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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Overview

Open Jobs417+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type98% On-site
Median Salary$115K
Top LocationNew York, NY
Most JobsMyEyeDr.

Showing 5 of 417+ Optometrist jobs

Warby Parker
Optometrist
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Warby Parker
Added 1d ago
Optometrist
Warby Parker
Upper Arlington, Ohio
Nursing
Healthcare Administration
On-Site
Doctorate
1,001-5,000

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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Optometrist
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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Added 4d ago
Optometrist
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Nursing
Healthcare Administration
On-Site
Doctorate
10,000+

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Henry Ford Health
Optometrist
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Henry Ford Health
Added 1w ago
Optometrist
Henry Ford Health
Sterling Heights, Michigan
Nursing
Healthcare Administration
Patient Services & Wellbeing
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
Doctorate
10,000+

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Columbia Basin Health Association
Optometrist
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Columbia Basin Health Association
Added 3w ago
Optometrist
Columbia Basin Health Association
Connell, Washington
Nursing
Healthcare Administration
$119,071/yr - $154,793/yr
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
Doctorate
201-500

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MyEyeDr.
Optometrist
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MyEyeDr.
Added 1mo ago
Optometrist
MyEyeDr.
Pelham, Alabama
Nursing
Healthcare Administration
On-Site
Doctorate
5,001-10,000

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Tips 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.