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Optometry Student Internship Jobs in Hialeah, FL

Optometry Student Internship information

See Hialeah, FL salary details

$8

$16

$23

How much do optometry student internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for optometry student internship in Hialeah, FL is $16.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.08 and $19.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Hialeah, FL look for?

The top searched job categories for Optometry Student Internship jobs in Hialeah, FL are:

What cities near Hialeah, FL are hiring for Optometry Student Internship jobs?

Cities near Hialeah, FL with the most Optometry Student Internship job openings:

Faculty (Rank TBD) - Optometry - 998770

Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, FL • On-site

$65 - $85/hr

Other

Re-posted yesterday


Key responsibilities

  • Provides high quality instruction in the field of expertise, including preparing course materials, evaluating student work, and maintaining records.

  • Educates and trains optometry students and residents, assesses clinical education needs, and coordinates patient care within relevant healthcare settings.

  • Conducts research and scholarly activities, including publishing findings, writing grant proposals, and reviewing papers for publication.


Nova Southeastern University rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

556th of 630 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Primary Purpose

Provides high quality instruction in the field of expertise to ensure students meet course and program outcomes. Collaborates with college staff and colleagues to improve students' learning experience, as well as conducting research or scholarship to advance knowledge. Provides service for the benefit of internal and external communities.

Job Category

Exempt

Pay Basis

Annually

Subject to Grant Funding?

No

Essential Job Functions
  1. Teaching
    1. Provides high quality instruction in field of expertise, ensuring students meet course outcomes.
    2. Plans, evaluates, and revises curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.
    3. Selects and obtains materials and supplies, including textbooks and laboratory equipment.
    4. Prepares course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
    5. Prepares materials for laboratory activities.
    6. Identifies specialized materials for outside reading assignments.
    7. Initiates, facilitates, and moderates classroom discussions.
    8. Supervises laboratory sessions.
    9. Provides students course‑related experiences outside the classroom if applicable.
    10. Assists students who need extra help with their coursework outside of class.
    11. Maintains student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
    12. Evaluates and grades students' class work, laboratory and clinic work, assignments, and/or papers.
    13. Compiles, administers, and grades examinations, or assigns this work to others.
    14. Maintains regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.
    15. Advises students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
    16. Acts as advisor to student organizations, ensuring adherence to college and university policies and procedures.
  2. Clinical Instruction
    1. Educate and train optometry students and residents to be competent optometric professionals.
    2. Assesses clinical education needs and patient care needs using a variety of methods.
    3. Coordinates continuation of patient care within NSU Health and with area eye care and healthcare clinics, hospitals, and facilities.
    4. Maintains a clinical practice license and assumes patient care responsibilities while ensuring adherence to HIPAA, compliance, and standards of practice guidelines and policies.
  3. Research & Scholarship
    1. Conducts research and/or scholarly activity in a particular field of knowledge and publishes findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
    2. Writes and/or participates in grant proposals to procure external research funding.
    3. Reviews papers for publication in journals.
    4. Supervises undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work if applicable.
  4. Service & Professional Development
    1. Participates in campus and community events, such as giving presentations to the public.
    2. Actively identifies opportunities and provides service relating to fields of expertise and the profession for the benefit of internal and external communities.
    3. Participates in college committees, task force activities, and events.
  5. Other Assigned Duties
    1. Collaborates with staff and colleagues to address teaching and research issues, and to improve students' learning experiences.
    2. Serves on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues.
    3. Participates in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities.
    4. Mentors junior and adjunct faculty members.
    5. Keeps abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
    6. Completes special projects as assigned.
    7. Performs other duties as assigned or required.
Job Requirements

Required Knowledge

  1. Comprehensive knowledge of the information and skills needed to diagnose, manage, and treat ocular injuries, eye diseases, and the visual system.
  2. Education and training – general knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
  3. English language – thorough knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  4. Customer and personal service – general knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services, needs assessment, meeting quality standards, and evaluating user satisfaction.

Skills

  1. Speaking – advanced skills in talking to others to convey information effectively.
  2. Instructing – proficient skills in teaching others how to do something.
  3. Reading comprehension – proficient understanding of written sentences and paragraphs in work‑related documents.
  4. Writing – proficient skills in communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  5. Learning strategies – proficient skills in selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
  6. Active listening – proficient skills in giving full attention to what other people are saying, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  7. Active learning – proficient skills in understanding implications of new information for both current and future problem‑solving and decision‑making.
  8. Critical thinking – proficient skills in using logic and reasoning to identify strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
  9. Complex problem solving – proficient skills in identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  10. Science – proficient skills using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Abilities

  1. Deductive reasoning – ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  2. Inductive reasoning – ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions.
  3. Problem sensitivity – ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

  • Speech recognition – must be able to identify and understand the speech of another person.
  • Speech clarity – must be able to speak clearly so others can understand you.
  • Near vision – must be able to see details at close range.
  • Travel – must be able to travel on a daily and/or overnight basis.
  • May be required to work nights or weekends.
  • May be exposed to short, intermittent, and/or prolonged periods of sitting and/or standing in performance of job duties.
  • May be required to accomplish job duties using various types of equipment/supplies, to include but not limited to pens, pencils, and computer keyboards.

Required Education

Doctoral Degree (for Professor ranks) or M.S./M.A. (for Instructor rank)

Required Experience

  • Professional doctoral‑level teaching experience or residency training or equivalent.
  • Instructor: 1-3 years of experience in field related to optometry or its associated basic sciences.
  • Assistant Professor: Continued professional growth and success in full‑time university teaching for one year at the rank of Instructor or equivalent experience; scholarly contributions recognized; must meet current criteria for rank set forth by the faculty Evaluation and Promotions Committee.
  • Associate Professor: Continued professional growth and success in full‑time university teaching for five years at the rank of Assistant Professor; scholarly contributions recognized; must meet current criteria for rank set forth by the faculty Evaluation and Promotions Committee.
  • Professor: Continued professional growth and success in full‑time university teaching for five years at the rank of Associate Professor; scholarly contributions recognized; must meet current criteria for rank set forth by the faculty Evaluation and Promotions Committee.

NSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status or any other legally protected status.

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