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Entry Level Optometrist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Graduate Optometric Tech

Belmont, MA · On-site

$17.30 - $25.20/hr

Conduct certain entry-level optometric functions for the doctor, including refraction and the ability to prescribe RX for all needs, contact lens evaluation including specialty contact lens fitting ...

Conduct certain entry-level optometric functions for the doctor, including refraction and the ability to prescribe RX for all needs, contact lens evaluation including specialty contact lens fitting ...

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From $17.00 per hour Job Overview We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Optometric Assistant to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for providing exceptional patient care ...

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Optometric Assistant

Hamden, CT · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

Openings at Optometric Assistant I (entry level) or Optometric Assistant II level. The ideal candidate is professional, dependable, eager to learn, detail-oriented, and committed to providing ...

Optometric Technician

Myrtle Beach, SC · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Supports the OD with patient education as instructed by the Optometrist * Documents medical ... High School or GED qualification * Entry level PC skills to include MC Office, Windows, and Word ...

Optometric Technician

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Supports the OD with patient education as instructed by the Optometrist * Documents medical ... High School or GED qualification * Entry level PC skills to include MC Office, Windows, and Word ...

Optometric Technician

Mount Juliet, TN · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Supports the OD with patient education as instructed by the Optometrist * Documents medical ... High School or GED qualification * Entry level PC skills to include MC Office, Windows, and Word ...

Optometric Technician

Cypress, TX · On-site

$14.25 - $17.75/hr

Supports the OD with patient education as instructed by the Optometrist * Documents medical ... High School or GED qualification * Entry level PC skills to include MC Office, Windows, and Word ...

Optometric Technician

Austin, TX · On-site

$16.75 - $21/hr

Supports the OD with patient education as instructed by the Optometrist * Documents medical ... High School or GED qualification * Entry level PC skills to include MC Office, Windows, and Word ...

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Entry Level Optometrist information

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$65K

$124.2K

$185K

How much do entry level optometrist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level 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.

How to start a career in optometry?

To start a career as an entry-level optometrist, you need to complete a bachelor's degree, followed by a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree from an accredited program. After graduation, passing national and state licensing exams is required to practice, and gaining clinical experience through internships or residencies can enhance job prospects.

What are common daily responsibilities for an entry level optometrist?

As an entry level optometrist, your daily duties typically include conducting comprehensive eye exams, diagnosing vision issues, prescribing corrective lenses, and detecting ocular diseases. You will also educate patients about eye health, collaborate with optometric technicians and assistants, and maintain accurate patient records. In many settings, you'll work closely with retail staff or other healthcare professionals to provide a seamless customer experience. These responsibilities offer valuable hands-on experience and are essential for building a strong foundation for career advancement within the field.

What does a new grad optometrist make?

A new graduate optometrist typically earns between $60,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on location, employer, and hours worked. Entry-level salaries may increase with experience, additional certifications, and specialization in areas like contact lenses or ocular disease management.

Can an optometrist treat glaucoma?

An entry-level optometrist can diagnose and manage early-stage glaucoma by performing eye exams, measuring intraocular pressure, and monitoring optic nerve health. However, treatment options such as medications or laser procedures are typically prescribed by ophthalmologists, who are medical doctors specializing in eye diseases. Optometrists often collaborate with ophthalmologists for comprehensive glaucoma care.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Entry Level Optometrist position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Optometrist, you need a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree, a state license, and a solid understanding of vision care, refraction techniques, and ocular disease diagnosis. Familiarity with optometric instruments (like phoropters and retinal cameras), electronic health record (EHR) systems, and vision assessment tools is typically required. Excellent interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and patient education abilities help you build trust and deliver effective care. These competencies ensure safe, accurate patient outcomes and foster a positive reputation in a clinical or retail optometry setting.

Will optometrists be replaced by AI?

Optometrists perform clinical examinations, diagnose eye conditions, and provide personalized care that requires human judgment and patient interaction. While AI tools can assist with tasks like image analysis and data management, they are unlikely to fully replace the professional expertise and patient communication skills of entry-level optometrists in the foreseeable future.

What is an Entry Level Optometrist job?

An Entry Level Optometrist is a newly licensed eye care professional who performs comprehensive eye exams, diagnoses vision problems, and prescribes corrective lenses or treatments. They work under the guidance of experienced optometrists or within a healthcare team to gain clinical experience. Responsibilities may include assessing eye health, managing common conditions like dry eye or myopia, and educating patients on vision care. This role serves as a foundation for building expertise in optometry while developing patient care skills.

What cities are hiring for Entry Level Optometrist jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Optometrist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Optometrist jobs? The most popular types of Optometrist jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Optometrist jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Optometrist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Optometrist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 54% Full Time, 44% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,213 per year, or $59.7 per hour.
Developmental Optometrist

Developmental Optometrist

SNFOut

Lakewood, NJ

$175K - $300K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Job: Developmental Optometrist

? $175k - $250k+

? Lakewood

? Full-time

Developmental Optometrist Job Description:

We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Developmental Optometrist to join our dynamic therapy team. In this vital role, you will provide comprehensive eye examinations focused on pediatric and developmental vision needs, helping children and patients of all ages improve their visual skills and overall quality of life. Your expertise will contribute to early detection of visual disorders, guiding patients through tailored treatment plans, and fostering a welcoming environment that emphasizes exceptional patient care. This position offers an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young patients and their families while working within a collaborative, innovative practice.

Developmental Optometrist Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough developmental and pediatric eye exams, including assessments of visual acuity, binocular function, eye tracking, focusing ability, and visual perception.

• Diagnose and manage common visual conditions such as amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (eye turn), convergence insufficiency, and other developmental vision issues.

• Educate patients and their families about proper eye health, treatment options, and vision therapy programs tailored to developmental needs.

• Utilize advanced EMR (Electronic Medical Records) and EHR (Electronic Health Records) systems to document patient histories, exam findings, treatment plans, and progress notes accurately.

• Maintain compliance with HIPAA regulations to ensure patient confidentiality and data security at all times.

• Collaborate with ophthalmologists, pediatricians, educators, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate comprehensive care strategies.

• Stay current with advancements in ophthalmology, physiology knowledge related to vision development, medical terminology, and best practices in patient care.

• Ensure aseptic techniques are followed during examinations and procedures to maintain a safe clinical environment.

• Assist in medical coding for billing purposes related to developmental optometry services while providing excellent customer service to patients and families.

Developmental Optometrist Qualifications-

Can be an entry-level Developmental Optometrist

Motivated

Driven

HP


SNFout logo

About SNFout

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

1 - 10 Employees

Headquarters location

Northbrook, IL, US

Year founded

2014