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Optical Assistant Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

PZI International

Aero-Optics Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$120K - $155K/yr

This position includes developing optical instrumentation for integration into one-of-a-kind hypersonic wind tunnel test facilities and flight test vehicles. While direct experience with aero-optics ...

PZI International

Aero-Optics Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$120K - $155K/yr

This position includes developing optical instrumentation for integration into one-of-a-kind hypersonic wind tunnel test facilities and flight test vehicles. While direct experience with aero-optics ...

EyeCare Associates

Optical Sales

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$15 - $18.50/hr

Determine patient wants and needs and selling to exceed their expectations * Assist patients in ... optical prescriptions * Able to operate the auto-lensometer and manual lensometer * Educate and ...

EyeCare Associates

Optical Sales

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$15 - $18.50/hr

Determine patient wants and needs and selling to exceed their expectations * Assist patients in ... optical prescriptions * Able to operate the auto-lensometer and manual lensometer * Educate and ...

EyeCare Associates

Optical Sales

Birmingham, AL

$15 - $18.50/hr

Determine patient wants and needs and selling to exceed their expectations * Assist patients in ... optical prescriptions * Able to operate the auto-lensometer and manual lensometer * Educate and ...

EyeCare Associates

Optical Sales

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$15 - $18.50/hr

Determine patient wants and needs and selling to exceed their expectations * Assist patients in ... optical prescriptions * Able to operate the auto-lensometer and manual lensometer * Educate and ...

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All JobsOptical JobsOptical Assistant JobsOptical Assistant Jobs in Alabama

Optical Assistant information

See Alabama salary details

$8

$15

$18

How much do optical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical assistant in Alabama is $15.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.94 and $16.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Optical Assistant vs Optical Technician?

AspectOptical AssistantOptical Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, optical assistant certificationCertification or diploma in optical technology or related field
Work EnvironmentOptical retail stores, clinicsLaboratories, manufacturing, or repair facilities
Employer & Industry UsageOptical retail chains, optometristsOptical labs, manufacturing companies
Common Search & Comparison IntentCustomer service, assisting with frame selectionLens fitting, equipment operation, technical repairs

Optical Assistants primarily focus on customer service, frame selection, and assisting optometrists, often working directly with patients. Optical Technicians handle more technical tasks like lens fitting, equipment operation, and repairs. Both roles are essential in the optical industry but differ in technical complexity and responsibilities.

What are Optical Assistants?

Optical Assistants are professionals who work in optician practices or eye care clinics, supporting optometrists and dispensing opticians. They assist customers with selecting and fitting eyewear, perform basic eye tests, and handle administrative tasks such as booking appointments and managing patient records. Optical Assistants also provide advice on lens options, frame styles, and eyewear care. Their role is essential in ensuring patients receive excellent service and the right vision solutions.

What Is an Optical Assistant?

An optical assistant is a vision care customer’s first point of contact, as you work in the retail or sales departments or optometrist’s offices. In this career, you are responsible for greeting patients and helping them select the right eyewear as well as repairing and making adjustments to the eyewear. Assistants perform duties such as fitting eyeglasses or contacts under supervision, measuring an eye or bridge of the nose, scheduling appointments, gathering important patient information, and maintaining medical files. Customer service is an important part of the job.

What are the typical daily tasks for an Optical Assistant, and how do they interact with other team members in an optometry practice?

As an Optical Assistant, your daily responsibilities include greeting patients, assisting with frame selection, taking basic eye measurements, and handling administrative duties such as booking appointments and managing patient records. You’ll work closely with optometrists, opticians, and other support staff to ensure smooth patient flow and excellent customer service. Collaboration is key, as Optical Assistants often communicate patient needs to clinical staff and help coordinate care. This role offers valuable exposure to both clinical and retail aspects of optometry, making it a great starting point for career growth within the industry.

What do you do as an optical assistant?

An optical assistant helps customers select and fit eyeglasses or contact lenses, takes measurements, and assists with frame adjustments. They often perform administrative tasks, prepare prescriptions, and support optometrists or ophthalmologists in clinical settings. Good communication skills and knowledge of optical products are important for this role.

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

To thrive as an Optical Assistant, you need a solid understanding of basic optometry, customer service, and retail sales, often supported by on-the-job training or a relevant certification. Familiarity with dispensing optical instruments, using lens measuring devices, and practice management software is typically required. Outstanding communication, attention to detail, and the ability to work well with both customers and team members distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure accurate prescription fulfillment, excellent customer experiences, and smooth optical practice operations.

Do you need qualifications to be an optical assistant?

Optical assistants typically do not require formal qualifications, but having a relevant qualification such as a Level 2 or Level 3 diploma in optical retail or ophthalmic dispensing can improve job prospects. Employers often value good communication skills, basic math, and customer service experience. On-the-job training is common for new optical assistants.

How much does an optical assistant get paid?

An optical assistant typically earns between $25,000 and $40,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced assistants or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages. The role often requires knowledge of optical equipment and customer service skills.

Do I need a degree to be an optical assistant?

Optical assistants typically do not need a degree but should have good communication skills and basic knowledge of optical products. Many employers provide on-the-job training, and relevant certifications can enhance job prospects. Formal education requirements vary by employer and location.
More about Optical Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical jobs in Alabama? The most popular types of Optical jobs in Alabama are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Assistant jobs in Alabama? For Optical Assistant jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Assistant jobs in Alabama look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Assistant jobs in Alabama are:
What cities in Alabama are hiring for Optical Assistant jobs? Cities in Alabama with the most Optical Assistant job openings:
Optical Assistant jobs near you
Optical Lab Technician

Optical Lab Technician

Eyeworld Vision Center

Saraland, AL • On-site

$15 - $25/hr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

The Lab Technician will be responsible for cutting, edging, and creating prescription lenses for patients will receive their new prescription glasses in a timely manner.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Identify and work with basic optical laboratory equipment, tools, supplies, and materials
  • Consistently adhere to hourly deadlines for finishing jobs
  • Correctly read and interpret prescription specifications and input into computer properly to ensure lenses are cut properly
  • Maintain the lab area and equipment in a safe and organized manner
  • Perform daily, weekly and monthly lab equipment maintenance as scheduled and in accordance with lab/equipment manual specifications
  • Understanding of and ability to add and/or subtract
  • Read and interpret prescription specifications

Experience Requirements

  • Experience working in the optical industry is preferred
  • Will train a motivated person

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, on rare occasions aid in moving heavy lab equipment
  • 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 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
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees

Working Environment:

  • Work is performed primarily in an optical laboratory setting
  • Environment often fast-paced, deadline oriented
  • Confined space with one or more employees at any given time
  • May work alone in lab as necessary or with partner
  • Exposure to dusts, fumes, glass and/or plastic lens particulates, standard chemicals found in optical lab (some of which may be caustic), metal alloy (solid and melted), moderately high levels of noise, fluorescent lighting, cleaning agents and electrical energy
  • Will be working primarily with small manual tools (screwdriver, pliers, etc.), lenses and automated laboratory equipment

Company Description

Locally owned family-oriented optical since 1985.