About OjO Recruitment Agency: Ophthalmology & Optometry Recruitment Nationwide
Since 2009, OjO Recruitment Agency has specialized exclusively in ophthalmology and optometry recruitment across the United States.
Finding the right physician—or the right career opportunity—is a significant decision, both professionally and personally. Our goal is simple: to help you find the right physician or the right opportunity that reflects your long-term goals. We bring people together in ways that work not just today, but over time.
Quality Over Volume, Always
Most recruiting firms are built around volume—presenting candidates quickly, filling roles, and moving on.
At OjO, we take a different approach. We focus on depth and a thoughtful process. Before introducing any candidate, we take the time to look at both sides:
For Physicians
We look beyond clinical and surgical skills to understand how you communicate, what matters to you, and how you prefer to practice.
For Practices
We look past the job description to understand your day-to-day environment, leadership style, and the culture of your team.
Many opportunities look good on paper, but only a few truly work in practice. Our role is to surface the details that matter—so our candidates and practices can make well-informed decisions.
For Physicians: Navigating Your Career
Whether you are a new graduate OD or an experienced ophthalmologist considering a change, we work with you at every stage of your career.
You don’t just need a list of job openings—you need a clear sense of what an opportunity actually looks like day to day. That’s what we provide, including the willingness to say, “this one isn’t right for you.”
Our services are always confidential and free, so you can explore your options without pressure.
For Practices: Building Your Team
Hiring a physician is one of the most important decisions a practice makes. A highly qualified doctor who doesn’t fit your culture can create challenges, while the right addition strengthens patient care, supports your team, and contributes to long-term growth.
We go beyond resumes. We take the time to learn how your practice operates—so we can introduce you to physicians who will succeed within your environment.
What Does a Successful Placement Look Like?
A successful placement becomes clear over time—often two or three years down the road. It’s when a physician still feels good about their decision, and the practice feels the same. That kind of outcome starts with a shared understanding from the beginning—open conversations about expectations, approach to patient care, and what day-to-day work actually looks like. When those conversations happen early, there are fewer surprises after the contract is signed.
Our Story: Founded by a Recruiter and an Ophthalmologist
OjO was founded by Drew Caldwell and his brother-in-law, Dr. Stan Pletcher.
Together, they saw something missing in physician recruitment—an approach that felt more personal, more relational, and grounded in real-world clinical experience and a practice owner’s perspective.
Drew Caldwell, Founder
Drew brings more than 30 years of experience in healthcare recruitment, including 17+ years focused exclusively on ophthalmology and optometry. He is known for building lasting relationships with physicians and practice leaders and for helping guide important career decisions with a steady, experienced perspective.
Dr. Stan Pletcher, Co-Founder
Dr. Pletcher is a practicing ophthalmologist and private practice owner, bringing real-world clinical and operational perspective to OjO’s work. His career includes private practice partnership, serving underserved communities in rural Appalachia, and leading international cataract surgery missions across Latin America, Africa, and the South Pacific.
He is deeply relational by nature—someone who genuinely enjoys connecting with people and is known for his energy, enthusiasm, and care for those he serves. His personality and perspective shape who we are as an organization.
Who We Serve Best
We take a deliberate approach to every search, and we recognize that not every physician candidate or opportunity is the right fit. We tend to work best with physicians and practices who want to get this decision right—who value clear communication, a steady approach, and taking the time to make a choice that holds up over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does OjO Recruitment Agency do?
OjO Recruitment Agency is a national physician recruitment firm focused on ophthalmology and optometry. We help eye care practices hire doctors and assist physicians in finding career opportunities that reflect how they want to practice and grow.
Is OjO Ophthalmology Jobs Online now OjO Recruitment Agency?
Yes. We changed our name in 2025 alongside the launch of our new website.
While we began with a focus on ophthalmology, we have long recruited ophthalmologists and optometrists. Many of the practices we partner with rely on us for both, and the new name better reflects that.
What types of Ophthalmologists do you recruit?
We recruit ophthalmologists across all subspecialties, including:
- Medical ophthalmology
- Cataract and comprehensive ophthalmology
- General ophthalmology
- Anterior segment surgery
- Refractive surgery
- Retina surgeons
- Medical retina specialists
- Glaucoma
- Cornea
- Oculoplastics
- Neuro-ophthalmology
- Uveitis
What types of Optometrists do you recruit?
- Optometry students
- New graduate ODs
- Residency trained optometrists
- Experienced optometrists
Do you work nationwide or in specific locations?
We work with practices and physicians across all 50 states. Our focus is exclusively on the eye care field, not a specific geographic region.
Do physicians pay to work with OjO?
No. Our services are free for physicians exploring job opportunities or partnership positions. We are engaged by practices to help identify and hire the right doctors, and our client practices cover the costs associated with recruitment.
Does OjO require an exclusive contract or charge upfront fees?
No. We don’t require exclusive contracts, so you’re free to work with other recruitment firms if you choose. We also don’t charge any upfront fees.
Our work is based on a contingency agreement, meaning we only receive a fee if we successfully help you hire an ophthalmologist or optometrist.
Does OjO offer a guarantee on placements?
Yes. We stand behind our work and offer a guarantee on placements. Our focus is always on making matches that last.
How do you evaluate whether a job or candidate is a good fit?
We look beyond credentials and job descriptions. We consider how a physician practices, how a team functions day to day, and whether expectations align on both sides. The goal is to avoid surprises and make decisions that hold up over time.
Can you help with both employed positions and partnership opportunities?
Yes. We work with a range of opportunities, including employed positions, partnership tracks, and ownership opportunities, depending on the practice and your career goals.
Do you work with new graduates?
Yes. We regularly work with new graduates as well as experienced physicians, helping you evaluate opportunities and understand what different practice environments offer early in your career.
What happens after we start working together?
We begin with a conversation to understand your goals, preferences, and priorities. From there, we introduce opportunities or candidates that align and guide you through each step of the process.
While the practice handles onboarding, we stay closely involved throughout—remaining in touch with both parties, sharing perspective when helpful, and supporting a process that works well for everyone involved.
Is the process confidential?
Yes. Many of the physicians we work with are currently employed and exploring opportunities discreetly. Confidentiality is an essential part of how we operate.
How long does the recruitment process typically take?
Timelines vary depending on the role, location, and needs of the practice. While we work efficiently, the focus is on helping you make the right decision—not simply the fastest one.
What makes a placement successful?
A successful placement is one that continues to work well over time—for both the physician and the practice. That comes from a clear understanding of expectations, communication, and how the day-to-day experience aligns on both sides.
How is OjO different from other recruiting firms?
We take a consultative, relationship-driven approach. We get to know our candidates as both people and providers. We look closely at how a physician practices, how a team operates, and whether the two will work well together over time—so decisions hold up well beyond the initial hire.
Our role is to offer perspective, not pressure. We take the time to understand what matters to the people we work with and want to see them in environments where they can do their best work and build something lasting.
Even for physicians and practices who choose to move forward on their own, we’re always happy to share what we’ve learned about the market—compensation, benefits, PTO, and other practical insights gathered over more than 17 years in this field.
Ready to Start a Conversation?
Whether you are a physician exploring your next step or a practice looking to strengthen your team, we’re here to be a trusted recruitment partner and career resource to the practices and candidates we serve.
Schedule a Confidential Conversation | info@ojorecruitment.com