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Lead Optometrist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Searhc

Clinic Supervisor - Optometry

Juneau, AK · On-site

$31.11 - $43.64/hr

Addresses patient and other consumer concerns; incorporates customer feedback into the development of clinic policies and procedures and planning; and coordinates with local Optometrist- Lead and ...

keplrvision

Partner closely with the Lead Optometrist (OD) to ensure exceptional patient care and efficient clinic workflow * Champion a patient-first, customer-centric culture by modeling and reinforcing ...

Keplr Vision

Practice Manager II - 202

Tumwater, WA · On-site

Partner closely with the Lead Optometrist (OD) to ensure exceptional patient care and efficient clinic workflow * Champion a patient-first, customer-centric culture by modeling and reinforcing ...

Searhc

Optometrist

Juneau, AK · On-site

This position provides support to the Optometrist-Lead in the day-to-day operations of the local Eye Clinic and in absence of the Optometrist-Lead will provide supervision of the local Eye Clinic ...

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$65K

$124.2K

$185K

How much do lead optometrist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead Optometrist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Optometrist, you need extensive clinical knowledge of ocular health, a Doctor of Optometry degree, state licensure, and experience in patient care and vision correction. Familiarity with diagnostic equipment such as autorefractors, OCT, EHR systems, and sometimes certifications in specialty areas like therapeutics are common. Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills are essential for managing a team and ensuring outstanding patient service. These competencies ensure accurate diagnoses, effective team management, and the delivery of high-quality eye care in a clinical setting.

Which company pays optometrists the most?

Leading optometrists, including lead optometrists, tend to earn the highest salaries at large retail chains, private practices, and healthcare organizations with specialized services. Salaries vary based on experience, location, and employer size, with some of the highest pay reported in urban areas and well-established practices. Certification and advanced skills can also influence earning potential.

Is optometry becoming oversaturated?

Optometry as a profession generally remains stable, with steady demand for licensed optometrists due to ongoing needs for eye care and vision correction. While some regions may experience increased competition, the profession's growth is supported by an aging population and advances in vision technology, making it a viable career choice for many. Success often depends on location, specialization, and the ability to adapt to new tools and patient needs.

What is a lead optometrist?

A lead optometrist is a senior eye care professional responsible for managing clinical services, supervising staff, and ensuring quality patient care in an optometry practice. They often have advanced certifications, strong leadership skills, and may oversee patient examinations, diagnosis, and treatment plans. This role typically requires a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree and relevant licensure.

What are Lead Optometrists?

Lead Optometrists are eye care professionals who not only perform eye exams and diagnose vision problems but also oversee the clinical operations of an optometry practice or department. They supervise other optometrists and staff, ensure compliance with healthcare regulations, and contribute to business decisions like staff training and workflow improvements. Their role combines clinical expertise with leadership responsibilities to maintain high standards of patient care and practice efficiency.

What is the highest paid optometry job?

The highest paid optometrists are often those in specialized roles such as ophthalmic medical directors or those working in private practices with advanced procedures. Salaries can exceed $150,000 annually, especially for those with extensive experience, specialized skills, or leadership responsibilities in healthcare settings. Advanced certifications and a strong reputation can also contribute to higher earnings in the field.

How does a Lead Optometrist typically balance clinical duties with management responsibilities?

As a Lead Optometrist, you will often split your time between providing direct patient care and overseeing the daily operations of the optometry team. This includes managing schedules, mentoring junior optometrists, ensuring compliance with clinical protocols, and occasionally handling administrative tasks such as inventory or budgeting. Effective time management and strong communication skills are essential, as you will need to coordinate across clinical staff, support personnel, and sometimes liaise with external vendors or upper management. This dual focus allows you to maintain your clinical skills while also developing leadership experience, which can be beneficial for future career advancement.

What is the difference between Lead Optometrist vs Optometrist?

AspectLead OptometristOptometrist
CredentialsDoctor of Optometry (OD) license, additional leadership trainingDoctor of Optometry (OD) license
Work EnvironmentClinics, eye care centers, supervisory rolesOptometry clinics, private practices, retail eyewear stores
Employer & Industry UsageOften employed in larger clinics or organizations with leadership responsibilitiesIndependent or group practices, retail chains
Common Search & ComparisonLeadership, management, overseeing staffPatient care, eye exams, vision correction

The main difference between a Lead Optometrist and an Optometrist is that the Lead Optometrist typically holds additional leadership responsibilities, overseeing staff and managing clinic operations, while the Optometrist primarily focuses on patient eye care and vision correction. Both roles require the Doctor of Optometry license, but the Lead Optometrist combines clinical expertise with managerial duties.

More about Lead Optometrist jobs
What cities are hiring for Lead Optometrist jobs? Cities with the most Lead Optometrist job openings:
What job categories do people searching Lead Optometrist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Optometrist jobs are:
Lead Optometrist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Optometrist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,213 per year, or $59.7 per hour.

Optometrist - Chief of Optometry Service

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Huntington, WV • On-site

$165K/yr

Other

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

The Hershel "Woody" Williams VAMC Optometry Service provides full-scope eye care in an outpatient setting. Optometrists within this service provide comprehensive eye care including the management of eye disease, consultations, and emergency and on-call services. They also perform related administrative duties as well as academic and research functions in support of eye care services.
Qualifications:To qualify for this position, you must meet the basic requirements as well as any additional requirements (if applicable) listed in the job announcement. Applicants pending the completion of training or license requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Currently employed Optometrist(s) in VA who met the requirements for appointment under the previous qualification standard at the time of their initial appointment are deemed to have met the basic requirements of the occupation.

Basic Requirements:

  • Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.) in accordance with section 7402(c) to title 38, United States Code (U.S.C). Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens according to 38 U.S.C. 7407(a).
  • Education. Degree of Doctor of Optometry resulting from a course of education in optometry. The degree must have been obtained from one of the schools or colleges approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) for the year in which the course of study was completed. Approved schools are United States and Canadian schools or colleges of optometry listed as accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE), in the list published for the year in which the course of study was completed.
  • Licensure and Registration. Optometrists must possess a current, full and unrestricted license to practice optometry, and maintain a current registration in a state, territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia that requires successful passage of all parts of National Board of Examiners in Optometry intended for basic licensure. The Optometrist must maintain current registration in the state of licensure if this is a requirement for continuing active, current licensure.
  • Residency Training or Comparable Experience. Optometrists must have successfully completed residency training, approved by the Secretary of VA in an accredited post-graduate training program, or have comparable experience, as described below:
    1. Approved residencies are those with accredited or within pre-accredited status by the ACOE, in the list published for the year the residency was completed. OR
    2. Two years of licensed clinical optometric practice in the United States consisting of active involvement in the management of medically complex patients.
  • English Language Proficiency. Optometrists appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 7407(d).

Leadership/Manager Positions:
Organizational and functional titles do not replace but complement official position titles. Optometry leadership and management positions may include but are not limited to: Supervisory Optometrists, Section Chiefs, Assistant/Deputy Chiefs, Service Chiefs, Facility/VISN Lead Optometrists, Service Line Managers, and Central Office Program Positions. An Optometrist in a leadership position must demonstrate the following:
(1) Outstanding professional ability in the practice of optometry and healthcare administration;
(2) The ability to guide the development and implementation of programs within their respective domain, to include but not limited to, optometry practice, professional standards, personnel issues, quality and performance improvement;
(3) Effectiveness in coordinating and managing interdisciplinary collaboration with both internal and external stakeholders to optimize the care of patients under their purview
Preferred Experience:
  • Residency training, preferably in ocular disease.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
Physical Requirements: This position requires a pre-employment physical. Requires light lifting up to 25 pounds; pushing; bending; reaching above the shoulder; use of fingers and both hands; walking and standing up to 8 hours. Must meet visual requirements to perform assigned duties.Education:Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER

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