Veterinary Ophthalmologist Jobs 9 Jobs Available

A veterinary ophthalmologist diagnoses and treats eye conditions in companion animals: cataracts, glaucoma, corneal disease, and eye-related trauma or congenital conditions, often performing specialized surgical procedures general practice doesn't typically handle on its own. Ophthalmology is a board-certified specialty through the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO).

Becoming board-certified in ophthalmology requires a DVM, an internship, and an ACVO-approved residency, followed by board certification exams. Some listings specify "board-certified or residency-trained," considering candidates who've completed the residency even before passing boards, a common pattern across board-certified specialties generally.

Veterinary ophthalmologist jobs are concentrated at specialty and referral hospitals, dedicated ophthalmology practices, and academic teaching institutions. Ophthalmologists typically see cases referred from general practice veterinarians once a condition requires specialized diagnostic equipment or surgical expertise beyond what routine care can provide.

If you've already looked into the broader path of how to become a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist, from the full residency timeline to realistic salary expectations and where the demand is strongest, the job search itself is the final step once certification, or residency completion, is in hand and you're ready to apply.

Before applying, ask about the surgical volume and equipment available at a given hospital, since ophthalmology practices vary in how much advanced surgical capability, such as phacoemulsification for cataract surgery, is available in-house.

When reviewing listings, pay attention to the surgical caseload mix a hospital describes, since ophthalmology practices vary in how much of their work is medical management versus surgical intervention, which shapes both your daily schedule and your long-term use of surgical training.