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Frequently Asked Questions

OD PRN is the centralized hub that connects fill-in candidates with optometry practices, simplifying the hiring process for both parties. Whether you’re a skilled optometrist seeking opportunities or a practice in need of temporary staffing solutions, our platform is designed to meet your unique needs.

Discover the seamless process behind OD PRN’s innovative platform. Learn more about OD PRN and all that we have to offer by visiting our Frequently Asked Questions below. If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us and we will get back to you as quickly as possible.

How does OD PRN work?

Fill-in optometrists can create profiles showcasing their expertise, availability, and preferences, while practices can post temporary staffing needs and find qualified candidates quickly. Dive into our user-friendly interface, explore available positions, and witness the efficiency of our platform in revolutionizing the way optometry professionals connect and collaborate.

Why choose OD PRN?

Whether you’re an optometrist seeking flexibility in your schedule or a practice looking for reliable fill-in candidates, our platform offers unparalleled convenience. With a vast network of professionals and practices, OD PRN provides a dynamic and responsive marketplace for temporary staffing needs.

Our goal is to serve as a bridge, bringing professionals and practices together. We recognize that every job situation is unique and we allow practices and fill-ins to freely negotiate the terms of employment without setting restrictions on hours, number of patients scheduled, or per diem rates. Payments are negotiated and paid directly between practices and fill-ins, giving both parties complete control of the process and full transparency. Our platform is also completely free to use for both fill-in candidates and practices. We do not charge a subscription fee nor do we take a cut from the payment between the practice and the fill-in OD. Fill-in ODs will receive the full amount the clinic is willing to pay and practices can rest assured that there are no hidden fees. 

What is optometry fill-in work?

Also known as PRN work, gig work, and locum tenens work, fill-in work involves doctors of optometry working for practices on an as-needed basis. This is usually a substitute for the regular doctor when the doctor is on vacation or out of the office for illness or emergencies.

Who might be interested in fill-in work?

Optometry is a field that provides multiple different opportunities and your employment does not have to look like everyone else’s. Who might be interested in fill-in work?

  • Doctors who may want to work some Saturdays during residency.
  • Doctors who want to pick up 1-2 extra days per month to accelerate student loan repayment.
  • Doctors who don’t want to be tied down to a regular schedule so that they can enjoy time with family or travel. 
  • Doctors working part-time who want to supplement their income with flexibility.
  • Doctors starting a practice cold who may need to supplement their income for a few years while they build their practice.
  • Doctors who move to a new city.  Fill-in work is a great way to network and can lead to a full-time job. 
  • Doctors who may not be happy in their current job or mode of practice. Fill-in work is a great way to try different practices to find the right fit.

How do fill-in doctors get paid?

Typically, fill-in doctors will agree to work for a pre-arranged per diem rate. Some practices will contract with a fill-in doctor for a base rate plus a production bonus, although this is less common. The practice will pay the fill-in doctor directly by check or direct deposit. Fill-in doctors are usually not required to file their own insurance or collect their own fees from the patients they see. Fill-in doctors are classified as 1099 employees if they work for the practice infrequently and not on a set regular schedule.