Optometrist Jobs in Illinois
Optometrist jobs in Illinois are consistently in demand, with openings concentrated in private practices, retail optical chains, and integrated health systems and roles available from new graduates through practice owners and clinical directors. Chicago, Rockford, and Springfield anchor the bulk of hiring, where employers like Walmart Vision Centers, MyEyeDr, and the University of Illinois Health system maintain active rosters. The strongest demand is in pediatric optometry, low vision rehabilitation, and ocular disease management. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Optometrist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 95+ Optometrist jobs
Optometrist – Lansing, IL
Position OverviewAre you looking for a role where you can do meaningful work, grow professionally, and enjoy a healthy work-life balance? Do you value patient-centered care, modern technology, and a collaborative team environment?
This busy primary care practice group is in search of a full-time Doctor of Optometry to join their team in Lansing, IL. This unique opportunity provides the professional freedom to practice full-scope optometry while being supported by an experienced staff and state-of-the-art equipment. This role is designed for a clinician who wants to focus on exemplary patient care while the practice handles the administrative and operational complexities.
LocationThis opportunity is based in Lansing, Illinois. Situated in Cook County along the Illinois-Indiana border, Lansing offers a welcoming suburban community with an affordable cost of living and exceptional regional connectivity via I-80, I-94, and I-294. Residents enjoy a rich park system featuring the Lansing Woods forest preserves, vibrant community sports complexes, local dining along Ridge Road, and easy access to both downtown Chicago and Northwest Indiana.
Organization OverviewOur practice group is a leader in primary care, committed to a model that prioritizes the doctor-patient relationship. By providing comprehensive ancillary business support—including billing, marketing, and credentialing—we ensure that our providers can dedicate their full attention to clinical excellence.
The practice environment is energetic and collaborative, featuring modern diagnostic technology and a fully trained technical support team. Whether you are an experienced provider or a new graduate, you will find a supportive infrastructure designed to help you thrive and grow professionally.
What You'll Be Working OnProviding full-scope optometric services in a high-volume primary care setting.Utilizing state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to deliver high-quality patient outcomes.Focusing on clinical care while utilizing provided patient prescreening and technical support.Collaborating with a dedicated administrative team that manages billing, credentialing, and marketing.Contributing to a practice culture that values clinical excellence, teamwork, and professional autonomy.
QualificationsDoctor of Optometry (OD) degree from an accredited optometry school.Licensed or eligible for licensure as an Optometrist in Illinois.Strong clinical skills and a passion for practicing full-scope optometry.Excellent interpersonal skills to work effectively with an experienced support staff.Ability to thrive in a busy, primary care-focused environment.
What's In It For YouCompetitive Compensation: $145,000 – $155,000 base salary.Performance Incentives: Production bonuses and additional incentive programs.New Graduate Support: Specific incentives tailored for new graduates to jumpstart their careers.Financial Benefits: Student incentives and a comprehensive benefits package.Professional Growth: CE (Continuing Education) reimbursement and malpractice insurance provided.Operational Ease: All business operations (billing, marketing, credentialing) handled for you.
Equal Opportunity EmployerEmployment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.
Optometrist – Lansing, IL
Position OverviewAre you looking for a role where you can do meaningful work, grow professionally, and enjoy a healthy work-life balance? Do you value patient-centered care, modern technology, and a collaborative team environment?
This busy primary care practice group is in search of a full-time Doctor of Optometry to join their team in Lansing, IL. This unique opportunity provides the professional freedom to practice full-scope optometry while being supported by an experienced staff and state-of-the-art equipment. This role is designed for a clinician who wants to focus on exemplary patient care while the practice handles the administrative and operational complexities.
LocationThis opportunity is based in Lansing, Illinois. Situated in Cook County along the Illinois-Indiana border, Lansing offers a welcoming suburban community with an affordable cost of living and exceptional regional connectivity via I-80, I-94, and I-294. Residents enjoy a rich park system featuring the Lansing Woods forest preserves, vibrant community sports complexes, local dining along Ridge Road, and easy access to both downtown Chicago and Northwest Indiana.
Organization OverviewOur practice group is a leader in primary care, committed to a model that prioritizes the doctor-patient relationship. By providing comprehensive ancillary business support—including billing, marketing, and credentialing—we ensure that our providers can dedicate their full attention to clinical excellence.
The practice environment is energetic and collaborative, featuring modern diagnostic technology and a fully trained technical support team. Whether you are an experienced provider or a new graduate, you will find a supportive infrastructure designed to help you thrive and grow professionally.
What You'll Be Working OnProviding full-scope optometric services in a high-volume primary care setting.Utilizing state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to deliver high-quality patient outcomes.Focusing on clinical care while utilizing provided patient prescreening and technical support.Collaborating with a dedicated administrative team that manages billing, credentialing, and marketing.Contributing to a practice culture that values clinical excellence, teamwork, and professional autonomy.
QualificationsDoctor of Optometry (OD) degree from an accredited optometry school.Licensed or eligible for licensure as an Optometrist in Illinois.Strong clinical skills and a passion for practicing full-scope optometry.Excellent interpersonal skills to work effectively with an experienced support staff.Ability to thrive in a busy, primary care-focused environment.
What's In It For YouCompetitive Compensation: $145,000 – $155,000 base salary.Performance Incentives: Production bonuses and additional incentive programs.New Graduate Support: Specific incentives tailored for new graduates to jumpstart their careers.Financial Benefits: Student incentives and a comprehensive benefits package.Professional Growth: CE (Continuing Education) reimbursement and malpractice insurance provided.Operational Ease: All business operations (billing, marketing, credentialing) handled for you.
Equal Opportunity EmployerEmployment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.
See All 95 Optometrist Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Optometrist JobsOptometrist Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Optometrist Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- National Vision10
- LensCrafters7
- Warby Parker7
- Visionworks6
- Walmart5
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services10
- Medical Devices6
- Retail4
- Consumer Goods4
- Insurance3
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in optometrist jobs across Illinois.
- Active Illinois optometrist license issued by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- Doctor of Optometry degree from an accredited optometry school
- Ability to perform comprehensive eye exams and interpret diagnostic imaging
- Experience with electronic health records systems used in clinical settings
- Therapeutic pharmaceutical agent certification to prescribe and manage ocular medications
- Strong patient communication skills in a high-volume outpatient or retail environment
Optometrist Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a optometrist in Illinois?
You must obtain an active optometrist license from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. This requires completing a Doctor of Optometry program at an accredited institution, passing the National Board of Examiners in Optometry exams, and applying through IDFPR. Illinois also requires a therapeutic pharmaceutical agent certificate to prescribe medications, which is obtained through additional coursework and a separate exam before licensure is granted.
How much do optometrists make in Illinois?
Optometrists in Illinois earn a median of about $145,620 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $93,350 for the lowest 10% to over $190,620 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire optometrists in Illinois?
Employers hiring optometrists in Illinois right now include National Vision, LensCrafters, and Warby Parker, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Illinois's mix of large retail optical chains, independent private practices, and academic medical centers like UI Health means openings are spread across diverse practice settings throughout the state.
Which Illinois cities have the most optometrist jobs?
Chicago, Peoria, and Rockford have the most optometrist openings in Illinois. Chicago drives the largest share given its dense population, network of multi-location retail optical chains, and major health systems, while Rockford and Springfield have active hiring tied to regional hospital affiliates and established independent practices serving mid-sized suburban communities.
Are there remote optometrist jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. Optometry is a hands-on clinical role that requires in-person patient examination, so remote work is limited by the nature of the job. About 0% of optometrist openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those positions are typically in telehealth triage, vision benefits consulting, or clinical review roles that don't require direct patient exams.
How can I get hired as a optometrist in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an optometry residency, several of which are offered through Illinois institutions including the Illinois College of Optometry and the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center in Chicago. New graduates can also target associate optometrist roles at retail chains like Walmart Vision Centers or MyEyeDr, which regularly hire new graduates and provide mentorship. Holding an active Illinois IDFPR license and a therapeutic pharmaceutical agent certificate before applying gives candidates a clear edge over those still in the credentialing process.
Where can I find and apply to optometrist jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to optometrist jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings across private practices, retail optical groups, and health systems. Find roles that fit your experience and location preference and apply directly to each one.
See All 95 Optometrist Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Optometrist Jobs