in La Junta, but we have strong local connections and will personally assist you in finding a home.

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