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Certified Optometric Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Optometric Assistant

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$14.75 - $19/hr

As an Optometric Assistant for Swope Health, you will be part of passionate optometry team that ... Medical Assistant or Ophthalmic Assistant certification strongly preferred. * Outstanding ...

Optometric Assistant

Kansas City, MO

$14.75 - $19/hr

As an Optometric Assistant for Swope Health, you will be part of passionate optometry team that ... Medical Assistant or Ophthalmic Assistant certification strongly preferred. * Outstanding ...

Optometric Assistant

Sitka, AK · On-site

$18 - $23.25/hr

This position requires/develops skills as an optometry assistant including optical and imaging ... Promotion between job levels is based on performance, skill acquisition, required certifications ...

Optometric Assistant

Alpharetta, GA · On-site

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

Thomas Eye Group is searching for a dynamic Optometric Assistant to join our dedicated team. If you ... Certification as a COA or COT is a plus. Experience: 1-2 years of experience in a healthcare ...

Back Office - Optometry Assistant

Ontario, CA

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

An Optometric Assistant Certification may be a benefit. * Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. * A strong attention to detail. * The ability to multi-task. * The ability ...

Optometric Assistant I

Juneau, AK · On-site

$25 - $30.04/hr

This position requires/develops skills as an optometry assistant including optical and imaging ... Promotion between job levels is based on performance, skill acquisition, required certifications ...

Back Office - Optometry Assistant

Ontario, CA

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

An Optometric Assistant Certification may be a benefit. * Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. * A strong attention to detail. * The ability to multi-task. * The ability ...

Optometric Technician

Blair, NE · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Certified Para-Optometric (CPO) and Certified Para-Optometric Assistant (CPOA). If you have experience, or simply have a desire to provide exceptional customer service and are willing to learn, send ...

Optometric Technician

Blair, NE · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Certified Para-Optometric (CPO) and Certified Para-Optometric Assistant (CPOA). If you have experience, or simply have a desire to provide exceptional customer service and are willing to learn, send ...

Optometric Assistant

Minnetonka, MN · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Southwest Eye Care is hiring for a full-time Optometric Assistant at our Minnetonka location.. Who ... ABO, NCLE, CPO, CPOA, COA certifications preferred Benefits * Health Insurance (medical, dental ...

Southwest Eye Care is hiring for a full-time Optometric Assistant at our Minnetonka location.. Who ... ABO, NCLE, CPO, CPOA, COA certifications preferred Benefits * Health Insurance (medical, dental ...

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Certified Optometric Assistant information

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How much do certified optometric assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for certified optometric assistant in the United States is $16.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $18.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Certified Optometric Assistant?

A Certified Optometric Assistant is a trained professional who supports optometrists in delivering eye care services to patients. Their duties often include assisting with eye exams, managing patient records, performing basic vision tests, educating patients about eye care, and handling administrative tasks in an optometry office. Certification typically involves completing a formal training program and passing a standardized exam, demonstrating knowledge and skills essential for the role. Certified Optometric Assistants play a vital part in ensuring smooth clinic operations and high-quality patient care.

What are some common challenges Certified Optometric Assistants face when managing patient flow in a busy optometry practice?

Certified Optometric Assistants often encounter the challenge of balancing efficient patient flow with providing quality care, especially during peak hours. They must coordinate with optometrists, handle administrative tasks, and assist patients with pre-testing, eyewear selection, and documentation, all while maintaining a friendly and professional demeanor. Effective communication and organizational skills are crucial to ensure that appointments stay on schedule and patients feel well-cared for. Adapting to changing priorities and multitasking are common aspects of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Certified Optometric Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Certified Optometric Assistant, you need knowledge of basic eye care procedures, vision testing, and office administration, typically supported by completion of a certified optometric assistant program. Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems, optometric instruments, and appointment scheduling software is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask help build rapport with patients and support efficient practice operations. These skills and qualities ensure accurate patient care, smooth office workflow, and a positive patient experience in optometric settings.

What qualifications do I need to be an optical assistant?

To become a certified optometric assistant, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers prefer candidates with completed training or certification in optometry assisting, which can be obtained through specialized courses or on-the-job training. Strong communication skills and familiarity with optical equipment are also beneficial.

What do you need to be an optometric assistant?

To become a certified optometric assistant, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some employers may prefer or require certification or training in eye care or medical assisting. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with ophthalmic equipment are also important. On-the-job training is common, and certification programs can enhance job prospects.

What else can I do with my optometry degree?

A Certified Optometric Assistant can pursue roles such as optometry office manager, ophthalmic technician, or sales representative for optical products. Additional certifications in vision therapy or contact lens fitting can expand career opportunities within eye care settings.

What is the difference between Certified Optometric Assistant vs Optometric Technician?

AspectCertified Optometric AssistantOptometric Technician
CredentialsCertification often required or preferredCertification or specialized training often required
Work EnvironmentOptical clinics, private practices, retail opticalOptical clinics, private practices, hospitals
Job DutiesAssisting with patient intake, administrative tasks, basic eye examsPerforming preliminary eye tests, measuring visual acuity, assisting with exams
Industry UsageCommonly used in optical and optometry settingsCommonly used in clinical optometry settings

While both Certified Optometric Assistants and Optometric Technicians work in optometry settings, the main difference lies in their responsibilities and certification requirements. Certified Optometric Assistants typically handle administrative tasks and basic patient care, whereas Optometric Technicians perform more technical eye tests and measurements. Both roles are essential in supporting optometrists and are often found in similar work environments.

Is optometric assistant a good career?

An optometric assistant is a healthcare support role that involves assisting optometrists with patient care, administrative tasks, and equipment operation. It can be a good career for those interested in healthcare, offering opportunities for certification, skill development, and advancement within eye care practices.
More about Certified Optometric Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Certified Optometric Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Certified Optometric Assistant job openings:
What states have the most Certified Optometric Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Certified Optometric Assistant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Certified Optometric Assistant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Certified Optometric Assistant jobs are:
Infographic showing various Certified Optometric Assistant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,352 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Optometric Assistant

Swope Health

Kansas City, MO • On-site

$14.75 - $19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Swope Health rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

As an Optometric Assistant for Swope Health, you will be part of passionate optometry team that provides care for the people who need it the most. The optometric assistant provides excellent customer service to our patients in the Optometry department. You will conduct brief case history on entering patients, perform visual acuity measurements, and neutralization of habitual optical correction. If you have a passion for helping others. This is the role for you
Successful Candidates will have:
  • High School diploma & GED required. Medical Assistant or Ophthalmic Assistant certification strongly preferred.
  • Outstanding communication skills, telephone etiquette and possess the ability to work with people.
  • Ability to perform basic arithmetic computations, including decimals

About Swope Health Services:
Each year, Swope Health serves over 45,000 patients, encompassing more than 200,000 visits in four counties on both sides of the state line. Our team members are proud of the work we do and the promise we've made - delivering coordinated care that values the needs of the whole person and championing better health in our community.
Swope Health is a special place that cares for the people who need it most, wherever they are in the community. As part of our promise to battle health inequities and provide high-quality, comprehensive care, we make care visible. That means we proudly deliver our promise through every action, every day.
Swope Health Services supports its team members with:
  • Medical benefits (including a Health Savings Account option), dental and vision
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match
  • Company-paid benefits such as life insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Paid Days Off beginning at 12 days annually, effective the first day of employment
  • Eight annual company-paid holidays; One annual paid personal day

Swope Health is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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