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Optical Assistant Jobs in Alberta (NOW HIRING)

Senior Optical Engineer Help advance and integrate proven optical technologies into next-generation ophthalmic systems with real clinical impact. PulseMedica is building ophthalmic imaging and laser ...

Senior Optical Engineer Help advance and integrate proven optical technologies into next-generation ophthalmic systems with real clinical impact. PulseMedica is building ophthalmic imaging and laser ...

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Optical Assistant information

See Alberta salary details

$9

$14

$19

How much do optical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical assistant in Alberta is $14.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $16.83 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical jobs in Alberta? The most popular types of Optical jobs in Alberta are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Assistant jobs in Alberta? For Optical Assistant jobs in Alberta, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Assistant jobs in Alberta look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Assistant jobs in Alberta are:
What cities in Alberta are hiring for Optical Assistant jobs? Cities in Alberta with the most Optical Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Optical Assistant job openings in Alberta as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,991 per year, or $14.9 per hour.

Senior Optical Engineer

Pulse Medica

Edmonton, AB • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Salary:

Senior Optical Engineer


Help advance and integrate proven optical technologies into next-generation ophthalmic systems with real clinical impact.

PulseMedica is building ophthalmic imaging and laser systems using established optical technologies. While our team is based in Edmonton, Alberta, we welcome applicants from across Canada, the United States, and internationally. For the right candidate, we offer relocation assistance, immigration support, and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful clinical technology.


As a Senior Optical Engineer, you will take technical ownership of advanced optical systems from design through deployment, and play a key role in bringing next-generation imaging and laser treatment technologies from concept to clinical use. You will work closely with a fast-moving, multidisciplinary engineering team where your expertise directly influences system performance, reliability, and patient impact.


If you're passionate about applying your optical engineering expertise to meaningful, real-world medical applications, this is an opportunity to help shape a system that will make a difference in ophthalmic care.


About Us

PulseMedica is redefining the landscape of ophthalmic technology by developing breakthrough imaging and laser technologies for ophthalmic disease. Recognized as a Great Place to Work for four consecutive years, weve built a culture where innovation thrives and multidisciplinary teams solve complex challenges at speed. Our technology blends realtime computer vision, deep learning, and 3D imaging with highprecision laser systems to create new treatment solutions to prevent vision loss. By uniting cuttingedge research with scalable engineering, PulseMedica is creating treatment solutions that position the company to be at the forefront of the next generation in eye care.


The Opportunity

We are looking for a Senior Optical Engineer to lead the design, development, and deployment of multi-channel integrated laser scanning imaging and treatment systems for ophthalmic clinical applications. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background, hands-on experience with optical systems, and the ability to mentor junior engineers while working in a fast-paced, cross-functional team environment.


In this role, you will:

  • Drive end-to-end optical system developmentfrom early-stage concepting and modeling to prototype validation and integration into clinical devices.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with mechanical, electronics, software, and systems engineers to ensure cohesive system performance.
  • Serve as a technical mentor to optical and junior engineers, strengthening the teams technical depth.
  • Contribute to both research-driven development and product-focused engineering, helping translate proven technologies into reliable medical devices.


Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the design, development, and optimization of optical imaging and laser treatment systems for ophthalmology applications.
  • Specify and select optical and photonic materials, components, and devices.
  • Analyze and optimize end-to-end optical system performance.
    Design and execute experiments, test plans, and qualifications for optical components and systems.
  • Develop and implement system test methods to validate optical performance.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to integrate optical designs into final products.
  • Design new fixtures and equipment to support optical system development and qualification.
    Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers.
  • Manage project tasks, ensuring milestones are met within established timelines.


Qualifications & Experience

  • Masters or Doctorate in Optical Science, Optical Engineering, Engineering Physics, or related field with relevant coursework in geometric optics, physical optics, radiometry, Fourier optics, and fiber optics.
  • Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience with optical imaging devices, multimodal systems, and optical test equipment.
  • Experience working in a lab environment to validate system characteristics and performance.
    Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to think critically at both the system and component levels.
  • Ability to balance cost, schedule, and quality objectives while maintaining technical excellence.
  • Experience with technical leadership and mentoring.
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills.
  • Ability to work on multiple projects concurrently.


Preferred Qualifications (Assets)

  • Experience in ophthalmology imaging and laser treatments.
  • Knowledge of modeling and simulation of optical systems.
  • Experience analyzing, tolerancing, and designing optical systems using CODEV (or Zemax). Advanced modelling skills integrating macros and Matlab or Python COM interfaces, are desired.
  • Proven laboratory skills including design, documentation, and execution of complex optical experiments.
  • Experience designing optical systems for medical/ophthalmological equipment.
  • Strong leadership skills in a cross-functional engineering environment.
  • Experience specifying optical components using both MIL standards and ISO 10110.
  • Experience reading and specifying mechanical drawings with some understanding of GD&T.
  • Excellent written communication and documentation skills.
  • Experience with femtosecond-based devices.
  • Experience with Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) technology.


Anticipated Start Date: as soon as a suitable candidate is found

Duration: Full time Permanent (40 hours per week)

Salary: Commensurate to experience and qualifications

Location: Edmonton


What you can expect from PulseMedica:

  • Competitive compensation, health, dental and vision benefits and the option to participate in our employee stock option plan
  • A role that contributes to helping change peoples lives by enhancing their vision
  • A unique opportunity to build, grow, and be part of a team that is going to revolutionize a multi-billion dollar industry
  • Hybrid work
  • Free on-site gym (Jacksons Gym)
  • Growth Opportunities
  • Monthly team social events
  • Working for a company that was recently Great Place to Work certified!


We believe that diverse teams perform better and that fostering an inclusive work environment is a key part of growing a successful team. We welcome people of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to apply for this position.