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Student Optometrist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Optometrist

Valley Springs, CA · On-site

$156K - $189K/yr

Optometrist Since 1969, MACT Health Board's mission has been to improve the health status of the ... Direct Student Loan Contributions: Our BenefitED program allows us to make direct quarterly ...

Optometrist

Sonora, CA · On-site

$156K - $189K/yr

Optometrist Since 1969, MACT Health Board's mission has been to improve the health status of the ... Direct Student Loan Contributions: Our BenefitED program allows us to make direct quarterly ...

Optometrist

Fort Smith, AR · On-site +1

$125K - $190K/yr

Summary This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan ... The staff optometrist duties will be performed in the Eye Clinic at Ft. Smith, Arkansas Veterans ...

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Student Optometrist information

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$65K

$124.2K

$185K

How much do student optometrist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for student optometrist in the United States is $124,213.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,000.00 and $146,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Student Optometrist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Student Optometrist, you need a solid grounding in ocular anatomy, vision science, and patient assessment, typically achieved through enrollment in an accredited optometry program. Familiarity with diagnostic tools such as slit lamps, autorefractors, and electronic health record (EHR) systems is essential. Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate clearly with patients and supervisors help you stand out in this role. These competencies are critical for accurate diagnoses, effective patient care, and successful progression through clinical training.

What is the difference between Student Optometrist vs Optometry Intern?

AspectStudent OptometristOptometry Intern
CredentialsEnrolled in optometry program, limited licensingTypically in final year, supervised practice
Work EnvironmentEducational clinics, supervised settingsClinical practice under supervision, often in hospitals or clinics
Industry UsageEducational phase, training periodPost-education, gaining practical experience

Both roles involve gaining practical experience in optometry, but a Student Optometrist is still in training within an educational program, while an Optometry Intern is usually in the final stages of training, working under supervision to prepare for full licensure.

What does a student optometrist do?

A student optometrist is an individual currently enrolled in an optometry school or program who is training to become a licensed optometrist. Their responsibilities typically include learning about eye health, vision care, and performing supervised clinical tasks such as eye exams, vision tests, and assisting with patient care. They work under the guidance of licensed optometrists and faculty to develop the necessary skills and knowledge for their future profession. Student optometrists must also complete internships and pass board exams to become fully licensed. Their education combines classroom learning, laboratory work, and practical clinical experience.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by student optometrists during clinical placements?

Student optometrists often encounter challenges such as adapting to a fast-paced clinical environment, managing patient communication, and balancing academic responsibilities with hands-on learning. Building confidence in performing eye examinations and interpreting results can take time, especially when working with diverse patient populations. Support from supervisors and collaborating with peers on complex cases are essential for skill development and overcoming initial uncertainties.
More about Student Optometrist jobs
What job categories do people searching Student Optometrist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Student Optometrist jobs are:
Infographic showing various Student Optometrist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 22% Internship, 44% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Contract, 5% Nights, and 4% Summer. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,213 per year, or $59.7 per hour.
Optometrist, Student Health Services - 140258

Optometrist, Student Health Services - 140258

University of California San Diego

San Diego, CA • On-site

$72.64 - $95.85/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

New


University Of California San Diego rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

133rd of 546 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Payroll Title:
OPTOMETRIST 3 HX Department:
STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES Hiring Pay Scale
$72.64 - $95.85 / Hour Worksite:
Campus Appointment Type:
Career Appointment Percent:
100% Union:
HX Contract Total Openings:
1 Work Schedule:
Days, 8-Hour Shifts, Monday-Friday
#140258 Optometrist, Student Health Services
Filing Deadline: Wed 7/15/2026
Apply Now
UC San Diego values and welcomes people from all backgrounds. If you are interested in being part of our team, possess the needed licensure and certifications, and feel that you have most of the qualifications and/or transferable skills for a job opening, we strongly encourage you to apply.
UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment : Apply by 7/06/2026 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.
Reassignment Applicants : Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.
DESCRIPTION
The mission of the Student Health & Well-Being (SHW) cluster is to promote a culture of health and well-being for the student community, deliver equitable high-quality innovative services, incorporate inclusive approaches, and celebrate diversity, with the goal of adoption and maintenance of healthy behaviors contributing to the academic success and personal development of all students.
The UC San Diego SHW cluster, which reports through UC San Diego Health System, plays a leadership role in creating a strong and active wellness culture that enables all students to flourish in body, mind, and spirit. This includes promotion and the expansion/development of a student health and well-being center, and the transformation of existing departments, under the oversight of the executive director, into a cohesive, trans-disciplinary source of integrated wellness services. The SHW cluster includes the departments of Student Health Services (SHS), Health Promotion Services (HPS), Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), SHW Administration (ADM), and Strategic Planning, Innovation and Research (SPIR), & Student Health Assessments and Analytics (SHAA).
SHS provides primary medical care, including urgent care and support services such as laboratory, pharmacy, and x-ray to all UC San Diego undergraduate, graduate, and professional students and UC affiliates. SHS staff consists of a diverse team of physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, social workers, pharmacists, x-ray technologists, clinical laboratory scientists, medical lab assistants, optometrists, medical assistants, health educators, administrative and other healthcare professionals. SHS provides integrated clinical services to address the medical needs of individual students, as well as to foster the well-being of the students as a whole person. In addition, SHS oversees the public health needs of the campus community. SHS is accredited by the Accreditation Association of Ambulatory Health Care and is fully committed to self-examination, peer review, and quality control through the utilization of data, outcome, and patient experience measurements.
The incumbent works as a member of the UCSD Student Health Services Optometry Department providing primary eyecare, contact lens fittings, and urgent eyecare to maximize visual function and eye health. Provides ocular examinations and procedures, uses medical devices, pharmaceutical agents and technology, and prescribes spectacle, contact lens, and pharmaceutical agents to diagnose, treat, and manage eye disorders as allowed by the California State Board of Optometry. Also, the incumbent must have a Doctorate degree in Optometry issued by an accredited school/college of optometry and hold a valid and active license to practice as required by the California State Board of Optometry.
Uses skills as a seasoned, experienced professional with a full understanding of industry practices and campus policies and procedures to resolve a wide range of issues. Demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Doctoral degree in Optometry issued by an accredited school / college of optometry and hold a valid and active license to practice as required by the California State Board of Optometry.
  • Three (3) or more years of relevant experience.
  • Thorough knowledge of optometry and skills essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to this position. (JS)
  • Thorough knowledge of eye diseases diagnosis. (JS)
  • Must be able to effectively communicate findings of examination to patients. (JS)
  • Requires strong communication and presentation skills. (JS)
  • Position must be able to work with diverse client group. (JS)
  • Position must be able to provide direction and guidance to less experienced staff members. (JS)
  • Must be able to work in a collaborative manner with staff, faculty, and members of the health care community across the campus. (JS)
  • Requires effective interpersonal skills. (JS)
  • Thorough professional skills in delivering eye care, treatment, and diagnostic services to patients. (JS)
  • Experience in refraction and optometry standard operating procedures and policies.
  • Skill and knowledge in refraction procedures for contact lenses and spectacles.
  • Skill and knowledge in fitting soft and rigid gas permeable contact lenses.
  • Skill to operate a variety of optometry equipment; skill in using standard office equipment: personal computers, fax machines, photocopiers, printers, scanners, etc.
  • Ability to use an electronic medical record system. Skill in using computer/information technology for the following purposes: word processing (Word); internet and intranet tools; and many other purposes (data entry/typing, electronic filing, database, spreadsheet (Excel) and presentation (PowerPoint) applications, email, etc.) with the willingness and ability to update and increase skills as needed to meet the goals of SHS and SHW.
  • Ability to maintain utmost confidentiality according to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).Skill to respect confidentiality about matters affecting patients and use professional judgment when reporting information to them, other healthcare professionals and staff members including the ability to maintain ethical standards throughout the optometry process.
  • Ability to at all times adhere to UCSD Health Medical Center (C.A.R.I.N.G.) Standards of Performance, practice the mandatory University Core Values & Safety Standards of performance, demonstrate at all times the characteristics of professionalism in attire, attitude, conversation, behavior and attentiveness to others; ability to uphold the UCSD Principles of Community and promote a positive and collaborative team environment.
  • Ability to keep current, maintain or adapt technical competency with new technologies and techniques as they become available.
  • Ability to perform detailed and precise work requiring concentration, manual dexterity and scientific aptitude while doing repetitive tasks.
  • Ability to put nervous patients at ease, show compassion, and provide adequate time.
  • Knowledge of proper safety and sterile procedures in a optometry office setting.
  • Demonstrated ability to actively foster a positive, welcoming climate, and value, include and support all in the UC San Diego community and foster the best possible working environment.
  • As appropriate, submit incident reports into the UCSD SHW Incident Report System, RL Datix or current system in use, to report near-misses, process problems or patient or employee injury events. Attend required trainings and refreshers for use and proper steps to follow.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • California Topical Pharmaceutical Agents and Glaucoma Certification.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
  • Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.
  • Must complete initial credential verification, and re-credentialing every 3rd year thereafter.
Pay Transparency Act
Annual Full Pay Range: $151,671 - $200,133 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)
Hourly Equivalent: $72.64 - $95.85
Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).
Apply Now
If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements. If applicable, life-support certifications (BLS, NRP, ACLS, etc.) must include hands-on practice and in-person skills assessment; online-only certification is not acceptable.
UC San Diego Health is the only academic health system in the San Diego region, providing leading-edge care in patient care, biomedical research, education, and community service. Our facilities include two university hospitals, a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Shiley Eye Institute, Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center, the only Burn Center in the county, and dozens of outpatient clinics. We invite you to join our team!
Applications/Resumes are accepted for current job openings only. For full consideration on any job, applications must be received prior to the initial closing date. If a job has an extended deadline, applications/resumes will be considered during the extension period; however, a job may be filled before the extended date is reached.
To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community .
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.
UC San Diego Health maintains a marijuana and drug free environment. Employees may be subject to drug screening.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.
a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
  • Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

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