University of Colorado logo
University of Colorado
Aurora, Colorado

Instructor – Optometrist (Boulder Clinic)

OptometristFull-Time

Listed compensation

$108k-$150k

The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed

Ask the employer about call expectations, weekend coverage, nights and shift pattern and time off.

Posted 1mo ago · Verified live

Job Description

  • University of Colorado Anschutz
  • Department: Ophthalmology
  • Job Title: Instructor – Optometrist (Boulder Clinic)
  • Position #00853233 – Requisition #41137

Job Summary

The Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine is seeking applicants for full-time (1.0 FTE) faculty to work as optometrists in our growing academic ophthalmology practice at the Sue Anschutz Rodgers Eye Center (SAREC) Boulder Clinic. The positions will provide outpatient medical and perioperative management of ophthalmic disorders, routine eye screening, visual acuity testing, and refraction at SAREC and affiliate sites of practice within the Denver metropolitan area.

Key Responsibilities

Responsible for direct patient care at the Sue Anschutz Rodgers Eye Center (SAREC) -Boulder Clinic and UCD affiliates

Management of medical and perioperative ophthalmic disorders, routine eye screening, visual acuity testing, and refraction

  • Provides pre and postoperative management of cataract and refractive surgery patients.
  • Prescribe and fit contact lenses and eyeglasses.

Work Location: Onsite – this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Boulder, CO.

Why Join Us

Our department’s home to the Sue Anschutz Rodgers Eye Center on the Anschutz Medical Campus. This state-of-the-art facility is one of the largest eye centers in the country and serves not only patients in the Rocky Mountain region but also patients all over the world.

The technological innovations conceived and developed by Departmental faculty have changed the practice of eye care throughout the world. Our educational programs train the next generation of leaders in ophthalmology.

Our specialists have developed national and international reputations for excellence in routine and complex ophthalmic care. We have invested heavily in tracking our clinical outcomes and we are proud that our clinicians perform at the highest levels in their respective fields.

Why Work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

  • Medical: Multiple plan options
  • Dental: Multiple plan options
  • Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
  • Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10%25 of your gross pay
  • Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year (based on percentage of time)
  • Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
  • Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
  • Holiday Days: 11/year
  • Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
  • ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service
  • There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Qualified candidates must have a Doctor of Optometry or equivalent degree, will have completed an approved residency program in optometry and must have a Colorado medical license or be eligible.

Preferred Qualifications

Previous work experience in an academic or hospital based healthcare environment is preferred.

Open Track: To support the growth of our faculty, selected candidates will be offered the opportunity to choose a track that corresponds to their area of excellence. Learn more about faculty tracks at the Office for Faculty Affairs.

How to Apply

  • For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):
  • 1. A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position
  • 2. Curriculum vitae / Resume
  • 3. Five professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address
  • Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at cu.edu.
  • Questions should be directed to: Ashley Woodhouse Ashley.woodhouse@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins

Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but preference will be given to complete applications received by October 15, 2027. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.

Anticipated Pay Range

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as HIRING RANGE:

$108,000 to $150,000

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position is not eligible for overtime compensation unless it is non-exempt.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator: cu.edu

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Colorado (CU) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

ADA Statement

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@ucdenver.edu.

Background Check Statement

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases.

If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively.

In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.

Qualifications

Experience
2+ years of experience

Key Skills

Cataract Surgery ManagementRefractive Surgery ManagementContact Lens FittingEyeglass FittingClinical Outcomes Tracking

Optometry Career Context

Of the 50 active Optometry listings this role was benchmarked against, 70% have no call, 44% require no weekends.

Optometry pay on WeekdayDoc is up 6.1% vs. the prior quarter (through Oct 2026).

Optometry by the numbers
MeasureThis jobMarket
Work-life score3.0 / 10 · above average in optometryranked against 1,987 Optometry listingslisting-based score, 0–10
Listed pay$108k–$150kOptometry median $150k (middle half $140k–$163k)12 comparable listings, Nov 2026
Cost-of-living adjusted pay~$125k in purchasing powerColorado index 103.1 (US = 100)BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)
Optometry listings in Colorado49 active1,994 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026
Work settingon-sitepeers: 70% no call · 44% no weekends50 benchmarked listings
Sign-on & loan repaymentnot statedUS healthcare professional listings: 32% state a sign-on bonus (median $20k) · 8% offer loan repayment1,000 active listings, Nov 2026
New Optometry listings578 in the last 30 days418 the 30 days before (+38%)U.S., first seen on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026
Optometry pay trend+6.1% vs prior quarter—through Oct 2026
Sources: WeekdayDoc live listing index (1,987 Optometry listings), BEA Regional Price Parities (2024); as of Nov 2026. Same values as the Weekday Verdict and Market Insights on this page.

Top Optometrist Jobs

12 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution

12 jobs · 10 employers
5
<$170k
2
$170k-190k
3
$190k-210k
1
$222k
1
$230k

Annual compensation range

Benefits & Perks

11 jobs · 10 employers
401k / retirement match
91% this job
CME allowance
36%
Sign-on bonus
27%
Relocation assistance
9%

Share of similar jobs offering each benefit

#1

Optometrist

Fogg Remington EyeCare · Fresno, California

$130k-$230k
#2

Market Managing Optometrist- Westchester and Long Island, NY- LensCrafters brand

Luxottica of America · Scarsdale, New York

$159k–$222k
#3

Optometrist (Dr. Tavel Family Eye Care) - Kokomo, IN

$140k-$200k
#4

Optometrist, Sign On Bonus (Brookside Optometric Group)

$121k-$196k
+ 10 more · ranked by pay

Work-life snapshot

median 2.8this job 3.0
Better work-life than 50% of Optometry listings

Listing-based score, 0–10, across 1,987 comparable listings. Shaded area = the share scoring below this one.

  • On-site
University of Colorado logo

About University of Colorado

Higher Education
Aurora, Colorado
11-50 employees

Benefits & Perks

Medical insurance (multiple plan options)
Dental insurance (multiple plan options)
Vision insurance
Disability insurance
Life insurance
Retirement 401(a) Plan with 10% employer contribution
22 vacation days/year
15 sick days/year

Living in Aurora

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$446k≈ 4.1× annual pay
Typical market rent
$1,742/mo≈ 19% of gross pay
Residents’ average commute
29 min
State income tax
Up to 4.4%
Sources & methodology

Sources: Zillow home values (Sep 2026), Zillow market rents (Sep 2026), U.S. Census ACS 2024 five-year.

Ratios use this listing’s gross annual pay. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.