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Hire Optometrists - Healthcare Directory

Find qualified optometrists across the United States. Browse by state and city to connect with healthcare professionals in your area.

Optometrists Market Overview 2026

Optometrists (ODs) are primary eye care providers who examine eyes, diagnose vision problems, prescribe corrective lenses, and treat eye diseases. With an aging population and increased screen time driving vision care needs, optometrists are essential healthcare providers. Practice settings range from independent practice to retail optical chains and healthcare systems.

97,289
Active Providers
$125K
Median Salary
Moderate
Demand Level
51
States Covered

Optometrists Salary Range (2026)Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics

Entry LevelExperienced
$100,000$125,000 median$170,000
Growth outlook: 9% projected growth through 2032 (BLS)(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook)

📋Required Credentials

  • OD (Doctor of Optometry) degree
  • State optometry license
  • TPA (Therapeutic Pharmaceutical Agents) certification
  • Board certification optional

🏥Common Work Settings

  • Private optometry practices
  • Retail optical (Warby Parker, Lenscrafters, Costco)
  • Healthcare systems and hospitals
  • Veterans Affairs medical centers
  • Community health centers
  • Academic institutions

“Employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations, adding about 1.8 million new jobs over the decade. Healthcare occupations are projected to add more jobs than any other group of occupations.”

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook, Healthcare Occupations

Frequently Asked Questions: Hiring Optometrists

What is the difference between optometrists and ophthalmologists?

Optometrists (ODs) are primary eye care providers who examine eyes, prescribe glasses/contacts, and treat common eye conditions. Ophthalmologists (MDs/DOs) are medical doctors who perform eye surgery and treat complex eye diseases. Optometrists handle the majority of routine eye care; ophthalmologists handle surgical and complex medical cases.

What is the optometrist job market like?

The optometrist job market is stable with 9% projected growth. Retail optical settings offer employment with guaranteed salaries, while private practice provides higher earning potential with business ownership risks. Healthcare system integration is creating employed positions. Rural areas have the most significant shortages.

Where do optometrists earn the highest salaries?

Optometrists in private practice ownership typically earn the highest incomes, though with business risk. Corporate positions at Costco and similar retailers offer competitive salaries ($150K+) with benefits. Geographic location significantly impacts pay, with metropolitan areas and underserved communities often paying premiums.

How do I recruit optometrists for a retail setting?

Retail optometry recruitment emphasizes: competitive compensation packages, predictable schedules, no ownership overhead, modern equipment, and patient volume. New graduates often start in retail before private practice. Highlight work-life balance, benefits, and career advancement opportunities within the organization.

About Optometrists (OD)

📋Professional Definition

Optometrists are primary healthcare professionals for the eye. They examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases, injuries, and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures. Optometrists prescribe medications, low vision rehabilitation, vision therapy, spectacle lenses, contact lenses, and perform certain surgical procedures.

💼For Healthcare Recruiters

Optometrists are essential for retail optical chains, private practices, ophthalmology groups, and community health centers. Hire licensed ODs with expertise in contact lenses, pediatric vision, glaucoma management, or low vision therapy. Our database includes new graduates and experienced optometrists seeking associate or ownership opportunities. Ideal for optical retailers, private practice owners, ophthalmology practices, and optometry staffing agencies.

🎯Common Specializations

  • Pediatric Optometry
  • Geriatric Optometry
  • Low Vision Rehabilitation
  • Contact Lens Specialization
  • Sports Vision
  • Vision Therapy

🔗Related Healthcare Fields

  • Ophthalmologists
  • Opticians
  • Vision Therapists
Related searches: hire optometrists, optometrist recruitment, OD jobs, optometry staffing, retail optometrist hiring, associate optometrist jobs, optometrist database, eye doctor recruitment, optometry practice jobs

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