Optometrist Jobs in Connecticut
Optometrist jobs in Connecticut are concentrated in private practice groups, retail optical chains, and health system-affiliated eye care clinics, with steady demand from new-graduate through experienced clinical levels. Most hiring activity is in Hartford, New Haven, and Stamford, where large employers such as Yale New Haven Health, Hartford HealthCare, and LensCrafters maintain consistent optometrist staffing. The most in-demand specialties are pediatric optometry, low vision rehabilitation, and contact lens specialty care. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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New Haven & Hamden, Connecticut | Flexible Availability | Growth Opportunity
Build your own in-person optometry presence without starting from scratch.
Fritz & Hawley Guild Opticians is looking to connect with an independent Connecticut-licensed Optometrist interested in establishing an in-person optometry presence within one or both of our established locations in New Haven and Hamden, Connecticut.
We already have the locations, equipment, experienced licensed opticians, established brand, marketing presence, and—most importantly—existing patient demand for in-person eye exams.
This is an established opportunity with existing patient demand and a demonstrated history of optometric exam volume. Historical performance can be discussed with qualified candidates.
We're looking for the right OD who sees the opportunity to build something of their own within that established environment.
The Opportunity
Fritz & Hawley has served Connecticut for more than 125 years and today operates two independent boutique optical locations in New Haven and Hamden.
Our patients regularly request access to an in-person Optometrist. Rather than simply filling a position, we're looking for an OD interested in developing a consistent, independent in-person optometry presence alongside our established optical business.
This could be an excellent fit for an Optometrist who wants to grow their own patient base without taking on everything associated with opening a traditional standalone office from the ground up.
Why Fritz & Hawley?
Existing Patient Demand
You aren't starting with an empty appointment book. We have an established patient base and ongoing demand for in-person comprehensive eye examinations and contact lens care.
Established Locations
Practice within an existing optical environment in New Haven, Hamden, or potentially both locations.
Experienced Optical Team
Our licensed opticians have extensive experience working with patients before and after their examinations and understand how to create a seamless patient experience.
Existing Infrastructure
The locations already include exam and pre-testing equipment, optical infrastructure, and established patient-facing operations.
Established Brand & Community Presence
Fritz & Hawley has been serving Connecticut since 1900, providing an established platform from which an independent OD can develop their own in-person presence.
Room to Grow
Start with mutually compatible availability and build additional days as patient demand develops.
Clinical Independence
The Optometrist would maintain independent professional judgment and responsibility for their clinical practice, including examinations, diagnoses, prescriptions, treatment recommendations, referrals, and other clinical decisions.
We believe the strongest relationship is one where the OD focuses on practicing excellent optometry while Fritz & Hawley continues doing what we do best: providing an exceptional optical experience.
Who We're Looking For
We're especially interested in speaking with an OD who:
- Holds or is eligible for a Connecticut Optometry license
- Values professional and clinical independence
- Wants to establish or expand an in-person patient base
- Is interested in a flexible, long-term opportunity
- Provides thoughtful, patient-centered care
- Appreciates an independent environment rather than a high-volume corporate model
- Sees the potential in growing alongside an established optical business
This may be particularly attractive to an OD who has considered establishing an independent practice but doesn't necessarily want to begin by securing a standalone location, purchasing an entire office infrastructure, building an optical operation, and generating patient awareness from zero.
About Fritz & Hawley
Fritz & Hawley Guild Opticians is an independent optical business serving the Greater New Haven community from locations in Hamden and New Haven, Connecticut.
For more than 125 years, our focus has been on exceptional eyewear, skilled opticianry, personalized service, and long-term relationships with our patients.
As demand for in-person eye care continues to grow, we believe there is a significant opportunity for the right independent Optometrist to establish a successful clinical presence alongside our optical business.
Interested?
If you're an Optometrist interested in building something of your own—but don't want to start completely from scratch—we'd like to talk.
Submit your resume or professional background through Indeed to start a confidential conversation about the opportunity, preferred location, availability, and what you're looking to build.
Pay: $700.00 - $900.00 per day
Benefits:
- Continuing education credits
- Flexible schedule
- License reimbursement
- Relocation assistance
License/Certification:
- Optometry License (Required)
Work Location: In person
See All 51 Optometrist Jobs in Connecticut
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Find Optometrist JobsOptometrist Jobs by City in Connecticut
Where Connecticut roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Optometrist Job Market in Connecticut
A snapshot from current Connecticut openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- MyEyeDr.12
- LensCrafters11
- Warby Parker7
- Target Optical4
- EssilorLuxottica3
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services12
- Medical Devices3
- Retail1
- Consumer Goods1
- E-Commerce & Online Marketplaces1
What Connecticut Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in optometrist jobs across Connecticut.
- Active optometrist license issued or recognized by the Connecticut Department of Public Health
- Doctor of Optometry degree from an accredited school or college of optometry
- Current NBEO examination passage including all required parts
- Experience performing comprehensive eye exams and diagnosing ocular conditions
- Proficiency with electronic health record systems used in clinical practice
- Strong patient communication skills across diverse age groups and backgrounds
Optometrist Jobs in Connecticut: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a optometrist in Connecticut?
To practice as an optometrist in Connecticut you must hold a license issued by the Connecticut Department of Public Health. That requires completing a four-year Doctor of Optometry program at an accredited institution and passing all parts of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry examination. You apply for initial licensure through the Connecticut Department of Public Health and must renew the license on the state's established renewal cycle.
How much do optometrists make in Connecticut?
Optometrists in Connecticut earn a median of about $150,340 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $99,200 for the lowest 10% to over $214,040 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire optometrists in Connecticut?
Connecticut optometrist roles are posted by MyEyeDr., LensCrafters, and Warby Parker and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Connecticut's mix of large health systems, retail optical chains, and independent multi-location practices means openings appear across clinical and commercial settings throughout the state.
Which Connecticut cities have the most optometrist jobs?
Danbury, Waterford, and Westport have the most optometrist openings in Connecticut right now. Hartford and New Haven drive volume through their large health system networks and affiliated clinics, while Stamford's dense Fairfield County population and proximity to New York supports both independent practices and retail optical locations that hire continuously.
Are there remote optometrist jobs in Connecticut?
Yes, but they're rare. Optometry is a hands-on clinical role that requires in-person patient examination, so remote work is not common in the field. About 7% of optometrist openings tied to Connecticut are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, and those positions typically involve telehealth triage, vision screening review, or administrative clinical roles rather than full-scope patient care.
How can I get hired as a optometrist in Connecticut with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an optometry residency or associate-level position with a health system or group practice. Yale New Haven Health and Hartford HealthCare periodically offer optometry residency and new-graduate associate roles that provide supervised clinical experience. Retail optical groups operating in Connecticut also hire new graduates into associate optometrist positions. Holding an active Connecticut Department of Public Health license before applying gives new graduates a clear advantage over candidates still awaiting licensure.
Where can I find and apply to optometrist jobs in Connecticut?
You can find and apply to optometrist jobs in Connecticut on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience, specialty, and preferred location, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 51 Optometrist Jobs in Connecticut
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