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Locum Optometry Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DocStar Medical Partners

Other Physician

Schurz, NV · On-site

$120/hr

Locum Tenens Optometrist needed in Schurz, Nevada $120/hr + travel expenses (flight, rental car, client has 2 bed apartment available) Outpatient IHS Health Center - Eye Clinic ANY STATE LICENSE ...

DocStar Medical Partners

Other Physician

Schurz, NV

$120/hr

Locum Tenens Optometrist needed in Schurz, Nevada $120/hr + travel expenses (flight, rental car, client has 2 bed apartment available) Outpatient IHS Health Center - Eye Clinic ANY STATE LICENSE ...

Veterans Health Administration

Optometrist

Leavenworth, KS · On-site +1

$124K - $315K/yr

... Locum agreements, loan repayments, sign-on bonus contracts, Physician-owned practices) in exchange ... Degree of Doctor of Optometry resulting from a course of education in optometry. The degree must ...

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All JobsLocum Optometry Jobs

Locum Optometry information

See salary details

$65K

$124.2K

$185K

How much do locum optometry jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for locum optometry 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 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 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.
More about Locum Optometry jobs
What cities are hiring for Locum Optometry jobs? Cities with the most Locum Optometry job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Optometry jobs? The most popular types of Optometry jobs are:
What states have the most Locum Optometry jobs? States with the most job openings for Locum Optometry jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Locum Optometry jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Locum Optometry jobs are:
Locum Optometry jobs near you
Infographic showing various Locum Optometry job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 34% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 43% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,213 per year, or $59.7 per hour.

Lucrative Optometrist Locums in Oakland, CA

WhiteCoat Locums

Oakland, CA • On-site

$185/hr

Other

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Pediatric Optometrist Opportunity
Oakland, California
UCSF Health is seeking a Pediatric Optometrist for a full-time locum assignment at a leading pediatric specialty facility in Oakland, California.
Compensation:
$185/hr
Position Details
Specialty: Pediatric Optometry
Practice Setting: Outpatient / Hospital-based Pediatric Ophthalmology
Start Date: August 2026
Assignment Length: 26 weeks
Schedule:
Monday–Friday
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
No call required
Patient Population
Primarily pediatric patients
Some adult patients with developmental delays or double vision may be seen, but this is not mandatory
Patients include:
High-acuity pediatric cases
Patients with autism spectrum disorders
Patients with seizures, craniofacial abnormalities, and other complex conditions
Clinical Responsibilities
Pediatric optometry evaluations and patient care
Strabismus and binocular vision examinations
Workups and management of pediatric ophthalmology patients
Contact lens fitting preferred, including complex pediatric fittings
Facility & Support
EMR: Epic
Support Staff Includes:
Ophthalmologists
Optometrists
Technicians
Full diagnostic imaging support onsite
30-minute appointment slots
Approximately 12–14 patients per day
Requirements
Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree required
Active California license required
BLS certification required
Pediatric optometry residency highly preferred
If no pediatric residency:
Minimum 3 years of pediatric optometry experience in a medical center setting required
Must have experience with:
Complex pediatric populations
Pediatric optometry
Strabismus/binocular vision exams
Additional Information
Credentialing timeframe: Approximately 60–90 days
Zoom interview process
COVID vaccine plus booster required
Medical/religious exemptions accepted

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