Optometrist Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship

Optometrists can secure visa sponsorship through hospitals, eye care chains, and private practices, particularly in underserved areas where there's high demand for eye care professionals. Most employers sponsor H-1B visas, which require your Doctor of Optometry degree and state licensure. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.

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Overview

Open Jobs1,244+
Top Visa TypeH-1B
Work Type99% On-site
Median Salary$96K
Top LocationNew York, NY
Most JobsNational Vision Inc.

Showing 5 of 1,244+ Optometrist jobs

Warby Parker
Optometrist
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Warby Parker
New 14h ago
Optometrist
Warby Parker
Naperville, Illinois
Nursing
Healthcare Administration
$69/hr - $80/hr
On-Site
Doctorate
1,001-5,000

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Parkland Health
Optometrist
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Parkland Health
New 14h ago
Optometrist
Parkland Health
Dallas, Texas
Nursing
Healthcare Administration
Patient Services & Wellbeing
On-Site
Doctorate
10,000+

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Community Health Connections, Inc.
Optometrist
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Community Health Connections, Inc.
Added 1d ago
Optometrist
Community Health Connections, Inc.
Fitchburg, Massachusetts
Nursing
Healthcare Administration
Medical Specialists
Patient Services & Wellbeing
On-Site
5+ yrs exp.
Doctorate

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National Vision, Inc.
Optometrist
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National Vision, Inc.
Added 1d ago
Optometrist
National Vision, Inc.
Fairview Heights, Illinois
Nursing
Healthcare Administration
Patient Services & Wellbeing
$499 - $566
On-Site
None
10,000+

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Regional Vision Consultants LLC
Optometrist
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Regional Vision Consultants LLC
Added 3d ago
Optometrist
Regional Vision Consultants LLC
Morristown, New Jersey
Nursing
Healthcare Administration
Patient Services & Wellbeing
On-Site
None

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Tips for Finding Optometrist Jobs

Target rural and underserved communities

Rural hospitals and community health centers actively recruit optometrists and are more willing to sponsor visas. These employers often have J-1 waiver programs available.

Emphasize specialized training or certifications

Highlight any specializations in low vision, pediatric optometry, or ocular disease management. Specialized skills make you more attractive for H-1B sponsorship.

Research state licensure requirements early

Each state has different optometry licensing requirements. Start the licensure process before job searching since employers need confirmation of your ability to practice.

Consider large eye care chains

Companies like LensCrafters, Pearle Vision, and America's Best have established visa sponsorship programs and hire internationally trained optometrists regularly for multiple locations.

Network through optometry associations

Join the American Optometric Association and state optometry societies. Many sponsoring employers recruit through these professional networks and job boards.

Prepare for credential evaluation

International optometry degrees require evaluation by organizations like WES or ECE. Complete this process early as employers need confirmation of degree equivalency.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do optometrists qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship?

Yes, optometry is a specialty occupation requiring a Doctor of Optometry degree, making it eligible for H-1B sponsorship. You'll need your degree evaluated for U.S. equivalency and obtain state licensure. Most employers also require completion of optometry boards (NBEO exams) before sponsorship.

Can foreign optometry degrees qualify for U.S. visa sponsorship?

Foreign optometry degrees can qualify if they're equivalent to a U.S. Doctor of Optometry degree through credential evaluation. You'll also need to pass the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) exams and meet individual state licensing requirements before employers can sponsor your visa.

What types of employers sponsor visas for optometrists?

Hospitals, large retail eye care chains, community health centers, and private practices sponsor optometrists. Rural and underserved area employers are most likely to sponsor due to workforce shortages. Some employers participate in J-1 waiver programs for physicians in shortage areas.

How long does visa sponsorship take for optometrists?

H-1B sponsorship typically takes 4-6 months from job offer to work authorization. This includes Labor Condition Application filing, USCIS petition processing, and potential consular processing. State licensure can add 2-3 months to the timeline, so start early. Premium processing reduces USCIS review to 15 days.

Are there alternatives to H-1B for international optometrists?

J-1 exchange visitor programs exist for optometrists in medically underserved areas, often with waiver opportunities leading to green cards. O-1 visas are possible for optometrists with extraordinary achievements in clinical practice, research, or teaching. TN visas aren't available as optometry isn't a NAFTA profession.

What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Optometrist jobs?

U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.

How to find Optometrist jobs with visa sponsorship?

To find Optometrist jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international healthcare professionals with sponsoring employers. Focus on positions at large optical chains, hospitals, eye care clinics, and healthcare networks that commonly sponsor H-1B, O-1, or EB-2 visas for qualified optometrists. These employers actively seek international talent to fill critical vision care roles.

See which Optometrist employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.

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