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Chief Optometrist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chief Optometrist The incumbent serves as the Chief Optometrist and provides direct and comprehensive primary, preventive and therapeutic medical optometric care to individuals across the spectrum of ...

Optometrist

Montrose, NY ยท On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

Support the Chief Optometrist and assist in all aspects of administrative duties as needed. * Participate in the development and implementation of departmental policies and procedures. * Contribute ...

Summary The incumbent serves as the Chief Optometrist and provides direct and comprehensive primary, preventive and therapeutic medical optometric care to individuals across the spectrum of age and ...

Optometrist (OPT)

Corcoran, CA ยท On-site

$110/hr

Independent Contractor 1099 Under the direction of the Institution/Facility CEO/CME or designee, the Temporary/Relief Optometrist shall provide services as permitted within the scope of practice of ...

Work under the general technical guidance of the FCRHC Chief Medical Officer (or his designee) and the Chief of Optometry. * Optometry staff members shall be subject to Medical Staff Ongoing ...

Optometrist

Spokane, WA ยท On-site

Chief Clinical Optometrist - Spokane, WA Blue Wave Eye Doctors / Visionworks Doctors of Optometry This location has been approved for the VSP $200,000 Student Loan repayment program Opportunity: W ...

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Chief Optometrist information

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$65K

$124.2K

$185K

How much do chief optometrist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief optometrist in the United States is $124,213.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,000.00 and $146,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a chief optometrist?

Chief Optometrists are senior eye care professionals who lead and oversee the optometry department in clinics, hospitals, or large optical practices. They are responsible for managing clinical staff, ensuring high standards of patient care, and implementing policies related to eye health services. In addition to performing eye exams and diagnosing vision problems, Chief Optometrists often collaborate with other health professionals, supervise training, and contribute to strategic planning within their organization. Their leadership ensures that patients receive quality eye care and that the department operates efficiently.

How does a chief optometrist balance clinical duties with administrative responsibilities?

A Chief Optometrist often splits their time between providing direct patient care and managing the overall operations of the optometry department. This includes supervising junior optometrists, overseeing scheduling, ensuring compliance with health regulations, and contributing to strategic planning. Effective time management and delegation are crucial, as Chiefs must stay engaged with clinical advances while also addressing administrative challenges. Regular collaboration with other healthcare leaders and departments is essential to maintain high standards of care and support staff development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chief optometrist?

To thrive as a Chief Optometrist, you need an OD (Doctor of Optometry) degree, state licensure, and extensive clinical experience in vision care and eye health management. Familiarity with advanced diagnostic equipment, EHR systems, and industry-standard vision testing tools is essential. Leadership, excellent communication, and strong organizational skills set outstanding candidates apart in this role. These competencies ensure effective patient care, seamless team management, and the successful operation of optometric services.

What is the difference between Chief Optometrist vs Optometrist?

AspectChief OptometristOptometrist
CredentialsDoctor of Optometry (OD) license, additional leadership trainingDoctor of Optometry (OD) license
Work EnvironmentLeads clinics, manages staff, oversees operationsProvides eye exams, diagnoses, and treatments
Employer & IndustryOptometry clinics, healthcare organizationsOptometry clinics, private practices, healthcare settings
Search & Comparison IntentLeadership, management, senior rolesClinical practice, patient care

The main difference is that a Chief Optometrist holds leadership and management responsibilities, overseeing clinics and staff, while an Optometrist focuses on patient eye care and clinical duties. Both roles require an OD license, but the Chief Optometrist combines clinical expertise with administrative skills.

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What job categories do people searching Chief Optometrist jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Chief Optometrist jobs are:

Infographic showing various Chief Optometrist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,213 per year, or $59.7 per hour.

Supervisory Optometrist

Minnesota Jobs

Ogema, MN โ€ข On-site

Other

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


Job description

Chief Optometrist

The incumbent serves as the Chief Optometrist and provides direct and comprehensive primary, preventive and therapeutic medical optometric care to individuals across the spectrum of age and development within a high-risk population in a responsible, respectful and caring manner. Will function as an independent primary eye care provider performing the full range of professional optometric physician duties.

A REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021).