How To Become An Optometrist/Practice Owner: What It Is and Career Path

What is an optometrist/practice owner and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted expert

Mark Nakano OD

There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being an optometrist/practice owner. For example, did you know that they make an average of $58.54 an hour? That's $121,765 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 10% and produce 4,000 job opportunities across the U.S.

What general advice would you give to an optometrist/practice owner?

Mark Nakano OD

Associate Dean for Clinics, Assistant Professor, Marshall B. Ketchum University

Being a lifelong learner is always an important attribute so that you stay current with the evolution of the profession. A special skill set would include being able to utilize technology in clinical care. More equipment that incorporates technology is prevalent and will improve the outcomes for patients. I believe that connecting with your patient and establishing a trusting relationship will remain the most important piece.

ScoreOptometrist/Practice OwnerUS Average

Salary

8.2

Avg. Salary $121,765

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

7.6

Growth rate 10%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.1

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.35%

Asian 17.04%

Black or African American 1.46%

Hispanic or Latino 5.28%

Unknown 3.05%

White 72.82%

Gender

female 57.03%

male 42.97%

Age - 44

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44

Stress level

7.6

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

10.0

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

7.6

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become an optometrist/practice owner

Explore optometrist/practice owner education requirements

Most common optometrist/practice owner degrees

Bachelor's

41.5 %

Master's

25.1 %

Doctorate

24.8 %

Start to develop specific optometrist/practice owner skills

Skills	Percentages
Patients	55.83%
Primary Care	9.93%
Private Practice	7.59%
Family Therapy	7.32%
Mental Health Issues	2.28%

Complete relevant optometrist/practice owner training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New optometrist/practice owners learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an optometrist/practice owner based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real optometrist/practice owner resumes.

Research optometrist/practice owner duties and responsibilities

License Maryland home improvement contractor managing a small home improvement business that specializes in doors and windows.
Co-Manage surgical cases including cataracts and laser vision correction.
Implement balance and therapeutic exercise programs and perform skilled therapy require to maximize patients' recovery.
Perform physical therapy evaluations and treatments for patients with orthopedic, neurological, and medical diagnoses.

Prepare your optometrist/practice owner resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your optometrist/practice owner resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an optometrist/practice owner resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable optometrist/practice owner resume templates

Build a professional optometrist/practice owner resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your optometrist/practice owner resume.