Jun 16, 2026 · 33 min · 12 segments
Finding and hiring an associate OD has become one of the most frustrating challenges in independent practice — and most owners have no idea why their approach isn't working. In this episode, Dr…
Steve VargoHost
Somebody reaches out and says, hey, where do I find an associate? And here's all the criteria that I need.
And then a few months later, they call back and say, well, maybe I don't need all these qualifications, but I'd still like someone who checks these boxes.
And then a few months later, the call comes in and they say, can you send me someone with a degree and a pulse? That's it.
The federal labor data shows that there are approximately 2,400 optometry job openings this year.
And on top of that, the profession is projected to grow at 8% through the year 2034, faster than average.
Somebody reaches out and says, hey, where do I find an associate? And here's all the criteria that I need.
And then a few months later, they call back and say, well, maybe I don't need all these qualifications, but I'd still like someone who checks these boxes.
And then a few months later, the call comes in and they say, can you send me someone with a degree and a pulse? That's it.
The federal labor data shows that there are approximately 2,400 optometry job openings this year.
And on top of that, the profession is projected to grow at 8% through the year 2034, faster than average.
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