OPT Optometrist Jobs
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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Get Access To All JobsJOB OVERVIEW
The Department of Ophthalmology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center is seeking a full-time optometrist to join our multi-specialty, multi-site, tertiary care practices in Manhattan. The optometrist will be integrated into the department’s clinical teams, working alongside ophthalmologists in patient care while also providing comprehensive optometric care.
Responsibilities
- Participate in co-management of patients with ophthalmologists across subspecialties, including pre- and post-operative care.
- Provide comprehensive optometry, including refractions, contact lens care, and ocular disease management.
- Collaborate with ophthalmology and other health care providers to ensure continuity of care.
- Work effectively as a team member and provide the highest-level quality of service and care.
- Engage in academic medicine, with opportunities for teaching and research if desired.
- Maintain compliance with all current organizational, state, and federal regulations pertaining to optometry.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Graduation from an accredited school of optometry.
- Currently licensed by New York State.
- Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal and organizational skills.
- Completion of a residency in optometry required.
- Minimum of two (2) years of experience preferred.
JOB TYPE
Full-time
PAY
$100,727.00 - $145,000.00 per year
BENEFITS
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Vision insurance
WORK LOCATION
In person
Please apply via: apply.interfolio.com/176109
For more information about the department, please visit www.columbiaeye.org.
JOB OVERVIEW
The Department of Ophthalmology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center is seeking a full-time optometrist to join our multi-specialty, multi-site, tertiary care practices in Manhattan. The optometrist will be integrated into the department’s clinical teams, working alongside ophthalmologists in patient care while also providing comprehensive optometric care.
Responsibilities
- Participate in co-management of patients with ophthalmologists across subspecialties, including pre- and post-operative care.
- Provide comprehensive optometry, including refractions, contact lens care, and ocular disease management.
- Collaborate with ophthalmology and other health care providers to ensure continuity of care.
- Work effectively as a team member and provide the highest-level quality of service and care.
- Engage in academic medicine, with opportunities for teaching and research if desired.
- Maintain compliance with all current organizational, state, and federal regulations pertaining to optometry.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Graduation from an accredited school of optometry.
- Currently licensed by New York State.
- Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal and organizational skills.
- Completion of a residency in optometry required.
- Minimum of two (2) years of experience preferred.
JOB TYPE
Full-time
PAY
$100,727.00 - $145,000.00 per year
BENEFITS
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Vision insurance
WORK LOCATION
In person
Please apply via: apply.interfolio.com/176109
For more information about the department, please visit www.columbiaeye.org.
See all 392+ OPT Optometrist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT 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.
Understand your OPT is employer-agnostic
Unlike H-1B visa, OPT is not tied to a specific employer petition. You can work for any qualifying employer. However, you must report each new employer to your DSO within 10 days to stay compliant with SEVIS reporting requirements.
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.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship during interviews
OPT is a bridge, not a long-term solution. Raise H-1B sponsorship intent before accepting an offer. Employers who have sponsored before are your safest option. The H-1B cap registration window opens each March for an October start.
Optometrist OPT: Frequently 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.