Locum Tenens Optometrist Jobs Across California, New York & the USA
Want eye care opportunities that fit your life? Our agency provides recruitment, referral and credentialing support services to independent professional practices and authorized medical entities across the country. We connect licensed optometrists with short-term assignments that allow you to pick up extra work, explore new clinical environments, or fill gaps in your schedule. We make the matching process simple.
What You'll Do Each Day
You already know how to care for patients. In a locum assignment, your focus stays entirely on delivering seamless patient care. Because optometric scopes of practice are determined strictly at the state level, your exact clinical duties and prescribing authority will always follow local state board guidelines. Here is how a typical day feels in a temporary setting:
Patient Exams: You step into a ready-made schedule. You perform eye exams and vision tests using the clinic's own equipment.
Diagnoses & Care Plans: You check for refractive errors and eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and dry eye. You tailor your care to the local patient group.
Prescriptions & Referrals: You treat minor eye issues, write prescriptions, and refer patients to local eye surgeons when needed.
Continuity of Care: You handle pre- and post-op checks and teach patients about their eye health. Patients get the same quality of care even when their regular doctor is away.
Explore Optometry Jobs Across the USA
We place optometrists in many different settings. Each one offers a new kind of experience:
Private Practices: Help independent eye care offices handle their regular patient load. Work includes routine exams and prescription updates.
Hospitals & Clinics: Join multi-specialty teams in hospital settings. Handle complex cases alongside other healthcare professionals.
Community Health Centers: Serve patients in rural clinics or urban centers. These roles make a real difference in communities that lack regular eye care.
Retail Eye Care: Work in optical retail settings. Help families access easy and affordable eye care.
Specialized Care: Focus on pediatric eye exams or geriatric care. Treat age-related eye conditions in dedicated units.
Teleoptometry: Use secure digital tools to see patients remotely. Great for reaching people in rural or hard-to-access areas.
Ready to Apply? Here's What You'll Need
To join our network, you must meet a few basic requirements. These qualifications help ensure you are prepared to provide quality eye care and work successfully in different healthcare settings.
Doctor of Optometry (OD) Degree
You must have an OD degree from an accredited optometry school. This education provides the knowledge and clinical training needed to examine, diagnose and treat a wide range of vision conditions.
Active State License
You need a current and unrestricted optometry license valid in the state where you will be working. All patient care and professional duties must follow that specific state's licensing regulations.
Clinical Skills
Strong clinical skills are important for success in this role. This includes experience performing eye exams, evaluating vision problems, creating treatment plans, and using Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems to document patient care accurately.
Adaptability
Locum assignments often involve working in different clinics and healthcare environments. Being able to learn new processes, adjust to different workflows, and work with new teams helps you succeed in each assignment.
Clear Communication
Good communication skills are essential. Patients rely on optometrists to explain eye conditions, treatment options, and care instructions in simple, easy-to-understand language. Clear communication helps patients feel informed and confident about their care.
Why Work Locum With Imperial Locum?
Locum work with Imperial Locum gives you the flexibility to choose assignments that fit your schedule while balancing work with travel, family, or continuing education. You also gain experience in different clinics, hospitals, and healthcare settings, helping you build new skills and grow your career.
Another benefit is competitive pay and access to a wide range of job opportunities. Imperial Locum helps match you with roles that fit your experience and goals. Working with our team also allows you to explore different practice environments before making a long-term career decision.
How the Hiring Process Works
We handle the administrative burdens so you can focus on clinical care. Please note that our agency operates as a facilitator; we do not employ clinicians directly, nor do we control your day-to-day medical execution.
Step 1 — Talk to Us: Tell us about your experience, license, and availability.
Step 2 — We Match You: We share your profile with facilities that need your skills.
Step 3 — Credentialing Help: We gather your paperwork and verify your license for each facility.
Step 4 — Travel & Logistics: We help arrange malpractice coverage and travel or housing support as needed.
Step 5 — Start Your Assignment: Begin your role knowing our team is available to help the whole time.
Finding Your Next Role
Finding the right optometry assignment takes time, but our team simplifies your search. We map out opportunities in major healthcare markets nationwide, including highly active regions in California, New York, Texas, and Florida, to match you with independent practices and clinics that align with your lifestyle.
We also frequently connect providers with rewarding positions in rural and underserved communities where access to eye care is limited. Whether you prefer a busy metropolitan hospital, a suburban family practice, or a small-town clinic, we can help you locate an assignment that fits your goals.