Academic Hourly Optometrist

Laseagrant; Urbana, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 83,000 - 124,000; Part time

Job summary

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is seeking an Academic Hourly Optometrist to provide comprehensive eye and vision care to students. Duties include eye examinations, diagnosing vision problems, prescribing corrective lenses, and guiding eye health.

This as-needed role requires an OD with active licensure and experience with EHR systems. The position pays $76.9231 per hour and begins as soon as possible after 10/1/2026, with sponsorship not available.

Qualifications

• Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree from an accredited program.
• Active state licensure to practice optometry at time of hire.
• Experience with electronic health record (EHR) systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive eye and vision care to students.
• Diagnose refractive errors and ocular diseases; prescribe lenses and medications as needed.
• Educate patients on eye health and preventive care.
• Maintain documentation and comply with center policies.

Skills

Diagnostic skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Education

OD degree

Active optometry license

Tools

EHR systems

Job description

Academic Hourly Optometrist

Optometry

Job Summary

Responsible for providing comprehensive eye and vision care to eligible students at the University of Illinois. Includes performing eye examinations, diagnosing vision problems and ocular diseases, prescribing corrective lenses, and offering guidance on eye health and preventive care.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Clinical Care & Patient Management
  • Take patient histories addressing chief complaints and other concerns.
  • Diagnose refractive vision conditions (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, presbyopia).
  • Detect and manage ocular diseases (glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy).
  • Prescribe eyeglasses, contact lenses, and specialty lenses.
  • Prescribe, administer, and dispense prescription and nonprescription medications and medical devices.
  • Follow up with patients to review lab test results and progress in an appropriate and timely manner.
  • Ensure care is effective with positive outcomes and patient satisfaction.
  • Complete visit documentation in a timely manner according to policy.
  • Maintain records and adhere to Health Center policies and procedures.
  • Demonstrate competency with diagnosis and procedure coding.
  • Develop and maintain technical skills necessary to provide excellent and efficient patient care. This includes competency with computer applications that enhance individual patient care and the efficiency of the health center.
  • Be efficient with time, patient volume, pharmaceuticals, and supplies.
  • Maintain required Illinois licensure and registrations.
• Patient Education, Communication & Access
  • Educate patients on eye health, preventive care, and corrective lens use.
  • Ensure that patients receive adequate education to effectively participate in their diagnostic and therapeutic plan, and that they understand and assent to that plan and understand other appropriate alternatives.
  • Educate patients on general health promotion and disease prevention.
  • Provide patient access by staffing clinics and special events.
  • Treat patients, staff, and colleagues with courtesy and respect.
• Collaboration & Professional Participation
  • Make referrals to other providers as appropriate to facilitate treatment plan (e.g. referrals to emergency department, primary care, ophthalmology).
  • Collaborate with ophthalmologists, technicians, optical staff, and the broader health care team.
  • Collaborate with and/or supervise mid level providers as assigned.
  • Utilize team members appropriately based on licensure and skill level.
  • Attend and participate in McKinley and campus committees.
  • Participate in university and health center promotional materials and events.
  • Actively participate in quality improvement, risk management, and peer review programs.
  • Stay informed of the newest developments in medicine by attending educational conferences, literature reviews, and consulting with other medical personnel.
• Assume related clinical duties that support the mission of the unit.

Work Schedule, Travel, or Other Job Expectations

This position is on an as-needed basis when McKinley Health Center's staff Optometrist is unavailable.

Minimum Qualifications

Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree from an accredited optometry program. Active state licensure to practice optometry at the time of hiring. Experience with electronic health record (EHR) systems.

Preferred Qualifications

Three (3) years of optometry practice. Specialized training in pediatrics, low vision, or contact lens fitting.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong diagnostic and clinical assessment skills.Excellent provider-patient communication skills.Attention to detail and commitment to high-quality patient care.Ability to work both independently and within a team environment.

Appointment Information

This is an Academic Hourly position, as needed. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 10/1/2026. Hourly rate is $76.9231 per hour.
Sponsorship for workauthorization is not available for this position.

McKinley Health Center aims to provide high-quality ambulatory healthcare and health education to students and medical expertise to University leadership. The Center is also accredited through the Accreditation Associate for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). Employees at MHC are required to provide proof of certain immunizations according to recommendations from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) guidelines. To review the full policy, please Immunizations.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on September 14, 2026. Sean Wilson ([e-mail]) can be contacted for further information about this specific position. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [e-mail].

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