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Associate Optometrist Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

American Eyecare

$120K - $175K/yr

Partnership and ownership opportunities for long-term associates Your Role We're seeking a compassionate, motivated Optometrist who is committed to excellent patient care and excited to grow within a ...

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All JobsAssociate Optometrist JobsAssociate Optometrist Jobs in Iowa

Associate Optometrist information

See Iowa salary details

$61.1K

$116.7K

$173.8K

How much do associate optometrist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate optometrist in Iowa is $116,669.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,000.00 and $137,100.00 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 Iowa?

The most popular types of Optometrist jobs in Iowa are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Associate Optometrist jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Associate Optometrist job openings:

Associate Optometrist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Optometrist job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $116,669 per year, or $56.1 per hour.

Optometrist -- Cedar Rapids, IA -- Private Practice

UMSL Optometry

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

$70 - $90/hr

Other

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Growing private practice is seeking an associate optometrist to join our group in 2026 or 2027. Iowa EyeCare is one of the largest private optometric practices in Iowa and a leading eye care provider in Cedar Rapids. Iowa EyeCare has been serving the Cedar Rapids and surrounding communities for over 40 years. It currently consists of 4 state-of-the-art facilities located in the Cedar Rapids, Marion, Robins, and Hiawatha communities. All locations are fully equipped with a cirrus OCT, Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer, Pentacam, wide-field Optomap imaging and more. The doctors are complemented by an award-winning staff of dedicated office managers and optical personnel that work together to exceed patient expectations.

The Cedar Rapids metropolitan area is a growing community and a wonderful place to live for young adults and families. Cedar Rapids has an excellent education system and a low cost of living. There are many recreational activities including a 67 mile bike and nature trail.

Upcoming graduates are encouraged to apply as well as experienced optometrists.

The associate will need to be eligible to apply for a valid Iowa optometry license prior to beginning employment. Full or part time. Salary dependent on hours worked. Production bonus. Interested candidates should send their resume and/or questions to: dchristensen@iowaeyecare.com

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