Optometrist Jobs for OPT Students
Optometrist roles on OPT require active USCIS work authorization tied to your DSO-issued EAD. Most positions are at private practices, health systems, or optical retail chains. STEM OPT extension is not available for this field, so your 12-month window and employer start date need careful planning.
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Job Summary
Responsible for the provision of quality medical services to patients of Prisma Health Partners in Health.
Accountabilities
- Engages in the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of disease, defects or injuries and recommend or prescribe treatments for the relief or cure of eye-related disorders and conditions. Prescribes eyeglasses and contacts when needed. Provide treatment such as low vision devices. - 20%
- Renders medical treatment to his or her patients consistent with generally accepted professional standards of care without regard to their ability to pay for such treatment and without regard to race, creed, color, sex, religion, national origin, or age. - 20%
- Completes accurate, legible, and timely records with respect to all medical examinations and procedures; to accurately use Current Procedural Terminology and International Classification of Diseases codes. - 15%
- Complies with standards of accepted medical practice, the rules and regulations of managed care organizations and other payers, including but not limited to Medicare and Medicaid (except to the extent those rules conflict with Physician’s professional medical judgment), and the standards of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. - 15%
- Enhances clinical skills by maintaining sufficient continuing medical education to meet the requirements for certification and/or state licensing board. - 10%
- Agrees to actively participate in non-revenue generating activities which serve to advance the Vision and Mission of Prisma Health. As an Academic Health Center, these activities may range from serving on committees, community outreach, helping to meet the teaching and research goals of the Prisma Health Clinical University or other activities as determined by the appropriate Departmental Chair. These important expectations are shared by all providers within UMG and are key elements of a high performing, integrated, physician led organization. - 10%
- Participates in the establishment of quality assurance programs, utilization management programs, patient education services, patient satisfaction programs. - 5%
- Assists Employer in obtaining and maintaining any and all licenses, permits and other authorizations, plus achieving any applicable accreditation standards that relate to the business of the Practice or Department. - 5%
Supervisory/Management Responsibilities
- This is a non-management job that will report to a supervisor, manager, director or executive.
Minimum Requirements
- Doctorate - Doctor of Optometry. Graduate of accredited optometry program.
- No previous experience - 2 years' experience in an ophthalmology practice.
Required Certifications/Registrations/Licenses
- South Carolina Board of Examiners - Licensed optometrist in the state.
Other Required Skills and Experience
- Previous experience - Preferred
Work Shift
Day (United States of America)
Location
Richland
Facility
3108 Ophthalmology 4 Med Park
Department
31081000 Ophthalmology 4 Med Park - Practice Operations
Share your talent with us! Our vision is simple: to transform healthcare for the benefits of the communities we serve. The transformation of healthcare requires talented individuals in every role here at Prisma Health.
Inspire health. Serve with compassion. Be the difference.
Job Summary
Responsible for the provision of quality medical services to patients of Prisma Health Partners in Health.
Accountabilities
- Engages in the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of disease, defects or injuries and recommend or prescribe treatments for the relief or cure of eye-related disorders and conditions. Prescribes eyeglasses and contacts when needed. Provide treatment such as low vision devices. - 20%
- Renders medical treatment to his or her patients consistent with generally accepted professional standards of care without regard to their ability to pay for such treatment and without regard to race, creed, color, sex, religion, national origin, or age. - 20%
- Completes accurate, legible, and timely records with respect to all medical examinations and procedures; to accurately use Current Procedural Terminology and International Classification of Diseases codes. - 15%
- Complies with standards of accepted medical practice, the rules and regulations of managed care organizations and other payers, including but not limited to Medicare and Medicaid (except to the extent those rules conflict with Physician’s professional medical judgment), and the standards of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. - 15%
- Enhances clinical skills by maintaining sufficient continuing medical education to meet the requirements for certification and/or state licensing board. - 10%
- Agrees to actively participate in non-revenue generating activities which serve to advance the Vision and Mission of Prisma Health. As an Academic Health Center, these activities may range from serving on committees, community outreach, helping to meet the teaching and research goals of the Prisma Health Clinical University or other activities as determined by the appropriate Departmental Chair. These important expectations are shared by all providers within UMG and are key elements of a high performing, integrated, physician led organization. - 10%
- Participates in the establishment of quality assurance programs, utilization management programs, patient education services, patient satisfaction programs. - 5%
- Assists Employer in obtaining and maintaining any and all licenses, permits and other authorizations, plus achieving any applicable accreditation standards that relate to the business of the Practice or Department. - 5%
Supervisory/Management Responsibilities
- This is a non-management job that will report to a supervisor, manager, director or executive.
Minimum Requirements
- Doctorate - Doctor of Optometry. Graduate of accredited optometry program.
- No previous experience - 2 years' experience in an ophthalmology practice.
Required Certifications/Registrations/Licenses
- South Carolina Board of Examiners - Licensed optometrist in the state.
Other Required Skills and Experience
- Previous experience - Preferred
Work Shift
Day (United States of America)
Location
Richland
Facility
3108 Ophthalmology 4 Med Park
Department
31081000 Ophthalmology 4 Med Park - Practice Operations
Share your talent with us! Our vision is simple: to transform healthcare for the benefits of the communities we serve. The transformation of healthcare requires talented individuals in every role here at Prisma Health.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Optometrist
Confirm your EAD before applying
Your EAD card must be in hand before your start date. Optometry practices cannot legally employ you without it. Apply through your DSO at least 90 days before your program end date to avoid gaps in work authorization.
Verify state licensure timelines early
Optometrists must hold a valid state license to practice. Board exam scheduling and state processing can take months. Start your NBEO and state application immediately after graduation to avoid losing OPT work time waiting on licensure.
Target employers familiar with OPT
Large optical chains and academic medical centers hire international graduates more regularly than small independent practices. These employers have HR infrastructure to handle EAD onboarding and are less likely to withdraw offers over authorization paperwork.
Plan around your 12-month window carefully
Optometry does not qualify for the STEM OPT extension. Your 12 months are fixed. Avoid unemployment gaps exceeding 90 days cumulative, which can terminate your OPT status regardless of remaining authorized time on your EAD.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an Optometrist on OPT without a state license?
No. OPT authorizes you to work in your field of study, but it does not override state licensing requirements. You must hold a valid optometry license in the state where you practice before seeing patients. Many OPT students pursue pre-licensure administrative or clinical support roles while awaiting their license, but those must still fall within your degree field.
Does Optometry qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
No. The Doctor of Optometry (OD) program is classified under CIP code 51.1701, which is not on the STEM Designated Degree Program list maintained by DHS. This means your OPT authorization is capped at 12 months with no extension available. Planning your H-1B sponsorship timeline from day one of OPT is essential.
How do I find Optometrist employers who are open to hiring OPT students?
Migrate Mate lists Optometrist jobs from employers with a demonstrated history of sponsoring international candidates. Filtering by OPT-friendly employers saves time compared to applying broadly and discovering authorization concerns after an interview. Focus on employers who have filed LCAs or H-1B petitions for similar roles, which signals genuine sponsorship intent.
What happens to my OPT status if I leave a job and take time to find a new one?
You are allowed up to 90 cumulative days of unemployment during your OPT period. If you exceed 90 days without authorized employment, your OPT and F-1 status terminate automatically, even if your EAD card still shows a future expiration date. Report any job change to your DSO immediately and track your unemployment days carefully.
Can I work for multiple optometry practices simultaneously on OPT?
Yes. OPT permits multiple concurrent employers as long as each position is directly related to your degree field and you work at least 20 hours per week in total. You must report every employer to your DSO within 10 days of starting. Part-time arrangements at two practices can be a practical strategy for building experience while staying compliant.
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