Your Future is Clear

At least it is when you have a clear picture of your journey to a successful optometry career. Scroll for the information you need to put the path to your future - in focus.

Your Timeline

Exploring the Journey from Student to Optometrist

This interactive timeline highlights what it's like to move from student to doctor, using the experience of practicing in the National Vision Doctor of Optometry network as a guide. Many of these milestones are universal. Some—like the relationship you'll build with an experienced Area Doctor—are perks unique to the network and created for your benefit.

By Year 4 of Optometry School

Attend events hosted by various groups (Including us!) to learn about your options. Learn more about events.
Schedule multiple office visits to evaluate modes of practice and find your fit. Meet our Optometry Student Relations Team.

During Year 4

Sign an employment offer early so that you can focus solely on finishing your education knowing your future is secure.
Start thinking about the items you’ll need to practice, including your National Provider Identifier (NPI), State License, Malpractice Insurance, managed care enrollment and more.

Congrats, Grad! Before Day 1

Attend a virtual orientation

Months 1 - 3

Multi-day onboarding with your Area Doctor
Mentorship orientation
Area Doctor 6-week follow up
Continual check-ins from your Area Doctor

Months 4 - 6

Check-ins with your Area Doctor as needed
In-person New Graduate Workshop

Months 7 - 12

Annual All Expenses Paid Continuing Education Symposium

“I love the network that National Vision provides, bringing together new grads and established optometrists across the country for CE events. There are so many colleagues to help ensure you get the support you need!”

Whitney Wallace, OD, Illinois College of Optometry, Class of 2022
National Vision, Inc.

Honest Insights from Practicing Optometrists

Spotlight: Dr. Alyssa Olin, IUSO Grad

Testimonials: Benefits of Being Backed by a Network

Testimonials: OD Support in Focus

Inside Look: Working as an Optometrist at America’s Best

Testimonials: A Message to My Optometry School Self

Inside Look: The Patient Experience at America’s Best

Spotlight: Dr. Whitney Wallace, Illinois College of Optometry Grad

Testimonials: Why Practice Primary Care Optometry

Spotlight: Dr. Jonathan Elin-Calcador, NECO Grad

Testimonials: What Surprised ODs About the Network

Homework You’ll Actually Want to Do

Download these resources to get more guidance on how to propel yourself toward a fulfilling optometry career.

Quick Guide to the Network

Download

Why Practice Primary Care

Download

Employed or Sublease?

Download

“As a new grad, we have all the knowledge but we don't have the experience. National Vision brings all these doctors with years of experience into one place and you can access that network at any time.”

Jonathan Elin-Calcador, OD
New England College of Optometry, Class of 2021
National Vision, Inc.

Continue Exploring

Meet Our Optometry Student Relations Team

If you haven’t seen your regional Optometry Student Relations Lead around campus yet, you probably will soon. Learn more about our dedicated support team for students looking to learn more about the National Vision Doctor of Optometry network.

Christy Sager, OD

Optometry Student Relations Lead (West)

Southern College of Optometry Grad

Christy has explored multiple modalities throughout her career, including overseeing a sublease practice and practicing as an associate in private and surgical settings. She found her home in the network in 2018, where she practices at San Francisco’s Bay Area Eye Care, Inc. Christy was an Area Doctor here for 2.5 years prior to her current role. She is passionate about helping people live rewarding lives—by providing clearer vision to patients and by helping students discover what fulfills them.

Email Me

Book Time To Meet Me

Connect With Me

Joshua Rogers, OD, FAAO

Optometry Student Relations Lead (East)

Illinois College of Optometry Grad

Josh’s passion is to improve patients’ quality of life. He’s lived out this passion throughout his career in the network, which began as a new grad. Josh served as an Ambassador while practicing. He later went on to become a Regional Recruiting Director for National Vision before taking on his current role. Josh is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO). He now fulfills his passion by connecting new ODs to a rewarding career where they provide life-enhancing care.

Email Me

Book Time To Meet Me

Connect With Me

“When I leave work, I can truly leave my work at work. I don't have to take anything home with me, and I don't have to do any of the business side of the practice either. It allows me a really great work-life balance.”

Alyssa Olin, OD
IU School of Optometry Class of 2023
Doctor's Exchange of Arizona, P.C.