Optometrist (Ark Valley Vision Care) - La Junta, CO

VSP Vision; La Junta (CO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 161,300; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

CE & travel

Eye care benefits

Malpractice insurance

Gym membership

PTO 4 weeks

Holidays 10

Job summary

Ark Valley Vision Care in southeast Colorado seeks a licensed optometrist for a Summer 2026 start, with a target date between July 1 and September 1. Travel accommodations are provided for shadowing the team and experiencing the practice firsthand.

You will deliver full-scope optometric care for patients of all ages, performing comprehensive eye exams, refractive evaluations, ocular health screenings, and managing medical eye conditions.

Qualifications

• Licensed optometry professional in Colorado or eligible to obtain licensure.

Responsibilities

• Provide full-scope optometric care for patients of all ages, including comprehensive eye exams, refractive evaluations, and ocular health screenings.
• Diagnose and manage medical eye conditions; deliver urgent eye care; prescribe glasses and contact lenses.
• Provide pre- and post-operative care for cataract and laser procedures; coordinate with ophthalmology partners; identify systemic health issues.

Skills

Full-scope optometry

Therapeutic licensure

Rural practice interest

Bilingual (Spanish helpful)

Job description

Overview

Ark Valley Vision Care, located in southeast Colorado, is looking to welcome a new optometrist for summer 2026, with a target start date between July 1 and September 1. The practice offers travel accommodations for candidates to shadow the team and experience the practice firsthand.

Why Join Us

Ark Valley Vision Care is a thriving, independently owned optometry practice serving the communities around La Junta and Lamar. Since opening in 2016, we have pursued a mission to become the most trusted eye care provider in the Arkansas River Valley. As the only in‑person optometrists in the valley, the team provides general optometry, vision therapy, and medical optometry for patients of all ages. The La Junta office is expanding into a larger renovated space, and demand continues to grow across the region. This is an ideal opportunity for a new graduate or early‑career OD.

What You’ll Do

In this role, you will provide full‑scope optometric care for patients of all ages, performing comprehensive eye exams, refractive evaluations, ocular health screenings, diagnosing and managing medical eye conditions, delivering urgent eye care, and prescribing glasses and contact lenses. You will provide pre‑ and post‑operative care for cataract and laser procedure patients, coordinate with ophthalmology partners, and identify systemic health conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.

This is a 40‑hour‑per‑week role, with potential for part‑time hours. The overall patient load is 18 to 28 patients per day across all doctors.

Who You Are

• Licensed optometry professional in Colorado or eligible to obtain licensure
• Strong full‑scope clinical skills, ideally therapeutic licensure
• Passionate about delivering exceptional, patient‑centered care
• Excited to build a meaningful career in a rural community
• Warm, relationship‑driven, eager to grow, and enthusiastic about practicing to the top of your license
• A new graduate or an early‑career OD looking for a rewarding long‑term opportunity
• Spanish fluency is a plus but not required
• Background or special interest in rural medicine, love for small‑town living is encouraged

Why You’ll Love La Junta

Life in La Junta offers a welcoming small‑town feel with rich history, scenic High Plains beauty, and easy access to outdoor adventure. The community is known for affordable living and strong local pride. Residents enjoy nearby attractions, local parks, schools, community events, and everyday conveniences close to home.

Total Annual Compensation for ODs: $161,300

• Starting salary: $120,000 (based on experience)
• $1,700 COA dues & insurance
• $2,500 for CE & associated travel
• $16,000 estimated health insurance benefit
• $750 estimated eye care & eyewear benefit
• $1,000 estimated malpractice insurance
• $300 gym membership
• $9,000 self‑employment tax covered by company
• $9,200 4 weeks PTO
• $5,800 10 paid holidays

Production Bonus

• After 6 months, eligible for 1% production bonus if performance is satisfactory
• After 1 year, eligible for a 401k match up to 6%
• Candidates can elect to receive these benefits or receive their dollar value in their paycheck

Minimum Qualifications

• Optometry license in the state of Colorado

Equal Opportunity Employer

VSP Vision is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to age, gender, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We maintain a drug‑free workplace and perform pre‑employment substance abuse testing.