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Optometry Internships Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Avera Health

Optometrist

Redwood Falls, MN · On-site

$147K - $170K/yr

Avera Medical Group Optometry-Redwood Falls Worker Type: Regular Work Shift: Day Shift (United ... Work or internship/externship experience in contact lenses, pediatrics, and refractive surgery pre ...

MARSHALL B KETCHUM UNIVERSITY

Optician

Anaheim, CA

$20 - $26/hr

Provides hands-on instruction and guidance to Interns in all matters relating to frame and lens ... MBKU is home to the Southern California College of Optometry, the School of PA Studies, College of ...

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Optometry Internships information

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How much do optometry internships jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for optometry internships in the United States is $18.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Optometry Internships, and why are they important?

To thrive in Optometry Internships, you need a foundational understanding of vision science, ocular anatomy, and clinical procedures, typically gained through optometry coursework and enrollment in an accredited optometry program. Familiarity with diagnostic instruments, electronic health record systems, and vision testing tools is essential. Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn from feedback help interns excel in patient care and professional development. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring accurate assessments, effective patient interactions, and successful transition into full-time optometric practice.

What are optometry internships?

Optometry internships are structured, hands-on learning experiences for students or recent graduates pursuing a career in optometry. These internships provide practical training under the supervision of licensed optometrists in clinical or research settings. During an internship, participants gain valuable skills in eye examinations, patient care, and the use of diagnostic equipment. Internships are essential for building real-world experience, enhancing professional networks, and meeting licensure requirements in some regions.

What is the difference between Optometry Internships vs Optometry Assistants?

AspectOptometry InternshipsOptometry Assistants
Required CredentialsUsually students pursuing optometry degrees; some may have completed courseworkHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentOptometry clinics, eye care centers, hospitalsOptometry offices, retail eye care stores
Employer & Industry UsageEducational and training programs, internships for studentsPractices hiring assistants for patient support and administrative tasks
Common Search & Comparison IntentLearning about training opportunities in optometryUnderstanding support roles in eye care practices

Optometry Internships are primarily training opportunities for students pursuing an optometry degree, focusing on gaining clinical experience. Optometry Assistants are support staff members who assist with patient care and administrative duties. While both roles are integral to eye care practices, internships are educational, whereas assistants are employed staff members.

What types of hands-on experiences can I expect during an optometry internship?

As an optometry intern, you will typically gain practical experience through supervised patient care, including conducting eye exams, learning to use diagnostic equipment, and assisting with contact lens fittings. Interns often rotate through various clinical settings—such as private practices, hospitals, or specialty clinics—to broaden their exposure. You will also have opportunities to observe and participate in the management of ocular diseases, patient education, and sometimes optical dispensing. These experiences are designed to help you apply classroom knowledge in real-world scenarios and build confidence before entering professional practice.
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Optometry Internships jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optometry Internships job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 12% Internship, 66% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,622 per year, or $18.6 per hour.
Optometrist

Optometrist

Avera Health

Redwood Falls, MN • On-site

$147K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Location:
Avera Medical Group Optometry-Redwood Falls
Worker Type:
Regular
Work Shift:
Day Shift (United States of America)
Position Highlights
Pay Range: $147,677-$170,180
You Belong at Avera
Be part of a multidisciplinary team built with compassion and the goal of Moving Health Forward for you and our patients. Work where you matter.
A Brief Overview
Serves as a primary health provider who will diagnose and treat conditions and diseased of the human eye.
What you will do
  • Performs examinations of the internal and external structures of the eye.
  • Evaluates patient's vision.
  • Prescribes glasses and contact lenses.
  • Analyzes test results to help co-manage patient care.
  • Specialization by optometrists can focus on practices in sports vision, pediatric care, low vision, binocular care, as well as general clinic.
  • Coordinates work flow with other team members to ensure a productive and efficient environment.

Essential Qualifications
The individual must be able to work the hours specified. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily including having visual acuity adequate to perform position duties and the ability to communicate effectively with others, hear, understand and distinguish speech and other sounds. These requirements and those listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions, as long as the accommodations do not cause undue hardship to the employer.
Required Education, License/Certification, or Work Experience:
  • Optometrist - Board of Optometry An active license in the state of practice Upon Hire

Preferred Education, License/Certification, or Work Experience:
  • Residency or work experience in primary care, diagnosis and management of ocular disease, pre/post-op care
  • Work or internship/externship experience in contact lenses, pediatrics, and refractive surgery pre/post-op care

Expectations and Standards
  • Commitment to the daily application of Avera's mission, vision, core values, and social principles to serve patients, their families, and our community.
  • Promote Avera's values of compassion, hospitality, and stewardship.
  • Uphold Avera's standards of Communication, Attitude, Responsiveness, and Engagement (CARE) with enthusiasm and sincerity.
  • Maintain confidentiality.
  • Work effectively in a team environment, coordinating work flow with other team members and ensuring a productive and efficient environment.
  • Comply with safety principles, laws, regulations, and standards associated with, but not limited to, CMS, The Joint Commission, DHHS, and OSHA if applicable.

Benefits You Need & Then Some
Avera is proud to offer a wide range of benefits to qualifying part-time and full-time employees. We support you with opportunities to help live balanced, healthy lives. Benefits are designed to meet needs of today and into the future.
  • PTO available day 1 for eligible hires.
  • Up to 5% employer matching contribution for retirement
  • Career development guided by hands-on training and mentorship

Avera is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, Veteran Status, or other categories protected by law. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation for help with your online application, please call 1-605-504-4444 or send an email to talent@avera.org.
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About Avera Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Avera Health, based in Sioux Falls, SD, US, is a significant player in the healthcare industry. This notable network of healthcare providers, hospitals, and health facilities serves over a million people across five Midwestern states. The health network was formed with the 1994 partnership of the Benedictine and Presentation Sisters, with its roots in compassionate service dating back to the late 1800s. Renowned for its commitment to providing excellent care and improving the health of individuals and communities, it has made significant strides in the medical field. Notable achievements include consistently high rankings in the top 15% of U.S. hospitals for clinical performance and patient outcomes.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Sioux Falls, SD, US

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