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Optical Assistant Apprentice Jobs in Arkansas (NOW HIRING)

Optical Assistant Apprentice information

What is the difference between Optical Assistant Apprentice vs Optical Assistant?

AspectOptical Assistant ApprenticeOptical Assistant
QualificationsTypically in training, may include basic optical or customer service certificationsUsually requires completed training or certification in optical assistance
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, often in retail optical stores or clinicsFull-time role assisting customers and opticians in optical practices
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level position for those starting in optical industryEstablished role in optical retail and healthcare settings
Search & Comparison IntentPeople exploring entry-level optical roles or apprenticeshipsIndividuals seeking full-time optical assistant positions

The main difference is that an Optical Assistant Apprentice is in training and gaining experience, while an Optical Assistant is a fully qualified role responsible for assisting customers and opticians. The apprentice position is ideal for those starting their career, whereas the assistant role requires some prior training or certification.

Can you be an optical assistant apprentice with no experience?

Yes, it is possible to become an optical assistant apprentice with no prior experience, as many apprenticeship programs provide on-the-job training and do not require previous work in the field. Candidates typically need good communication skills and an interest in optics, and some employers may prefer or require relevant qualifications or a basic understanding of optical products. The focus is often on training and developing skills through the apprenticeship itself.

How do I become an optical assistant?

To become an optical assistant, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may pursue relevant training or a qualification such as a Level 2 or 3 diploma in optical care. Gaining experience in customer service and developing knowledge of optical products and eye health can improve job prospects; some employers also offer on-the-job training.

What can you do with an optical assistant apprenticeship?

An optical assistant apprenticeship prepares individuals to support optometrists by assisting with customer service, lens fitting, and equipment operation. Apprentices gain practical skills in eye care, learn to use optical tools, and may work towards relevant certifications, often working in retail or clinical environments. The role provides a foundation for career advancement in the optical industry.

What does an optical assistant apprentice do?

An optical assistant apprentice supports opticians by helping customers select and fit glasses and contact lenses, performing basic eye tests, and maintaining optical equipment. They learn about eye health, customer service, and may assist with administrative tasks in an optical practice while gaining practical experience and relevant knowledge.

What are popular job titles related to Optical Assistant Apprentice jobs in Arkansas?

For Optical Assistant Apprentice jobs in Arkansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optical Assistant Apprentice jobs in Arkansas look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Assistant Apprentice jobs in Arkansas are:

What cities in Arkansas are hiring for Optical Assistant Apprentice jobs?

Cities in Arkansas with the most Optical Assistant Apprentice job openings:

Infographic showing various Optical Assistant Apprentice job openings in Arkansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Apprentice Optician FT Fort Smith, AR

Fort Smith, AR • On-site


Eyemart Express
Retail • 1 - 5K employees

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 80 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 40 rated optical retailers

People enjoy working here

Recommended by parents

Respectful managers


$14.75 - $19/hr

Other

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Apprentice Optician Full Time

Your path to become a Licensed Optician starts here!

30 years ago, Dr. Barnes founded Eyemart Express to deliver everything a patient needs. It started with one friendly shop in Appleton, WI, and has since expanded to over 245 in 42 states. Today, Eyemart Express is celebrated for promptly delivering quality eyewear at great prices while maintaining great relationships with optometrists and local communities. We're not like everyone else, with local labs in stores, eye exams, and same-day delivery on glasses — our customers never miss a moment. Now, you can join one of the nation's top optical retailers and improve lives by helping people see better.

Job Description

The Apprentice Optician will primarily assist patients in selecting the eyeglass frames, lenses and lens coatings that best suit their needs. The Apprentice Optician will also be responsible for ensuring the lab technicians have accurate measurements and prescription information for grinding, coating and fitting lenses to the frames. Once the glasses are complete, the Apprentice Optician is responsible for dispensing the glasses to the patient.

In this specialized role, we are looking for candidates who are either already working on, or would be interested in starting, their licensure to be a certified optician.

Duties and Responsibilities
  • Provide exceptional customer service
  • Maintain knowledge of current sales and promotions as well as policies regarding payment, returns, exchanges
  • Compute and process payment transactions/refunds using in-house Point of Sale system
  • Perform other administrative tasks as assigned
  • Process insurance claims
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of products
  • Create and maintain patient files, following company and HIPAA policies regarding confidentiality.
  • Input customer information into computer system
  • Assess and interpret patient's needs/wants based upon prescription requirements, facial features, lifestyle, and occupation, and suggest most appropriate products (i.e. frames, lens type, coatings)
  • Take necessary measurements (i.e. measuring the patient's pupillary distance)
  • Prepare work order for lab ensuring all pertinent information is listed (i.e. patient information, prescription, lens size/type, measurements, special tinting or coating, etc.)
  • Pull correct lenses according to work order specifications
  • Inspect final product for accuracy; adjust completed glasses to fit patient using pliers, hands and heat if necessary to bend frames accordingly
  • Educate patient on how best to care for their glasses
  • Adjust/repair damaged frames, replace nose pads and missing screws
  • Price, stock and straighten merchandise
Education and Experience Requirements
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Experience working in retail, customer service, or sales
  • Experience working in the optical industry is preferred
Skills and Abilities
  • Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time (up to 8 hours per day per scheduled shift)
  • Ability to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist
  • Ability to lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to approximately 25 lbs
  • Must possess excellent hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills
  • Ability to operate basic office equipment
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
  • Ability to correctly read and interpret prescription specifications and input into computer properly to ensure lenses are cut properly
  • Ability to multi-task
  • Ability to identify and solve problems, and facilitate problem solving
  • Attention to detail
  • Time management skills - ability to prioritize and work quickly and efficiently when there are multiple customers to assist
  • Ability to deal with stressful situations such as dissatisfied customers
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees
Working Environment
  • Work is performed primarily in an indoor retail store setting
  • High level of interaction with general public
  • Work is independent and with patients
  • Environment is often fast-paced and deadline oriented
  • Work with small manual tools (screwdriver, pliers, etc.) on a regular basis
  • Some exposure to dusts, fumes, glass and/or plastic lens particulates, standard chemicals found in optical lab (some of which may be allergenic), metal alloy (solid and melted), moderately high levels of noise, fluorescent lighting, cleaning agents and electrical energy in the lab

VSP Vision is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to age, gender, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability or protected veteran status. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.



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