Associate Optometrist Jobs

Associate Optometrist jobs are open across retail optical chains, private practices, hospital systems, and specialty clinics, from new-graduate to experienced levels, with specializations in pediatric optometry, contact lens fitting, and ocular disease management. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.

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Overview

Open roles296+
Top statePennsylvania
Top employerLensCrafters
Top cityPittsburgh, PA
Work type90% On-site
Top industryRetail

Showing 5 of 296+ Associate Optometrist jobs

Part-Time Associate Optometrist( Tacoma, WA) LensCrafters
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Part-Time Associate Optometrist( Tacoma, WA) LensCrafters
LensCrafters
Tacoma, Washington
Clinical Support
Healthcare Administration
Patient Services & Wellbeing
$600 - $650/hr
10,000+

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Associate Optometrist
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Associate Optometrist
Sunnyvale Optometry
Sunnyvale, California
Clinical Support
Healthcare Administration
Patient Services & Wellbeing
On-Site
Therapeutic Pharmaceutical Agents (TPA) certification

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Associate Optometrist
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Associate Optometrist
Target Optical
Richardson, Texas
Content Marketing
Growth Marketing
Marketing

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Part-Time Associate Optometrist — Advanced Private Practice | 2 -3 Days / Week
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Part-Time Associate Optometrist — Advanced Private Practice | 2 -3 Days / Week
Clear Horizon Eyecare
Plainville, Connecticut
Administrative & Office Support
Program Management
Project Management
On-Site

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FT Associate Optometrist — Advanced Private Practice | $130K–$160K+ | 4–5 Days | No Weekends
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Added 1d ago
FT Associate Optometrist — Advanced Private Practice | $130K–$160K+ | 4–5 Days | No Weekends
Clear Horizon Eyecare
Plainville, Connecticut
Administrative & Office Support
Program Management
Project Management
On-Site

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Associate Optometrist Jobs by Experience Level

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Associate Optometrist Job Market

Who's Hiring

  • LensCrafters104
  • Walmart45
  • Target Optical45
  • HEDA43
  • EssilorLuxottica22

Top Industries Hiring

  • Retail27
  • Consumer Goods20
  • E-Commerce & Online Marketplaces20

What Employers Look For

The qualifications that appear most often in associate optometrist jobs.

  • Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree from an accredited optometry school
  • Active state optometry license in the state of employment
  • Proficiency with diagnostic equipment including slit lamp, OCT, and visual field analyzers
  • Experience or training in contact lens fitting including soft and specialty lenses
  • Ability to manage common ocular diseases such as glaucoma, dry eye, and diabetic eye disease
  • Strong patient communication skills and ability to meet productivity or patient-volume expectations

Tips for Your Associate Optometrist Job Search

Tailor your resume to each setting

Private practices and retail optical chains look for different things. Highlight diagnostic equipment experience like OCT and visual field testing for clinical roles, and emphasize patient throughput and frame-styling collaboration for retail-focused positions. One resume does not fit both.

List your state licensure clearly

Employers filter candidates by licensure status before reading anything else. Put your state license number, issuing state, and expiration date in a dedicated credentials section near the top of your resume so hiring managers find it in seconds.

Apply early to roles that fit

Migrate Mate lists associate optometrist openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.

Target your specialization in job searches

If you have experience in low vision, dry eye management, or orthokeratology, search those terms specifically. Generic optometrist searches return high volume, but filtering by specialty gets your application in front of the practices that actually need your skill set.

Prepare for a clinical case interview

Many associate optometrist interviews include a case presentation or a walk-through of a patient scenario. Practice talking through your diagnostic reasoning for common presentations like glaucoma suspects or diabetic retinopathy so you can explain your clinical decisions out loud clearly.

Negotiate scheduling terms, not just pay

Chair time, patient load per day, and whether you have a technician pre-testing patients directly affect your income and burnout risk. Ask about these specifics during offer discussions, not just the base rate or production split.

Associate Optometrist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions

Which companies are hiring the most associate optometrists?

The most active employers for associate optometrists right now are LensCrafters, Walmart, and Target Optical, and the most openings are in Pennsylvania, California, and Florida, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Both large retail optical groups and independent private practices post regularly, so the mix of employers changes from month to month.

How many associate optometrist jobs are remote?

About 10% of associate optometrist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of the role. The sub-areas most likely to offer remote or telehealth components are vision therapy follow-ups, ocular disease monitoring consultations, and administrative or clinical director roles within larger group practices.

How do you become an associate optometrist?

You become an associate optometrist by earning a Doctor of Optometry degree from an accredited optometry school, which requires a four-year professional program after completing prerequisite undergraduate coursework. After graduating, you must pass the National Board of Examiners in Optometry exams and obtain a license in the state where you plan to practice. Some graduates complete an optional residency for specialized training before applying to associate roles.

Can you get hired as an associate optometrist with no experience?

Yes, many associate optometrist positions are specifically designed for new graduates, since the role itself is an entry point into clinical practice. Employers in retail optical settings and private practices routinely hire ODs immediately after licensure. During your final year of optometry school, externship rotations in diverse clinical settings, strong board scores, and a faculty reference who can speak to your patient care skills strengthen your application significantly.

What does the associate optometrist interview process look like?

The interview process typically starts with a phone or video screen with a practice manager or HR contact to confirm licensure and availability. A second stage often involves an in-person visit to the practice, a tour of the lane setup, and a clinical or behavioral interview with the lead OD or owner. Some employers ask you to observe a half-day of patient flow or present how you would handle a specific case scenario before an offer is extended.

Where can I find and apply to associate optometrist jobs?

You can find and apply to associate optometrist jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search for roles that match your state license, preferred setting, and specialization, then apply directly to each listing that fits your situation.

See All 296+ Associate Optometrist Jobs

Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

Find Associate Optometrist Jobs