Optometrist onboarding at a glance

Week one covers orientation, safety and shadowing. Days 1–30 build vocabulary and supervised practice on core procedures; days 31–60 move to independent work with competency sign-offs; days 61–90 focus on full productivity, cross-training and a credential plan.

Before day one

Confirm start date, schedule, pay and supervisor in writing
Verify required credentials: NBEO exams, State optometry license (as applicable)
Prepare equipment and access: phoropter; slit lamp; tonometer; retinal camera
Assign a buddy or preceptor
Enroll the new hire in Optometrist training so foundations are covered before or during week one

Week one: orient and protect

Workplace tour, emergency procedures and incident reporting
Follow infection control with instruments
Teach contact lens hygiene
Refer urgent conditions immediately
Use dilating drops safely
Shadow an experienced optometrist through a full shift
Training modules 1–3: role foundations, a day on the job and essential vocabulary (15 terms)

Days 1–30: learn

Goal: perform core tasks safely under supervision.

Supervised practice: perform a refraction
Supervised practice: screen for glaucoma
Supervised practice: fit soft contact lenses
Training modules 4–7: duties, step-by-step tasks, tools and safety
30-day check-in: confidence, questions and early wins

Days 31–60: contribute

Goal: handle a regular workload independently.

Perform eye exams: independently
Prescribe glasses and contacts: independently
Diagnose eye diseases: independently
Treat infections and dry eye: independently
Competency sign-offs completed (see checklist below)
Training final knowledge check and certificate of completion
60-day check-in

Days 61–90: own

Goal: full productivity and a growth plan.

Meet productivity and quality targets for the role
Begin cross-training on a secondary task
Agree on a credential goal (for example, NBEO exams)
Discuss the career path: Associate Optometrist → Specialty Optometrist → Practice Owner
90-day review

Competency checklist

Skill or task	Trained	Observed	Signed off
Perform a Refraction
Screen for Glaucoma
Fit Soft Contact Lenses
Refraction
Eye disease diagnosis
Contact lens fitting
Diagnostic imaging

How to measure onboarding success

Days until the new hire works without a preceptor
Competency sign-offs completed on time
Documentation or charting error rate
90-day retention

How Optometrist training maps to this plan

Introduction to the Optometrist Role
A Day on the Job
Essential Optometrist Vocabulary
Core Duties and Responsibilities
Common Tasks, Step by Step
Tools, Equipment and Technology
Safety, Compliance and Professional Standards
Skills Employers Look For
Launching Your Optometrist Career
Final Knowledge Check

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Optometrist Onboarding Plan (30-60-90 Days)