AOAExcel® shines the light on top talent

Excerpted from page 20 of the Summer 2025 edition of AOA Focus 

Finding the right doctor of optometry for your practice can be time-consuming and overwhelming, as can identifying the right job to advance your optometric career. The AOAExcel® Career Center streamlines these processes, making it easier for both job seekers and employers to connect efficiently and effectively. 

Samuel Pierce, O.D., chair of the AOAExcel Board, shares how the Career Center simplifies hiring and getting hired. 

What is the AOAExcel Career Center? 

The AOAExcel Career Center is the only career center affiliated with the AOA and is tailored to connect practice owners and hiring managers with qualified doctors. Beyond serving as a job board, it also features a robust resource hub of optometry-specific articles with advice from doctors and industry professionals to guide both job seekers and employers through the hiring process. 

What tips do you have for practice owners seeking qualified candidates? 

Employers need to spend time drafting a high-quality job listing, as it will be a candidate’s first impression of your practice. Highlight what makes your practice special while answering essential questions up front. Expanding your search nationwide can also connect you with a broader network of qualified doctors. You also should prioritize reaching passive job seekers as the perfect candidate may not be actively searching the job boards. 

What are passive job seekers, and why should they be included in a practice’s hiring strategy? 

Passive job seekers represent a vast, untapped market of skilled doctors who are not actively applying for jobs but may consider changing employers for the right opportunity. These candidates are often not engaging in multiple interviews or weighing multiple offers, making them more accessible for the right employer. The AOAExcel Career Center’s targeted outreach ensures employers can connect with these elusive candidates, potentially trimming months from the duration of a hiring search. 

Can you talk more about how a nationwide search could benefit employers? 

Casting a wide net through a nationwide search significantly enhances hiring efficiency. Having a broader audience boosts the visibility of job listings and connects employers with doctors who bring specialized skills and fresh perspectives. Many doctors are willing to relocate for the right opportunity, so expanding your search will improve your chances of finding the perfect fit. 

What features of the AOAExcel Career Center make it easier for practice owners to find qualified candidates? 

The AOAExcel Career Center was designed to facilitate efficient connections between qualified doctors and employers. Unlike general job boards, it focuses exclusively on optometry, ensuring all applicants are doctors. Its nationwide audience broadens the reach of posted listings, and optional features such as e-newsletter placements ensure job opportunities reach passive candidates. The AOAExcel Career Center includes a database of résumés that employers can search, allowing them to reach out to candidates directly. And with an enhanced search engine, employers have never been better positioned to connect with qualified candidates. 

How can doctors who are looking for a new position take advantage of the AOAExcel Career Center? 

Job-seeking doctors can upload their résumés and keep their candidate profiles current, making it easy for employers to reach out to them directly. Enhanced job alerts allow candidates to set search criteria such as location, practice type, specialty and salary, ensuring tailored listings are delivered straight to their inboxes at a frequency of their choosing. Additionally, the AOAExcel Career Center’s resource hub provides optometry-specific advice for every stage of the job search—from crafting a résumé to surviving the first weeks at a new practice.