How many hours do optometrists work?

Question

Justin Parker · Accepted Answer

Optometrists work varying amounts of hours, depending on several different factors, however, in general, most optometrists work full-time hours that range between 35 to 40 per week. Some optometrists might also have variance concerning their work hours due to the:

The client base they have
If they run their own practice
Personal preferences

The client base they have
If they run their own practice
Personal preferences

Certain optometrists' work hours can also be affected because they must accommodate their patient's schedules. This can see them putting in overtime hours, or even working hours on the weekends. But most optometrists work fairly traditional work weeks of around 40 hours with eight-hour shifts at four to five days per week.

Optometrists that work in retail settings might also have work scheduling variances that include non-traditional working hours (shifts after 5 pm), and the need to work on weekends and in some cases holidays.

Optometrists who run their own practices can have more flexible schedules since they are their own bosses, however, they also might have to put in extra hours for the administrative duties that come with running a small business. Full-time working hours are the most common arrangement in the field, but variances can happen due to all of the issues mentioned.