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$26

How much do optometry student internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for optometry student internship in the United States is $17.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.
More about Optometry Student Internship jobs
What cities are hiring for Optometry Student Internship jobs? Cities with the most Optometry Student Internship job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Optometry Student jobs? The most popular types of Optometry Student jobs are:
What states have the most Optometry Student Internship jobs? States with the most job openings for Optometry Student Internship jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Optometry Student Internship jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Optometry Student Internship jobs are:
Optometry Student Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optometry Student Internship job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% Internship, 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,171 per year, or $17.9 per hour.
Optician or Optometry Technician

Optician or Optometry Technician

University of Detroit Mercy

Novi, MI • On-site

$16.25 - $21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Job ID
SF9698 -0802-1924
Position Classification
FT Staff Non-Union
Position Summary
The ophthalmic technician will assist with the day-to-day needs of the University of Detroit Mercy Eye Institute's clinical functioning.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Performs all duties of an Ophthalmic Technician including, but not limited to, comprehensive patient history, entrance testing, specialty testing, EMR documentation, and other functions as requested by faculty providers.
  • Participates in clinical Risk Management, Quality Assurance, Compliance, and Patient Safety/Infection Control Programs.
  • Coordinates with all Detroit Mercy Eye Institute clinical affiliations to streamline referrals, communications, and quality of patient care.
  • Performs equipment maintenance and supervises inventory of supplies, medications, and clinical forms.
  • Conducts training sessions with interns on how to use instruments and equipment.
  • Assists interns with performing testing when necessary and provides guidance and recommendations on how to perform testing with patient comfort and efficiency.
  • Maintains contact lens inventory and conducts direct contact lens sales whenever needed.
  • Communicates effectively and professionally with all faculty, students, and staff members.
  • Assists with all aspects of clinic functions including front desk, optical, and other duties as assigned or as needs arise.

Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
  • Education - A High School Diploma or GED.
  • Employment - Six months to two years (Equivalent combination of Education and Employment).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Strong interpersonal skills, heightened attention to detail
Physical Requirements
Job may require lifting light weight objects (1 to 10 pounds) with no repetitive bending or stooping.
Work Environment
Regular exposure to favorable conditions such as those found in a normal office.
Licenses/Certifications
Paraoptometric certification through AOA preferred
Salary/Pay Information
Commensurate with experience
Anticipated Schedule
TBD
Employee Benefits
At the University of Detroit Mercy we continually strive to provide a high-quality, comprehensive benefits package to our valued employees. We offer our employees the following:
• Medical -
o Three health plans to choose from with a large national provider network
• Dental -
o Option to purchase additional dental plan through Sun Life
Dental Care is available at the School of Dentistry to the employee, the employee's spouse or legally domiciled adult and dependents (dependents shall be as defined for Internal Revenue Service purposes).
The fee for such services shall be waived for the employee, the employee's spouse or legally domiciled adult and dependents, up to a cap of $3,000 per individual per calendar year. Beyond the $3,000 cap amount, employees will be responsible to pay 25% of any remaining fees for the balance of that year.
• Vision -
o Option to purchase additional vision plan through Heritage
Vision benefits available at Detroit Mercy Eye Institute
$35 Comprehensive Eye Exam
Contact Lens Exam starting at $7o
50% off Optical Frames
25% off Sun Frames
30% off Prescription Lenses
20% off Prescription Contact Lenses
*Cannot be combined with insurance*
• Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options
• Employee Assistance Program -
o Provided to everyone in your household
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Life and AD&D -
o One times base salary up to a hundred thousand dollars
• Option to purchase additional life insurance, accident insurance, and/or critical illness insurance
• Tuition Remission Benefit for you, your spouse, and children
• Retirement Plan -
Employees have a choice of the following:
Employees who contribute 3% shall receive an Employer contribution of 6%, employees who contribute 4% in the plan shall receive an Employer contribution of 8%.
Michigan's largest, most comprehensive private University, University of Detroit Mercy is an independent Catholic institution of higher education sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy and Society of Jesus. Detroit Mercy seeks qualified candidates who will contribute to the University's mission, diversity, and excellence of its academic community. University of Detroit Mercy is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer with a diverse student body and welcomes persons of all backgrounds.

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