Your Future is Clear

See a clear picture of your journey to a successful optometry career. Scroll down for the insight you need to put your future in focus.

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Your Timeline

Click the Arrows to Explore the Journey from Student to OD

This interactive timeline highlights what it's like to move from student to optometrist, 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.

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

Testimonials: Benefits of Being Backed by a Network

Spotlight: Dr. Mohammed Mohsin, Chicago College of Optometry

Testimonials: Primary Care Focus

Testimonials: How ODs Stay Sharp

Testimonials: Why ODs Choose National Vision

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

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Why Practice Primary Care

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Employed or Sublease?

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“I love that I have supportive staff to handle everything else so that I get to focus solely on taking care of my patients while at work. With the support provided by National Vision, I can spend time traveling with my family and don’t have to stress about who is taking care of my patients.”

Lana Schiferl, OD
Chicago College of Optometry, Class of 2022
National Vision, Inc.

Continue Exploring

Meet Your Optometry Student Relations Lead

If you haven’t seen Christy around campus yet, you may soon. As Director of Optometry School Relations, Christy connects with optometry students across the country to help them explore career options and learn more about practicing within the National Vision Doctor of Optometry network.

Christy Sager, OD

Director of Optometry School Relations

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 pivot to student relations. She is passionate about helping people live rewarding lives—by providing clearer vision to patients and by helping students discover what fulfills them.

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“Helping someone see clearly again is a deeply rewarding experience, but it’s the opportunity to walk alongside them in their journey toward better health that truly inspires me.”

Mohammed Mohsin, OD
Chicago College of Optometry, Class of 2024
National Vision, Inc.