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Optometry Student Internship Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

Optometry Student Internship information

What is an optometry student internship?

An Optometry Student Internship is a supervised practical experience in which optometry students apply their academic knowledge and clinical skills in real-world settings, such as private practices, clinics, or hospitals. These internships are typically part of the optometry school curriculum and are designed to give students hands-on experience in patient care, diagnostic procedures, and eyewear prescription. Interns work under the supervision of licensed optometrists, allowing them to develop their clinical competencies and professional skills. This experience helps prepare students for licensure and future careers as optometrists.

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

As an optometry student intern, you will typically gain hands-on experience by assisting licensed optometrists with comprehensive eye exams, performing preliminary testing, and learning to use diagnostic equipment. You'll also interact with patients, practice taking patient histories, and observe or assist in procedures such as refraction and contact lens fittings. Interns often rotate through different clinical settings, which helps build practical skills and exposes you to various patient demographics and eye conditions. This real-world experience is invaluable for building confidence and competence before entering professional practice.

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

To thrive as an Optometry Student Intern, you need a foundational knowledge of ocular anatomy, vision science, and pre-clinical coursework, typically gained through enrollment in an accredited optometry program. Familiarity with optometric instruments, electronic health records, and diagnostic imaging systems is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and professionalism help interns build rapport with patients and collaborate effectively with supervising optometrists. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering quality patient care, learning practical clinical skills, and ensuring a successful transition to full optometric practice.

What is the difference between Optometry Student Internship vs Optometry Technician?

AspectOptometry Student InternshipOptometry Technician
Required CredentialsEnrolled in optometry school, pre-licensureHigh school diploma or equivalent, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentClinical settings, supervised by optometristsOptometry offices, clinics, retail settings
Employer & Industry UsageOptometry schools, clinics, hospitalsOptometry practices, retail chains
Common Search & Comparison IntentLearning opportunities, internship programsAssistants, technical support roles

Optometry Student Internships are designed for students pursuing an optometry degree, focusing on gaining clinical experience under supervision. In contrast, Optometry Technicians support optometrists by performing technical tasks and assisting in patient care. Both roles are essential in the optometry industry but differ in qualifications, responsibilities, and career progression.

What job categories do people searching Optometry Student Internship jobs in Georgia look for?

The top searched job categories for Optometry Student Internship jobs in Georgia are:

What cities in Georgia are hiring for Optometry Student Internship jobs?

Cities in Georgia with the most Optometry Student Internship job openings:

Infographic showing various Optometry Student Internship job openings in Georgia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 4% Temporary. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

2027 Summer Optical & Vision Science Engineering Interns

Johns Creek, GA โ€ข On-site

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

About Alcon:

Alcon helps people see brilliantly. As the global leader in eye care with a heritage spanning more than 75 years, we offer one of the broadest portfolios of products designed to enhance sight and improve people's lives. Our Surgical and Vision Care products touch the lives of more than 260 million people in over 140 countries each year, supporting those living with conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases, and refractive errors. Our more than 25,000 associates help enhance quality of life through innovative products, partnerships with eye care professionals, and programs that advance access to quality eye care. If you'd like to help change the way the world sees, this is your chance to Be Brilliant!

Position Description:

Alcon is seeking multiple talented and motivated Optical & Vision Science Engineering Interns to join our 2027 Summer Internship Program across several U.S. locations, including Johns Creek, GA; Goleta, CA; Lake Forest, CA; Fort Worth, TX; and Houston, TX. Interns will have the opportunity to gain meaningful industry experience, contribute to real-world projects, and collaborate with professionals across Alcon. Through this internship, students will build technical skills, expand their professional network, and receive coaching, mentoring, and development opportunities while helping advance Alcon's mission to help people see brilliantly.

Potential Internship Project Areas:

Based on business needs, location, and team alignment, internship projects may include opportunities such as:

  • Evaluate hazard detection while driving through different intraocular-lens models and under glare conditions.

  • Study relationships between contrast sensitivity and visual acuity and optical-quality measures such as modulation transfer function.

  • Design and conduct laboratory studies using wavefront sensors, vision simulators and psychophysical testing systems.

  • Support advanced metrology through instrument design, testing, qualification, image processing and data analysis.

  • Apply optical imaging, wavefront sensing, optical coherence tomography and interferometric techniques to ophthalmic-product research.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Must be enrolled in an accredited university or college for at least one semester prior to internship or co-op, and at least one additional semester following internship or co-op.

  • Must be pursuing at least a bachelor's degree in optics, optical engineering, optometry, vision science, imaging, physics, or related major.

  • Academic performance: Minimum cumulative GPA 2.8/4.0

  • Demonstrated leadership skills (i.e. extracurricular activities or projects)

  • Must be authorized to work in the U.S. on a permanent basis without requiring sponsorship (students on an F1 visa with CPT can be accommodated)

  • Ability to commit to a 10-12-week, full-time (40 hours per week) summer internship

ATTENTION: Current Alcon Employee/Contingent Worker

If you are currently an active employee/contingent worker at Alcon, please click the appropriate link below to apply on the Internal Career site.

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You are applying to be part of the Alcon Talent Pool. We are not currently recruiting for this role but we are building a pipeline for future opportunities. If you would like to be considered for a similar position in future, then please submit your CV or resume.

ALCON IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND PARTICIPATES IN E-VERIFY

Alcon takes pride in maintaining an inclusive environment that values different perspectives and our policies are non-discriminatory in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. Alcon is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an email to alcon.recruitment@alcon.comand let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.