Optometrist (Clinical Instructor) - University Hospitals

The University Hospitals Eye Institute and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at University Hospitals/ Case Western Reserve University brings together world-renowned ophthalmologists, optometrists, and leading research scientists to prevent, treat, and cure the most prevalent and devastating diseases of the eye- all while training the next generation of ophthalmologic and optometric experts. Our mission is to provide world class care and improve the health for all the communities we are privileged to serve – To Heal. To Teach. To Discover.

The UH Eye Institute and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences is seeking an academically-oriented optometrist to join our Division of Optometry. An academic appointment is available and starting rank is commensurate with experience.

The position entails clinical activity, both clinical and didactic teaching, and likely participation in clinical research at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and 3-4 satellite clinics. Excellent clinical skills are required. The division is a very active site for federally and industry sponsored research, and opportunities exist to participate in research.

In 2024, we are anticipating recruiting our first pediatric optometry resident. The department has a longstanding optometric externship program with The Ohio State University, Western University of the Health Sciences, Indiana University, Salus University and the New England College of Optometry. Additionally, the department supports three fellowship positions (pediatric ophthalmology, glaucoma, and retina), and an 18 resident ophthalmology training program.

The successful candidate must maintain high clinical and ethical standards that will be carried into decision-making processes, adhere to compliance measures, establish and promote an atmosphere of unity through collaborative practice and effective communication between all staff disciplines, and foster a high level of patient and staff satisfaction.

The candidate must be a graduate of a United States accredited School of Optometry and have passed all parts of the NBEO exam. Residency training in ocular disease or contact lens care is preferred. The candidate must also possess/maintain a current, full and unrestricted license to practice optometry in the State of Ohio.

Interested individuals should submit their Curriculum Vitae and three letters of recommendation addressed to:

Douglas J. Rhee, M.D.

Professor and Chair

Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences/ The UH Eye Institute

University Hospitals/ Case Western Reserve University

Thomas Stokkermans, O.D., Ph.D., F.A.A.O.

Associate Professor and Director Optometry Service

Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences/ The UH Eye Institute

University Hospitals/ Case Western Reserve University

University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center is a 900+ bed quaternary referral center for the UH health system, a 17 hospital network serving 1.2 million patients in Northeast Ohio. UHCMC is an academic affiliate of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine (CWRU SOM).

At UH Cleveland Medical Center, we strive for excellence in patient care. The efforts of our dedicated staff have resulted in numerous awards and accreditations from some of the country’s top medical associations of patient care, safety and quality.

In June, UH Cleveland Medical Center was again named by U.S. News & World Report to its Best Hospitals list, an achievement it has made 26 years in a row. In the 2024-25 list, UH Cleveland Medical Center ranks third among all hospitals in Ohio and is the only Ohio-based hospital to be named to U.S. News & World Report's inaugural list of Best Regional Hospitals for Equitable Access. ?

Physicians of University Hospitals have renewed a promise to meeting our patients’ health care needs. Our talented team is integral to our rich history of success and critical to our future in a dynamic environment. As stewards of the UH legacy for excellence in patient care, our physicians are guided by an unwavering commitment to our mission:

To Heal. To Teach. To Discover.

Founded in 1866, University Hospitals has grown over the last 150 years to become what it is today – one of the nation’s leading health care systems, committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered medical care to the residents of Northeast Ohio. Our facilities include a thriving academic medical center, consistently ranked among the nation’s top hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, along with 18 hospitals, 40 health centers and dozens of medical practices throughout a 15-county region.

At UH, our national reputation for providing high-quality care, our direct involvement in pioneering medical advancements and clinical discoveries, and a continued commitment to training the next generation of health care providers demonstrate our dedication to living out the UH mission: To Heal. To Teach. To Discover.

Cleveland, OH is a culturally diverse city on the shores of Lake Erie, one of the Great Lakes. Recreational, cultural and educational opportunities are abundant throughout Northeast Ohio. You'll find world-class museums and cultural events, professional sports and amusement parks, and the most golf courses per capita in the United States. Places Rated Almanac ranks the area second in recreational options out of 354 US metro areas. This region ranks fifth in the nation in number of major cultural resources per one million residents.