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Optical Apprentice Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

$23 - $29.90/hr

If in Apprentice Program for Opticianry successfully passed class. Actively participates with additional optical industry training coordinated by manager and Director. Supports the Riverside Health ...

$23 - $29.90/hr

If in Apprentice Program for Opticianry successfully passed class. Actively participates with additional optical industry training coordinated by manager and Director. Supports the Riverside Health ...

Company Description America's Best is part of National Vision, one of the largest optical retail ... Mentor Apprentice Opticians as permitted by law. How would you like Sundays off? Yes, every Sunday ...

Licensed Optician

Harrisonburg, VA · On-site

$21 - $31.10/hr

Company Description America's Best is part of National Vision, one of the largest optical retail ... Mentor Apprentice Opticians as permitted by law. How would you like Sundays off? Yes, every Sunday ...

Company Description America's Best is part of National Vision, one of the largest optical retail ... Mentor Apprentice Opticians as permitted by law. How would you like Sundays off? Yes, every Sunday ...

Licensed Optician - Part Time

Richmond, VA · On-site

$21 - $31.10/hr

Company Description America's Best is part of National Vision, one of the largest optical retail ... Mentor Apprentice Opticians as permitted by law. How would you like Sundays off? Yes, every Sunday ...

Licensed Optician - Part Time

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$21 - $31.10/hr

Company Description America's Best is part of National Vision, one of the largest optical retail ... Mentor Apprentice Opticians as permitted by law. How would you like Sundays off? Yes, every Sunday ...

Be able to lead all aspects of Blown Optical Fiber (BOF) installation teams and possess a superior ... A minimum of two (2) years participation in an approved electronic/electrical apprenticeship ...

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Be able to perform all prep work for the installation of blown optical fiber (BOF) and assist with ... A minimum of two (2) years participation in an approved electronic/electrical apprenticeship ...

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Be able to perform all prep work for the installation of blown optical fiber (BOF). * Be able to ... A minimum of two (2) years participation in an approved electronic/electrical apprenticeship ...

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Optical Apprentice information

See Virginia salary details

$12

$21

$36

How much do optical apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical apprentice in Virginia is $21.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $23.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is becoming an optician hard?

Becoming an optician typically requires completing a certification or training program and gaining practical experience, which can take several months to a year. The job involves learning about optical products, customer service, and sometimes passing a licensing exam, making it accessible with proper training and dedication.

What is the difference between Optical Apprentice vs Optical Technician?

AspectOptical ApprenticeOptical Technician
Required CredentialsOn-the-job training, sometimes certification programsCertification or associate degree in optical technology
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supervised settings in optical stores or labsMore independent work in labs or retail settings
Employer & Industry UsageOptical stores, eye clinics, retail optical chainsOptical labs, manufacturing, retail optical stores

Optical Apprentices typically undergo on-the-job training and may have certification programs, working under supervision. Optical Technicians usually have formal education or certification, performing more independent technical tasks. Both roles are common in optical retail and lab environments, but technicians often have more advanced skills and responsibilities.

What is the highest paid apprenticeship job?

The highest paid apprenticeships often include roles such as electrical, plumbing, or HVAC apprenticeships, which can lead to high-paying skilled trades careers. Some specialized technical apprenticeships in fields like engineering or information technology also offer competitive wages, especially with certifications and experience.

What are some typical responsibilities and learning opportunities for an Optical Apprentice during their first year?

As an Optical Apprentice, your first year will typically involve hands-on training in customer service, frame selection, and basic lens fitting under the supervision of licensed opticians. You’ll learn how to interpret prescriptions, adjust and repair eyewear, and understand lens materials and coatings. Apprentices are often exposed to both front-of-house retail duties and behind-the-scenes lab work, which provides a well-rounded introduction to the optical field. Collaboration with experienced opticians and other healthcare professionals is common, offering mentorship and a path toward certification or licensure as your skills grow.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optical Apprentice, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of optical principles, strong attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with lens fitting equipment, optical measurement tools, and practice management software is typically required. Excellent communication, customer service, and teamwork skills help you build rapport with clients and support experienced opticians. These skills ensure accurate eyewear preparation, positive patient experiences, and effective collaboration in a clinical environment.

Do opticians do apprenticeships?

Opticians can pursue apprenticeships to gain practical experience while learning about eyewear fitting, lens crafting, and customer service. These apprenticeships often combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction and may lead to certification or licensing in some regions.

Can you be an optical assistant with no experience?

Optical assistants can often start with little or no prior experience, as on-the-job training is common. Basic skills in customer service, attention to detail, and familiarity with optical equipment can be helpful, but many employers provide training to new hires. Certification or coursework in optical assisting may improve job prospects but are not always required initially.

What is an Optical Apprentice?

An Optical Apprentice is an individual who is training to become a qualified optical technician or optician. They work under the supervision of experienced professionals to learn how to fit, adjust, and repair eyeglasses and contact lenses, as well as assist customers in choosing frames and lenses. The apprenticeship typically combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction, helping apprentices gain the knowledge and skills necessary for certification or licensure. This role is ideal for those interested in eye care and customer service, providing a pathway to a rewarding career in the optical industry.
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Optical jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Apprentice jobs in Virginia? For Optical Apprentice jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Apprentice jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Apprentice jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Optical Apprentice jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Optical Apprentice job openings:

$23 - $29.90/hr

Part-time

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Newport News, Virginia

Hiring Range

$23.00 - $29.90/Hourly Actual pay is determined based on job-related factors such as relevant experience, education, credentials, skills, internal equity, and business needs.
Overview
Works with supervision of the Optical Manager and Practice Director. Designs, fits and adapts lenses and frames for patients according to written optical prescription or specifications. Assists patients with selecting frames. Measures patients for size of eyeglasses and coordinates frames with facial and eye measurements and optical prescription. Prepares lab orders containing instructions for grinding and mounting lenses in frames. Verifies exactness of finished lens spectacles. Adjust frame and lens positions to fit patients. Performs administrative duties such as tracking inventory, submitting patient insurance claims, and performs simple bookkeeping. Arranges and maintains displays of optical merchandise.
What you will do
  • Explains features and benefits of all current eye wear technology available to meet the patients needs. Assists patients in selecting the appropriate frame and lenses based upon prescription requirements and patient fitting needs. Accurately completes ordering process including lab and merchandise orders.
  • Medicare claim information no less than 80% compliant to Medicare standards. Charges posted in COS, patient receipts and ABN forms are consistently completed correctly and obtains delivery signatures and dates.
  • Collects insurance plan authorizations and accurately explains plan coverage and limitations to patients. Accurately calculates, files, and collects any co-payments and surcharges under patient vision plan/discount plan. Patient data, insurance, prescription and purchase information accurately entered into computer system. Collects a minimum of 50% of order balance before placing order. Accurately post payments in the computer system and provides patients with invoices. Upon dispensing of eye wear, verifies an collects outstanding balances and change status of order to DELIVERED in computer system.
  • Maintains high customer service expectations for the patients and their families, physicians, optical team members and visitors. Responds to and with the managers approval, resolves patient service issues, including lab manufacturing delays and frame back orders to ensure an equitable solutions is found that provides high patient service levels and reduces patient refunds. During Short periods of staffing or heavy workload assists with patients as necessary, .
  • Reviews lab invoices for accuracy of order and pricing. Safety of patient by inspecting eye wear promptly to ensure the prescription is made to the physicians request. Contacts the lab directly when errors are found and works with outside facilities to resolve quality issues. Verifies outside lab fees match HREA contracted pricing. Submits incorrect invoices for corrected pricing and track credits.
  • Maintains knowledge of new optical products, technologies , compliance standards, billing and lab ordering processes. Successfully completes annual requirements (CBL's) for mandatory competencies within required time frame. If in Apprentice Program for Opticianry successfully passed class. Actively participates with additional optical industry training coordinated by manager and Director. Supports the Riverside Health System Code of Conduct, Compliance and Ethics Program. Reports any potential compliance concerns to the appropriate person.
  • Accurately completes optical . Verifies eyeglasses meet order specifications and industry manufacturing standard by performing quality inspections. Dispenses, adjusts, repairs, edges, tints and correctly performs other bench work. Troubleshoots eyeglass vision issues to resolution or appropriate referral to doctor's care. Documents steps taken to resolve issue in the patient's computer record. Performs duties of Optical Lab technician as necessary. Remake average does not exceed 3% of patients serviced. Performs additional duties as defined by manager and Director.
  • Ensures patient satisfaction by greeting them as they enter the optical department. Completes all order processes in a timely and accurate manner while the patient is present. Keeps patient wait time to a minimum.
  • Average Sale $200. 00 after discounts and insurance collections.
  • Frame purchases does not exceed frame sales. Reviews frame purchases and Cost of Goods reports with optical manager throughout each month. Returns Special order and warranty products within 5 days of patient's non-approval of special order or pick up of warranty replacement. Reviews lab invoices for accuracy of order and pricing. Completes Lab Tracking Report, verifying outside lab fees match HREA contracted pricing. Tracks new lens sales and recommends lenses to be added to contract pricing. Submits invoices for corrected pricing and tracks credits. Updates Optical Monthly Expense report weekly with lab invoice totals.

Qualifications
Education
  • Program Graduate, approved school of Opticianry (Required)

Experience
  • 2 years Optician (Preferred)

Licenses and Certifications
  • Optician License - Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (Required)

To learn more about being a team member with Riverside Health System visit us at https://www.riversideonline.com/careers.