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Optical Assistant Apprentice Jobs (NOW HIRING)

General Accountabilities Verify that finished lenses are ground to specifications. Assist client ... or apprenticeship Skills Excellent verbal and written communication Active listening Critical ...

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General Accountabilities Verify that finished lenses are ground to specifications. Assist client ... or apprenticeship Skills Excellent verbal and written communication Active listening Critical ...

Apply Early

The Optical Technician must be able to assist patients with eyeglasses ordering and fittings. The ... Apprentice Dispensing Optician License preferred ABO and/or NCLE preferred Company Benefits We ...

The Optical Technician must be able to assist patients with eyeglasses ordering and fittings. The ... Apprentice Dispensing Optician License preferred • ABO and/or NCLE preferred We offer a ...

The Optical Technician must be able to assist patients with eyeglasses ordering and fittings. The ... Preferred Skills: • Apprentice Dispensing Optician License preferred • ABO and/or NCLE ...

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Optical Assistant Apprentice information

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How much do optical assistant apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical assistant apprentice in the United States is $16.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

Do opticians do apprenticeships?

Opticians can undertake apprenticeships to become qualified, combining on-the-job training with classroom learning. These apprenticeships typically lead to a recognized qualification in optical dispensing or optical technician roles and often include developing skills with tools like lensometers and fitting equipment. They provide practical experience in an optical practice environment while earning a wage.

Can you be an optical assistant with no experience?

Optical assistant apprenticeships often do not require prior experience, as training is provided on the job. Basic skills in customer service and attention to detail are helpful, and some employers may prefer candidates with a relevant qualification or interest in optics. On-the-job training typically covers lens fitting, customer interaction, and use of optical equipment.

Is it hard to become an optometrist assistant?

Becoming an optical assistant apprentice typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent and some on-the-job training or certification in optical care. The role involves learning about eye health, assisting with patient care, and operating optical equipment, making it accessible with basic education and a willingness to learn. It is generally considered an entry-level position with opportunities for skill development and advancement.
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What states have the most Optical Assistant Apprentice jobs? States with the most job openings for Optical Assistant Apprentice jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Optical Assistant Apprentice jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Assistant Apprentice jobs are:
Apprentice Optician PT Anchorage, AK #183

Apprentice Optician PT Anchorage, AK #183

Eyemart Express

Anchorage, AK • On-site

$17.75 - $22.75/hr

Other

Posted 7 days ago


Eyemart Express rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 39 rated optical retailers


Job description

Apprentice Optician Part 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. Were 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 nations 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 patients 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 patients 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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