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Locum Optometry Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Locum Optometry information

See Virginia salary details

$64.4K

$123.1K

$183.4K

How much do locum optometry jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for locum optometry in Virginia is $123,148.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,200.00 and $144,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Locum Optometrist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Locum Optometrist, you need a degree in optometry, registration with the relevant professional body, and strong clinical assessment skills. Familiarity with optical equipment, electronic health record systems, and often various practice management software is crucial. Excellent communication, adaptability, and the ability to quickly build rapport with new teams and patients set outstanding locum optometrists apart. These skills ensure high-quality patient care and smooth integration into different clinical environments, which is vital for success in temporary roles.

What are some common challenges faced by locum optometrists, and how can they be managed?

Locum optometrists often face the challenge of quickly adapting to new practice environments, systems, and patient demographics with each assignment. Building rapport with staff and patients in a short time frame and staying up-to-date with different equipment or procedures can require strong communication and flexibility. To manage these challenges, it helps to arrive early to become familiar with the clinic setup, proactively communicate with the team, and maintain an organized system for tracking appointments and patient notes. Many locum optometrists also network with colleagues for support and share best practices to ensure smooth transitions between placements.

What is locum optometry?

Locum optometry refers to optometrists who work on a temporary or contractual basis, filling in for permanent staff at various clinics, hospitals, or optical practices. Locum optometrists may cover for vacations, staff shortages, or peak periods, and they often enjoy flexible schedules and diverse work environments. This role allows optometrists to gain broad experience across different settings while maintaining autonomy over their work commitments.

What is the difference between Locum Optometry vs Permanent Optometry?

AspectLocum OptometryPermanent Optometry
CredentialsRequires valid optometry license and sometimes temporary permitsRequires full licensure and possibly additional certifications
Work EnvironmentTemporary clinics, hospitals, or retail settingsLong-term clinics, private practices, or hospitals
Employment TypeShort-term, contract-basedFull-time or part-time, ongoing employment
Industry UsageCommon for filling staffing gaps or covering leaveStandard employment for stable practice operations

In summary, Locum Optometry offers flexible, short-term positions ideal for covering staffing needs, while Permanent Optometry provides ongoing employment within established practices. Both roles require proper licensure and are integral to the optometry industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optometry jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Optometry jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Locum Optometry jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Locum Optometry job openings:

Physician / Optometrist / Virginia / Locum or Permanent / Optometrist Job

Recruit-Care

Richmond, VA

Full-time

Medical, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Optometrist FT/PT work in LTC facilities
Locations Needed: Roanoke, Colonial Beach, Fairfax, Lynchburg, Manassas, Winchester, Virginia Beach, Chesterfield, Norfolk, Dublin area, Arlington, Alexandria area, Richmond, Fredericksburg

WHAT IF THERE WAS A BETTER WAY TO PRACTICE OPTOMETRY?

About Our Practice

We are a fast-growing and established eye care company is seeking highly motivated, personable Optometrists to be our partners in providing vision care services to our growing clientele all over Virginia. Looking for doctors to work 1-5 days per week, depending on the doctor's availability. We offer a very flexible work schedule - you can work with us part-time to full-time, or even 2 days per month, depending on your availability.

We offer optometrists a strong alternative with endless potential in a growing sector; a lucrative and rewarding career path where you set your own hours, do minimal paperwork, have access to a full roster of patients, and treat interesting new cases and conditions daily.

Work less earn more. The average optometrist works 5-6 hours a day while earning more than what most optometrists earn in an 8-10 hour day.
Offering a flexible work schedule - part-time, full-time, or even just a couple of hours one day per week.
Set your own schedule. Never work evenings or weekends again. We have plenty of flexible, part-time, and full-time positions available.
Offering referral bonuses, compensation for gas, tolls, and some travel time paid as work time.
A technician will be assigned to work with you to provide assistance throughout the workday so that you can focus on the clinical aspects of the job.
The work is at various nursing homes within your geographical area, with reimbursement for tolls and gas and some of the travel time paid as work hours.
Please check out our career page as we are a nationwide company with lots of opportunities in many states/locations across the U.S.!
Optometrist Job Duties & Responsibilities

We are searching for a talented OD to join our growing practice! You will use your clinical and interpersonal skills to provide high-quality vision care to our patients. The ideal OD candidate is committed to delivering quality patient care and is eager to learn and develop their clinical skill set. Your regular duties will include:

Perform comprehensive eye exams.
Diagnose and assist in the treatment of ocular disease.
Handle eye-care emergencies.
As we age, so do our eyes. Working with seniors, youll have the opportunity to build experience with a wide range of eye conditions.
Compensation and Benefits

We reward our doctors with competitive salaries including:

Sick time
Vacation days
Malpractice insurance
Licensing fees
Continuing education (CE)
Whether you are looking for your first opportunity in eye care, or youre an experienced optometrist looking to take the next step in your career, we look forward to welcoming you to our team!

Qualifications:

Optometrist Job Requirements and Qualifications

Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree.
Valid state license to practice optometry.
Ability to communicate with a wide range of patient personalities.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
A strong sense of workplace professionalism and personal ethics.
Customer-service orientation with excellent interpersonal skills.
Benefits we offer for full-time work

Bonuses to cover healthcare costs and 401 k plans can be explained in detail; but we know we can offer a package to where your net salary, as an independent contractor, would be more than if you were an employee plus the health coverage and other bonuses.