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Associate Optometrist Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Optometrist (Part-Time) Position Overview Are you looking for a role where you can do meaningful work, grow professionally, and enjoy a healthy work-life balance? Do you value patient-centered care ...

$110 - $160/hr

The Opportunity * Full-time associate optometrist position * Established, patient-focused private practice * Full-scope primary and medical optometry * Modern practice with a diverse patient base

$110 - $190/hr

As an Associate Optometrist, you'll provide patient-centered primary eye care in a supportive practice environment, performing approximately 10 comprehensive exams per day while helping patients ...

New

$74 - $105/hr

GENERAL FUNCTION The Associate Optometrist is a leader in the organization, delivering the brand promise, experience & the organization's key results through collaboration & teamwork. Ensures all ...

$120 - $170/hr

GENERAL FUNCTION The Associate Optometrist is a leader in the organization, delivering the brand promise, experience & the organization's key results through collaboration & teamwork. Ensures all ...

$83 - $124/hr

Working as an Associate Doctor of Optometry within the practice, the terms of agreement, practice model, pay and hours are all negotiated directly between you and the Subleasing doctor. As an ...

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Associate Optometrist information

See Kentucky salary details

$56.5K

$107.9K

$160.7K

How much do associate optometrist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate optometrist in Kentucky is $107,883.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,100.00 and $126,800.00 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 Kentucky?

The most popular types of Optometrist jobs in Kentucky are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Associate Optometrist jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Associate Optometrist job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Optometrist job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $107,883 per year, or $51.9 per hour.

Associate Optometrist (PT)

Owensboro, KY • On-site

$120/hr

Part-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Optometrist (Part-Time) Position Overview

Are you looking for a role where you can do meaningful work, grow professionally, and enjoy a healthy work-life balance? Do you value patient-centered care, modern technology, and a collaborative team environment?

This is a fantastic opportunity for a part-time Optometrist to join a thriving primary care practice in Owensboro, KY. This unique role encourages and supports doctors to practice medically and specialize their practice if desired, offering the professional freedom to shape your clinical path within a growing company.

Location

This opportunity is based in Owensboro, Kentucky, the "Bluegrass, Biotech, and BBQ Capital of the World." Situated on a scenic bend of the Ohio River, Owensboro offers a high quality of life with a low cost of living and a vibrant cultural scene.

Residents enjoy the world-class Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum, the beautiful Smothers Park on the riverfront, and a community-wide passion for its legendary culinary heritage. With top-rated schools and a safe, welcoming atmosphere, Owensboro is an ideal location for professionals seeking a community with a strong heart and plenty of character.

Organization Overview

Our practice group is a leader in primary care, committed to a model that empowers doctors to practice as they see fit. We believe that providers should be free to focus on exemplary patient care, which is why we provide comprehensive ancillary business support—including billing and patient pre-screening.

The practice environment is energetic and supportive, designed for a clinician who wants to manage a diverse patient base from pediatrics to geriatrics. By removing administrative burdens, we ensure you have the infrastructure needed to focus on clinical excellence and patient outcomes in a stable and respected practice.

What You'll Be Working On
  • Providing full-scope primary care optometry to patients from pediatrics to geriatrics on a part-time basis.
  • Practicing medically with the support to specialize your practice based on your clinical interests.
  • Utilizing modern technology and a supportive staff to deliver personalized eye care.
  • Focusing on clinical excellence while utilizing provided patient pre-screening and technical support.
  • Contributing to a practice culture that values professional autonomy, growth, and teamwork.
Qualifications
  • Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree from an accredited optometry school.
  • Licensed or eligible for licensure as an Optometrist in Kentucky.
  • Strong clinical skills and a passion for medical-based optometry.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills to work effectively with an experienced support staff.
  • Ability to thrive in a growing, patient-focused primary care environment.
What's In It For You
  • Competitive Compensation: $120 per hour.
  • Equity Opportunity: Phantom Equity Option to share in the company's long-term success.
  • Professional Support: Dedicated credentialing assistance and a supportive technical team.
  • Work-Life Balance: Flexible scheduling tailored to your availability.
  • Professional Growth: CE reimbursement and a supportive environment for specialization.
  • Financial Incentives: Retention bonus opportunities and an incentive compensation plan.
Equal Opportunity Employer

Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.