1

Optical Assistant Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

Optometric Assistant

Sitka, AK

$18 - $23.25/hr

This position requires/develops skills as an optometry assistant including optical and imaging duties through on-the-job and self-training modules. Customer service, attention to detail, clear ...

This position requires/develops skills as an optometry assistant including optical and imaging duties through on-the-job and self-training modules. Customer service, attention to detail, clear ...

This position requires/develops skills as an optometry assistant including optical and imaging duties through on-the-job and self-training modules. Customer service, attention to detail, clear ...

Optometric Assistant II - 0.5 FTE

Juneau, AK · On-site

$16 - $20.50/hr

This position requires/develops skills as an optometry assistant including optical and imaging duties through on-the-job and self-training modules. Customer service, attention to detail, clear ...

Optician Apprentice - VNPCC

Wasilla, AK · On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

The Southcentral Foundation (SCF) Optician is responsible for dispensing opticianry services in support of the optometry program and serves as an optometric assistant to facilitate the provision of ...

Optical Center Manager

Anchorage, AK · On-site

$30.50 - $43/hr

... Optical equipment Upholds the Companys Open Door Policy: by meeting with Associates and listening to concerns researching issues reviewing Company policies and procedures and suggesting resolution ...

... Optical equipment Upholds the Companys Open Door Policy: by meeting with Associates and listening to concerns researching issues reviewing Company policies and procedures and suggesting resolution ...

... Optical equipment Upholds the Companys Open Door Policy: by meeting with Associates and listening to concerns researching issues reviewing Company policies and procedures and suggesting resolution ...

Manager - Optical Center

Anchorage, AK · On-site

$30.50 - $43/hr

... Optical equipment Upholds the Companys Open Door Policy: by meeting with Associates and listening to concerns researching issues reviewing Company policies and procedures and suggesting resolution ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Optical Assistant information

See Alaska salary details

$10

$17

$21

How much do optical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical assistant in Alaska is $18.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $19.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 does an optical assistant do?

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 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.

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.

Do you need a qualification to be an optical assistant?

Optical assistants typically do not require formal qualifications, but having relevant training or certifications in optical care or customer service can be beneficial. Employers may also provide on-the-job training to develop necessary skills for working with optical equipment and assisting customers.

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 involves customer service, lens fitting, and using optical equipment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical jobs in Alaska?

The most popular types of Optical jobs in Alaska are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Alaska are hiring for Optical Assistant jobs?

Cities in Alaska with the most Optical Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Optical Assistant job openings in Alaska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,433 per year, or $18 per hour.

$18 - $23.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

This position supports eye care services to patients of all ages. This position requires/develops skills as an optometry assistant including optical and imaging duties through on-the-job and self-training modules. Customer service, attention to detail, clear communication and timely documentation are essential for this position.
This is a career ladder position with four levels designed to provide progressively more technical and independent work experiences. Promotion between job levels is based on performance, skill acquisition, required certifications, and the demonstrated ability to successfully handle duties requiring progressively more responsibility.

SEARHC is a non-profit health consortium which serves the health interests of the residents of Southeast Alaska. We see our employees as our strongest assets. It is our priority to further their development and our organization by aiding in their professional advancement.

Working at SEARHC is more than a job, it's a fulfilling career. We offer generous benefits, including retirement, paid time off, paid parental leave, health insurance, dental, and vision benefits, life insurance and long and short-term disability, and more.

Key Essential Functions and Accountabilities of the Job (as skills acquire)

Optometry Assistant

  • Room and screen patients for the providers, perform optical and point of care lab testing.

  • Accurately document in a timely manner.

Optical

  • Assist patients with optical orders: optical benefits verification, frame selection, measurements, order entry, payment collection, order verification, dispensing (glasses and contacts) in-person or by mail, adjustments, repairs, and warranty replacements.

  • Assist with inventory management: ordering, cleaning, returns and frame placement.

  • Assist with approval and reconciliation of invoices for timely payment.

Imaging

  • Acquires ocular imaging: photos, ocular coherence tomography, visual fields, topography.

  • Enters images into medical record for provider review.

Administrative Support

  • Assist with triage, tracking and scheduling of referred, recalled or diabetic patients.

  • Assist with phones, directing/answering patient questions and paperwork.

  • Work with Referral Care Coordinators, providers and/or clinics to facilitate patient referrals.

  • Order and maintain office and medical supplies.

Other Functions

  • Always maintain patient confidentiality.

  • Work collaboratively to meet the needs of the patients and organizational goals.

  • Other duties as assigned.

Additional Details:

Education, Certifications, and Licenses Required

  • High School Diploma or GED

  • BLS at hire or must obtain within 3 months of hire

  • Clinical Competency required within 3 months of hireand every three years

Experience Required

  • One year of medical office experience preferred.

Knowledge of

  • Knowledge of medical and ophthalmic terminology.

  • Knowledge and demonstrated use of customer service principles.

  • Knowledge and demonstrated use of safety and infection control principles.

Skills in

  • Customer service, time management and organization.

  • Computer use with a high degree of accuracy and detail orientation.

  • Verbal and written communication.

Ability to

  • Ability to multi-task and work independently in fast paced environment.

  • Ability to learn and maintain optometry assistant competencies.

  • Ability to problem-solve and use conflict resolution skills to develop and maintain good working relations with other staff and departments.

Travel Required

  • Required to accompany optometrist on field trips, 3-6 weeks per year.

Other Qualifications

  • Fine detail manual dexterity with precision for eyeglass repairs.

Position Information:

Work Shift:OT 8/40

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!