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Optical Assistant Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

Kenaitze Indian Tribe

Optometric/Optical Assistant

Kenai, AK · On-site

$15 - $19.25/hr

Optometric/Optical Assistant Department: Optometry Program: Optometry Reports to: Optometry Manager Employment Status: Full-Time FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Schedule: 40 Hours/52 Weeks Preference: TERO ...

Searhc

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 ...

Searhc

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 ...

Searhc

Optometric Assistant I

Juneau, AK · On-site

$25 - $30.04/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 ...

Searhc

Optometric Assistant I/II/III/IV

Juneau, AK · On-site

$26.06 - $36.08/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 ...

SCF

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 ...

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All JobsOptical JobsOptical Assistant JobsOptical Assistant Jobs in Alaska

Optical Assistant information

See Alaska salary details

$10

$17

$21

How much do optical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 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 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 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:
Optical Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Assistant job openings in Alaska as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% 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.
Optometric/Optical Assistant

Optometric/Optical Assistant

Kenaitze Indian Tribe

Kenai, AK • On-site

$15 - $19.25/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Optometric/Optical Assistant

Department: Optometry

Program: Optometry

Reports to: Optometry Manager

Employment Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Schedule: 40 Hours/52 Weeks

Preference: TERO Ordinance 2017-01, P.L. 93-638

Job Summary

The position of an Optometric/Optical Assistant is a paraprofessional role. In this position, work is done under the supervision and guidance of the Optometrist and Optometry department manager. As an Optometric/Optical assistant, the primary duties are to assist the Optometrists with eye examinations, help un'ina (patient) with their vision hardware needs and perform general office tasks.. The Optometric/Optical Assistant is responsible for helping the Optometrist provide efficient and effective optometric/optical services, with a focus on customer service, to our un'ina.

Essential Functions

  • Obtains and records un'inas medical history
  • Prepares un'ina for vision examination; this includes, but is not limited to testing for near and far acuity, depth perception, macula integrity, color perception and visual field
  • Assists un'ina with frame selection, fitting, lens selection, and obtaining measurements of the eye
  • Verifies prescription glasses for accuracy
  • Educates un'ina on proper eye care, proper contact lens insertion and removal and proper care of eyeglasses
  • Repairs and adjust eyewear as needed
  • Cleans and disinfect instruments
  • Schedules appointments, update un'ina records, track sales, and notify when eyewear is ready for pickup
  • Receives un'ina to the department in a friendly, professional and courteous manner
  • Ensures compliance with Tribal, federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, Tribal policies and TERO ordinance

It is the intent of this job description to highlight the essential functions of the position; however, it is not an all-inclusive list. The incumbent may be called upon and required to follow or perform other duties and tasks requested by his/her supervisor, consistent with the purpose of the position, department and/or the Kenaitze Indian Tribe's objectives.

Working Conditions

Lifting Requirements

  • Light work - Exerting up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg control requires exertion of forces greater than that of sedentary work and if the worker sits most of the time, the job is considered light work.

Physical Requirements

  • Stand or Sit (Stationary position)
  • Walk (Move, Traverse)
  • Use hands/fingers to handle or feel (Operate, Activate, Use, Prepare, Inspect, Place, Detect, Position)
  • Climb (stairs/ladders) or balance (Ascend/Descend, work atop, Traverse)
  • Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl (Position self (to), Move)
  • Talk/hear (Communicate, Detect, Converse with, Discern, Convey, Express oneself, Exchange information)
  • See (Detect, Determine, Perceive, Identify, Recognize, Judge, Observe, Inspect, Estimate, Assess)
  • Pushing or Pulling
  • Repetitive Motion

OSHA Categories

  • Category I - Duties performed routinely require exposure to blood, body fluid and tissue

Equipment and Tools

List Equipment used for job: Computer, Copier, Fax, Scanner and other office equipment

List Tools: Specialized optometry tools and equipment

Drives KIT or Personal Vehicle: Personal

Travel

  • Kenaitze Indian Tribe Service Area
  • In-State
  • Out-of-State

Qualifications

Education

  • High School Diploma or General Equivalency Degree (GED)

Experience

  • Experience working in customer service from an office-based environment
  • Must be proficient in Microsoft Office

Preferred

  • AK state Licensed Dispensing Optician
  • Experience in an eye care or optical clinic is preferred
  • Experience assisting healthcare providers to ensure the highest quality of patient care
  • Knowledge and experience working with cultural diversities

License/Certification

  • Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required, or obtain within 90 days of hire
  • Certified Paraoptometric Certification (CPO) required, or obtain within 1 year of hire
  • AK state Licensed Dispensing Optician (LDO) or register as an apprentice optician upon being hired and achieve Alaska state LDO licensure (Spectacles) within 2 years of starting this position
  • Must have a valid Alaska State driver's license and must remain insurable under the Tribe's policy

Special Skills

  • Conducts business in a service-oriented manner that is attentive, pleasant, respectful and kind when dealing with un'ina, visitors, co-workers, and others
  • Excellent problem solving, organizational and administrative skills
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ability to work in a team setting
  • Ability to work independently and self-motivate
  • Ability to independently organize and prioritize work assignments and coordinate a variety of activities, with good attention to detail and ability to deal with conflicting priorities and deadlines
  • Professional judgment in day-to-day situations, research and investigate problems and summarize findings
  • Interacts and communicates with others promoting a harmonious and cooperative work environment

This position is a Covered Position subject to all requirements of the Alaska Barrier Crimes Act (ABCA) and to the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act, (ICPA). ABCA and ICPA requirements apply and must be complied with at all times in order to remain in the position.

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