Practices Must Make Sure Candidates Know They’re Interested in Them After a Site Visit.

In today’s competitive ophthalmology and optometry recruitment market, the biggest mistake a practice can make is waiting too long to extend an offer after a site visit. At OjO Recruitment Agency, we speak with ophthalmologists and optometrists nationwide every day, and one trend is unmistakable: timing is everything when you’re trying to hire a new physician.

Delayed Offers Cost Practices Great Ophthalmology & Optometry Candidates

When an ophthalmologist or optometrist completes a site visit, they’re energized. They’ve met your team, they’re evaluating your culture and are imagining what their future might look like in your practice.

But when days pass without communication or an offer, the message (even unintentionally) becomes clear:

“We’re not sure we want you.”

In the absence of communication, candidates interpret silence as disinterest. And in a tight national market for ophthalmologists and O.D.s, that silence pushes candidates toward other jobs or partnership positions, competing offers, private equity opportunities, or conversations with other recruiters.

The Doctor Hiring Market Moves Fast — Candidates Do, Too

There are far more open positions than available ophthalmologists and optometrists, which means candidates are usually comparing multiple offers and opportunities simultaneously. A slow hiring process signals organizational inefficiency, uncertainty, or lack of enthusiasm — all are red flags for physicians exploring great positions.

We see practices lose top-tier candidates simply because another employer moved faster.

Fast Offers Build Trust and Reflect a Healthy, Organized Practice Culture

A prompt offer — ideally within 24–72 hours of the site visit — communicates professionalism, genuine interest, and strong leadership. It shows candidates that your practice:

• Makes decisions efficiently
• Values physicians’ time
• Operates with clarity and intention
• Is serious about bringing the right ophthalmologist or optometrist on board

This level of responsiveness stands out in eyecare recruiting, where candidates often feel rushed by some practices and ignored by others.

You Don’t Need Every Detail Finalized to Make an Offer

Many practices hesitate because their compensation model, partnership timeline, or call schedule needs one more internal conversation. But candidates do not expect a perfect package on day one — they just need to know you want them on your team.

You can keep momentum alive by:

• Extending a verbal offer immediately
• Sharing a written draft soon after
• Explaining the next steps in the approval process
• Setting expectations clearly and professionally

This approach helps you compete in a market where ophthalmology and optometry candidates evaluate offers quickly and make decisions even faster.

Move Quickly or Another Practice Will

Here’s the bottom line:

If you don’t extend an offer quickly, another practice will.

Fast communication is no longer optional — it’s a strategic advantage. A timely offer keeps great candidates engaged, reduces competition, shortens your hiring timeline, and dramatically increases your chances of securing the MD/DO or O.D. you want.

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Need Help Improving Your Ophthalmologist or Optometrist Recruitment Process?

Reach out to us anytime at info@ojorecruitment.com