Primary Eye Care Physician- Optometrist OD
Listed compensation
$165k
The week · per this posting
Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, nights and shift pattern and time off.
Job Description
Primary EYE Care Physician
- St. Michael’s Eye & Laser Institute
- Largo / Clearwater, Florida
- Full-Time
About St. Michael’s Eye & Laser Institute
St. Michael’s Eye & Laser Institute is a multi-generational ophthalmology practice serving the Tampa Bay area since 1961.
We provide comprehensive eye care with a strong focus on cataract surgery, refractive surgery, glaucoma, retina, cornea, dry eye, routine eye care, and optical services.
We are seeking a motivated, patient-focused Primary Eye Care Physician to join our growing team and work alongside our ophthalmologists, optometrists, clinical staff, and ambulatory surgery center team.
This is an excellent opportunity for a provider who wants to practice at a high clinical level within a comprehensive medical and surgical ophthalmology environment.
Position Overview
The Primary Eye Care Physician will serve as an important point of entry for patients within the practice, providing comprehensive eye care while helping identify, manage, and coordinate treatment for a wide range of ocular conditions.
This provider will work closely with our ophthalmologists and specialty teams to manage routine and medical eye care, identify ocular disease, participate in cataract and refractive surgery evaluations, and provide preoperative and postoperative care.
The ideal candidate is clinically strong, personable, efficient, and interested in becoming a long-term part of our practice.
Responsibilities
Perform comprehensive eye examinations
Diagnose and manage common ocular diseases and conditions
Provide routine vision care and refractions
Evaluate and manage glaucoma patients
Identify retinal, corneal, anterior segment, and ocular surface conditions
Perform cataract evaluations and help guide patients through the surgical process
Provide preoperative and postoperative care for cataract patients
Participate in LASIK and refractive surgery evaluations
Manage dry eye disease and other ocular surface conditions
Interpret diagnostic testing including OCT, visual fields, retinal imaging, corneal topography, and biometry
Identify patients requiring specialty or surgical intervention
Coordinate care with ophthalmologists and specialty providers within the practice
Educate patients regarding treatment options, surgical procedures, lens technologies, and long-term eye health
Maintain accurate and timely medical documentation
Support efficient patient flow while maintaining a high standard of clinical care
Build strong relationships with patients, referring providers, and the surrounding community
Qualifications
Doctor of Optometry degree from an accredited institution
Active or eligible Florida optometry license
Strong clinical and diagnostic skills
Excellent communication and patient education abilities
Comfortable practicing within a busy medical and surgical ophthalmology environment
Ability to work collaboratively with ophthalmologists and clinical staff
Strong commitment to patient care and the overall patient experience
Experience in medical optometry, cataract surgery co-management, glaucoma, refractive surgery, or a surgical ophthalmology setting is preferred, but not required.
What We Offer
Competitive base compensation
Performance and production-based earning opportunities
Paid time off
Health insurance benefits
Malpractice coverage
Continuing education support
Modern diagnostic and surgical technology
Established patient base
Experienced clinical and administrative support team
Opportunity to work closely with experienced ophthalmologists
Exposure to advanced cataract, refractive, glaucoma, retina, and surgical eye care
Long-term professional growth opportunities as the organization expands
Why St. Michael’s?
At St. Michael’s Eye & Laser Institute, the Primary Eye Care Physician is not simply performing routine eye exams.
This provider plays an important role in the overall care of our patients by identifying disease, managing ongoing conditions, coordinating specialty and surgical care, and helping patients navigate their treatment from their initial examination through long-term follow-up.
We combine the resources and technology of a comprehensive ophthalmology practice with the culture of an independently operated, family-led organization.
We are looking for a provider who wants to become an important part of the practice, build a strong patient following, contribute to an exceptional patient experience, and grow with the organization as we continue expanding throughout the Tampa Bay area.
- Job Type: Full-Time
- Location: Largo / Clearwater, Florida
- Schedule: Weekdays
Qualifications
- Experience
- 2+ years of experience
Key Skills
Optometry Career Context
Of the 40 active Optometrist listings this role was benchmarked against, 5% are remote, 63% have no call, 73% require no weekends.
The cost-of-living index for Florida is 103.4 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$165k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $160k in an average-cost state. 58.1% of Florida clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
Location & Logistics
Florida has no state income tax, which can significantly increase take-home pay compared to high-tax states. At the posted ~$165k midpoint, that is roughly $7k–$12k a year versus a typical 4–7% state rate.
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