New graduate optometrists who begin their OD careers with practices in one of our locations have robust support from day one, allowing them to focus on providing affordable and accessible primary eye care to their patients.
Start Your Career in the National Vision Doctor of Optometry Network
A Smooth Transition from Student to OD
We know beginning a new chapter as a new grad can be challenging – searching for optometry jobs and securing the necessary items, all while navigating your final months of school. That’s why the National Vision Doctor of Optometry network is committed to making your transition from student to practicing OD as easy as possible. You may have the ability to sign a contract prior to graduation, giving you the peace of mind of knowing your future is secure while you finish your education. Our support staff will also help simplify the steps you’ll need to take to be able to start practicing optometry by providing step-by-step instructions on how to get your National Provider Identifier, managed care enrollment and more. And once you start in your practice, that support only grows stronger.
See Your Future Optometry Career Clearly
For those still navigating optometry school, this interactive page paints a picture of what the path from student to practicing optometrist has in store—whether you find your home in the National Vision Doctor of Optometry network or somewhere else.
Onboarding Program
When new grads join our network, they’re welcomed by an Area Doctor who walks them through everything they need to know about their new role. Six weeks later, the Area OD follows up to ensure the OD feels comfortable and supported. New optometrists also have the benefit of attending an orientation session at our Retail Support Center, during which they can ask questions, learn best practices and meet their colleagues. The orientation takes place after approximately 30 days on the job and is led by our Clinical Directors.
Doctor-to-Doctor Support
Area Doctors within the practices continue to be mentors and resources for practicing ODs long after the initial welcome and check-in. Area ODs are always a call away should you need a more experienced peer’s perspective. Beyond the Area ODs, optometrists are backed by our Clinical Services and Administration department – an entire team dedicated solely to optometrists’ needs, led by optometrists.
Continuing Education
Optometrists practicing in the National Vision Doctor of Optometry network also have the opportunity to attend our annual, all-expenses paid Continuing Education Symposium. The event allows ODs to earn all required CE credits at once, while having the chance to network with peers and engage with executive leadership from National Vision.
Put Your Passion into Practice in Our Doctor of Optometry Network
We support opportunities for optometrists to practice within different environments, including employed positions that eliminate administrative load, as well as sublease arrangements for entrepreneurs. Each option has its own unique advantages.
Employed Doctor
Being employed by National Vision, you’ll focus solely on providing patient care while support staff handles all administrative paperwork. Many of the independent practices with offices located inside National Vision locations also offer employed arrangements with similar benefits.
Sublease Holder
Being a sublease holder, you’ll develop your own low-investment practice while benefiting from various support tools.
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Employed Doctor Being employed by National Vision, you’ll focus solely on providing patient care while support staff handles all administrative paperwork. Many of the independent practices with offices located inside National Vision locations also offer employed arrangements with similar benefits. |
Sublease Holder Being a sublease holder, you’ll develop your own low-investment practice while benefiting from various support tools. |
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| Access to a network of over 2,000 fellow optometrists | ||
| Up to 22 hours of all-expenses paid, COPE-approved CE annually | ||
| Opportunities to support domestic and international philanthropic initiatives and programs | ||
| Access to advanced pre-test and exam equipment with regular refreshes | ||
| Ability to explore other practice options or locations nationwide while staying within our network | ||
| Competitive salary and an incentive plan with monthly bonus potential | No | |
| Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and short/long-term disability | No |
Financial Support for Students and Graduates
Your employer is invested in your future, literally. When entering the optometry profession, we understand that student debt can be a significant burden. Optometrists in our network may be eligible for financial support programs from their employer, as described below.
Student Loan Repayment Program
Your employer may have a dedicated program to decrease the student loans repayment window as you begin your optometry career. Doctors in our network who elect to work for practices offering the student loan repayment program at select offices may be eligible to receive up to $12,000 annually in student loan repayment assistance.
National Vision Scholarship Program
Every year, we invite third- and fourth-year optometry students to participate in our annual scholarship program by answering an essay prompt that tackles top issues facing today’s optometrists. The essays are reviewed by a panel of judges, including licensed optometrists, who award the first place winner ($7,500 prize) and select two runners-up ($2,500 prizes each).
SVOSH Clinic Support
National Vision has been a proud supporter of VOSH/SVOSH and their efforts for more than 10 years. We donate $1,000 per school/per year to support an SVOSH clinic. Handheld autorefractors are also available for loan, in addition to a package of readers and sunglasses to be used at clinics.
Upcoming Recruitment Events
Our recruiters regularly participate in major optical events, job fairs and conferences across the country, including those hosted by optometry schools. Find an event near you to learn more about joining the network.
Hear from Doctors in Our Network
Don’t take our word for what it’s like to practice in our Doctor of Optometry network. Get insight directly from our passionate and skilled ODs.
