What Is a Remote Optometry and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

In remote optometry positions, your job is to work from home to assess and treat patients’ eye conditions using modern technological devices like high-definition smartphone cameras. As a virtual optometrist, you may diagnose eye conditions, such as nearsightedness and farsightedness, suggest treatment options for each patient, or provide suggestions for dealing with the daily problems caused by sight issues. Some remote optometrists focus on certain parts of the population, such as seniors who cannot leave the house to get exams in-person. Some optometrists provide remote optometry services in addition to regular office appointments. In these cases, you usually do your remote optometry services from your office, and the name refers to the patient's remoteness. You can also work in remote research roles in which you help expand the collective knowledge of the field.

The primary qualifications for getting a remote optometry job depend on the position. Most jobs require a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. For example, if you program the apps used for remote optometry, you need a degree in computer science, while telemedicine roles usually require training as an optometrist. The requirements for becoming an optometrist vary by state, but they usually include graduating from an accredited school of optometry, passing one or more state-level exams, and participating in continuing education to maintain your license. Fulfilling the responsibilities and duties of a remote optometry job requires communication skills and familiarity with most aspects of optometry and vision. Many people work in an optometry clinic for several years before applying for a remote position.