Do you understand (and agree to) everything that’s in your employment contract? Here are 5 critical things to know.

IT CAN BE A GREAT FEELING when you finally land a job as a new graduate. Most optometry schools do an excellent job of preparing you for the job clinically, but you may graduate with limited experience on things like employment contracts and other business aspects.

For instance, do you understand the different components of a standard employment contract?

Here are some general tips to understand. They are intended as a resource guide, but it is vital that you contact an attorney for your specific situation.

And, remember, states can have varying laws when it comes to employment and optometry.

CONTRACT ELEMENTS.

To protect yourself, you must understand what you are signing. Here are some elements of a standard contract that directly affect you.

» Notice. Many contracts have a clause that requires you to give enough notice if you decide to leave the company. Typical clauses are 30 to 90 days. If you do not give enough notice, there is a monetary penalty that is written out in your contract that is binding.

» Restrictive Covenant. This is an employment agreement with a noncompete clause. It restricts your ability to practice in a certain geographic area for a specific duration. The typical clause is between a 0- to 3-mile radius up to a year, and it is usually negotiable.

Pay attention to the language in these restrictive covenants and how they may affect your future opportunities. If a company has multiple locations in that state, the language can restrict you in other cities and beyond the 3 miles.

» Fill-In Work. If you would like to “moonlight” and work for other companies or offices when able, make sure that opportunity is made clear at the time of employment. Corporate optometry can provide great opportunities for fill-in work, so make sure you are able to take advantage of it if you want to.

NEGOTIATE? YOU BET.

Not all contracts are standard. Contracts are designed to protect both parties. Many corporate opticals will have a standard contract, but items contained within it can be negotiable. If the terms heavily favor the employer over the optometrist, it might not be the right position for you.

Don’t be afraid to talk to your prospective employer about elements of the contract. You can ask to amend the contract or completely remove certain clauses. When in doubt, consult with a lawyer.

ENFORCEMENT.

Generally speaking, if a contract is reasonable it is enforceable.

Enforcement questions are case by case and depend on state law. That makes it vitally important that you understand what you are signing because the penalties—should you violate the contract—can be enormous.

Therefore, paying close attention to detail is important for the future of your career.

Should you need help in this area, contact a lawyer and your local state organization for help to guide you through this process. COT!

—Maria Sampalis, O.D.