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Optometry Clinical Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Clinical Faculty FT Faculty Memphis, TN, US 3 days ago Requisition ID: 1221 Continue your growth as ... INSTRUCTORS ARE PREFERRED. Southern College of Optometry is committed to preparing future ...

$80K - $202K/yr

POSITION DESCRIPTION The Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry and Vision Science at the University ... Instructor, Assistant, Associate, or Full Clinical Professor level to teach in the School of ...

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Optometry Clinical Instructor information

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$31K

$68.7K

$115.5K

How much do optometry clinical instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for optometry clinical instructor in the United States is $68,661.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,500.00 and $83,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an optometry clinical instructor?

Optometry Clinical Instructors are licensed optometrists who teach and supervise students in clinical settings, such as university clinics or teaching hospitals. They guide students through hands-on patient care, ensuring they develop essential diagnostic and treatment skills. Instructors also provide feedback, assess student performance, and help integrate classroom knowledge with real-world practice. Their role is vital in preparing future optometrists for professional, ethical, and competent patient care.

What are the typical responsibilities of an optometry clinical instructor during a teaching clinic session?

Optometry Clinical Instructors are responsible for supervising students as they examine and treat patients, providing real-time feedback, and ensuring adherence to clinical protocols. They guide students through patient assessments, help troubleshoot complex cases, and evaluate clinical decision-making. Additionally, instructors model professional interactions, reinforce evidence-based practices, and often coordinate with other faculty members to ensure a cohesive learning experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optometry clinical instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optometry Clinical Instructor, you need a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree, clinical experience in optometric practice, and often a state license. Familiarity with diagnostic equipment, EHR systems, and experience with teaching technologies or simulation tools is commonly required. Strong communication, mentoring abilities, and organizational skills help instructors effectively guide students and foster a positive learning environment. These competencies ensure high-quality clinical education, patient safety, and the development of future optometrists.

What are popular job titles related to Optometry Clinical Instructor jobs?

For Optometry Clinical Instructor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Optometry Clinical Instructor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,661 per year, or $33 per hour.
Southern College Of Optometry
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 51 - 200 employees

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Teach and provide clinical education to interns in comprehensive eye health and vision care, including contact lens patients.

  • Deliver full-scope, problem-focused patient care as a licensed optometric physician and complete electronic health record documentation.

  • Engage in scholarly activities such as clinical research and contribute to professional literature.


Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Clinical Faculty

FT Faculty Memphis, TN, US

3 days ago Requisition ID: 1221

Continue your growth as a clinician, scholar, and leader while contributing to the future of optometry as a faculty member at Southern College of Optometry!

JOB SUMMARY

Full-time faculty position teaching and providing patient care in one or more of the College's clinical facilities. Supports the mission of Southern College of Optometry to educate the very best possible healthcare providers while working alongside renowned clinical faculty.

Generous employee benefits package to include: health, dental, life, and both short and long-term disability insurance; student loan repayment program, in addition to any potential federal loan forgiveness benefit of working for a non-profit entity; retirement contributions without the requirement to match; state and federal licensure/certification coverage along with AOA/TAOP membership payment; generous paid time off in addition to academic year holidays; additional support for advanced degrees; continuing education package and conference travel stipends; relocation assistance, trailing-spouse support and more.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Clinical Education

Provides clinical education to interns participating in the comprehensive eye health and vision care of contact lens patients; employs effective teaching methods and assesses feedback for continual improvement of teaching effectiveness; precepts and monitors assigned interns providing timely feedback through direct interaction and Electronic Clinical Grading System. May participate in some didactic / laboratory activities.

Patient Care

Delivers full-scope, problem-focused patient care as a TN licensed optometric physician in one of the largest clinical settings in the state. Maintains clinical privileges as outlined and granted by the Vice President for Clinical Programs. Completes electronic health record documentation and related patient care activities in compliance with governing standards and in a timely manner. Works closely with referral care managers to ensure timely coordination of care.

Scholarship

Continues to pursue academic attainment, engaging in activities to develop expertise as a scholar and educator. Contributes to the body of professional knowledge through scholarly activities such as clinical research and contributions to professional literature.

Service

Demonstrates a personal commitment to service through active participation in SCO service events, college priorities including committee participation, and service to greater optometric community.

REQUIRED EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

Education

Doctor of Optometry degree required. Optometric Residency preferred. Licensed in TN or must have the ability to obtain a TN license with the highest current scope of practice applicable.

Experience

A minimum of 10 years of experience practicing Optometry comparable to the experience obtained in an Optometric Residency may be considered in lieu of proof of residency training. While experience with teaching and research is desired, clinical faculty must demonstrate the ability and desire to function as an educator to fulfill the mission of Southern College of Optometry.

Each advancement in rank represents enhanced experience and advancing competence in teaching, increased contribution to the body of optometric scholarly work, and continued exposure to increasing depth of service to the school or profession.

Salary and rank commensurate with experience and skill set.

NOTE: RESIDENCY PREFERRED. CANDIDATES WILLING TO GROW INTO DIDACTIC AND/OR LAB INSTRUCTORS ARE PREFERRED.

Southern College of Optometry is committed to preparing future generations of our nation's optometrists to serve diverse patients and communities in the United States and around the world. In support of our mission to "educate the best possible healthcare providers," SCO values the strengths that diversity and inclusion bring to the educational and healthcare experiences of our students.


SCO does not discriminate on any basis within our educational programs or in our employment practices. Our success as an academic institution requires an ongoing commitment to fostering an accepting and inclusive campus atmosphere because we recognize that each individual deserves to feel included and respected.

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