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
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Attend events hosted by various groups (Including us!) to learn about your optionsSchedule multiple office visits to evaluate modes of practice and find your fit
During Year 4
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Sign an employment offer early so that you can focus solely on finishing your education knowing your future is secureStart thinking about the items you’ll need to practice, including your National Provider Identifier (NPI), State License, Malpractice Insurance, managed care enrollment and more
BONUS: If you’re contracted to practice at an office in the network, National Vision’s support team will help you with all of these items including employer-provided malpractice insurance.
Congrats, Grad! Before Day 1
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Attend a virtual orientation
Months 1 - 3
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Multi-day onboarding with your Area Doctor
Onboarding with your Area Doctor - Your Area OD will be a clinical resource to you and a mentor throughout your career in the network.
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Mentorship orientation
Mentorship orientation - Learn from clinical and operational leadership, meet some of your fellow practitioners, share best practices and tips, hands-on contact lens fitting sessions + more.
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Area Doctor 6-week follow up
Area Doctor 6-week follow up - In the network, you are never on an island. This important relationship helps ensure you are set up for success as you settle into your office flow.
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Continual check-ins from your Area Doctor
Months 4 - 6
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Check-ins with your Area Doctor as neededIn-person New Graduate Workshop
In-person New Graduate Workshop - Includes hands-on clinical learning, personal development sessions including financial planning, philanthropic sessions and more.
Months 7 - 12
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Annual Continuing Education Symposium and Year 1 Celebration
BONUS: Full-time doctors in the network receive up to 22 hours of COPE-approved CE annually through this event at no cost to them.
“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!”
Honest Insights from Practicing Optometrists
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
Spotlight: Dr. Brodie Cates, SCO Grad
Testimonials: Why Optometry Is a Fulfilling Profession
Spotlight: Dr. Madison Lessard, NSU College of Optometry Grad
“There is an abundance of help given at National Vision, making my transition as a new grad smooth. It was comforting knowing there is an Area OD, mentorship program, and colleagues to help. I never feel alone.”
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.
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.
“I have helped patients who cannot afford eye care elsewhere and provided them with the vision they need to function in daily life. It is very rewarding to have someone emotionally thank you for helping them.”
See Us at an Upcoming Event
October 1
MCPHS Student Dinner, 3rd and 4th Years
October 2
NECO Student Dinner, 3rd and 4th Years
October 9
IUSO Vendor Fair
October 16