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Optical Assistant Jobs in Newfoundland and Labrador

DOF

Administrative Assistant

Paradise, NL

The Administrative Assistant will provide Administrative support to a variety of departments at DOF. If you are looking for a dynamic environment to learn and grow, DOF Canada is a great opportunity!

DOF

Administrative Assistant

Paradise, NL · On-site

The Administrative Assistant will provide Administrative support to a variety of departments at DOF. If you are looking for a dynamic environment to learn and grow, DOF Canada is a great opportunity!

SMS Equipment

Administrative Assistant

Wabush, NL · On-site

CA$50K - CA$60K/yr

SMS Equipment is seeking an organized and detail-oriented Administrative Assistant to provide administrative support services for the service functions within our Wabush branch. In this role, you ...

Costco Wholesale

Pharmacy Student

Saint John's, NL · On-site

Follows Costco pharmacy's policies and procedures * Assist patients at the counter, retrieves prescriptions and processes register transactions as per the provided procedures. Provides prompt and ...

All JobsOptical JobsOptical Assistant JobsOptical Assistant Jobs in Newfoundland and Labrador

Optical Assistant information

See Newfoundland and Labrador salary details

$9

$14

$19

How much do optical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical assistant in Newfoundland and Labrador 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 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.
More about Optical Assistant jobs

What are popular job titles related to Optical Assistant jobs in Newfoundland and Labrador?

For Optical Assistant jobs in Newfoundland and Labrador, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Newfoundland and Labrador are hiring for Optical Assistant jobs?

Cities in Newfoundland and Labrador with the most Optical Assistant job openings:

Optical Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Assistant job openings in Newfoundland and Labrador as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $30,991 per year, or $14.9 per hour.

Optician / Contact Lens Practitioner (Licensed)

Costco Wholesale

Saint John's, NL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Costco rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 1,926 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 39 rated national retailers

Job description

See More See Less
Job Description 

Description of position: 
Assists members in selecting and ordering eyewear including frames, lenses, contact lenses and sunglasses. Measures member's cornea base curve and determines correct contact lens for member.  Uses computer to process orders, dispenses eyeglasses and contact lenses and oversees apprentices. Provides prompt, accurate and courteous member service.

Daily tasks and responsibilities:

  • Assists members to choose eyeglass frames, sunglasses, contact lens and ophthalmic lens options appropriate to the lens prescription. Provides and ensures prompt, accurate and courteous member service.
  • Assists in providing members with support in booking Dr appointments.
  • Accurately measures members for pupilary distance (PD) using pupilometer or ruler.
  • Is proficient in determining placement of multi-focal heights and bifocal heights.
  • Examines member's eye using a slit lamp to assess the general ocular health and assist in the fitting of contact lenses.
  • Keys member order into computer. Places special orders to outside vendors by telephone.
  • Rings up orders and over-the-counter optical merchandise. Receives accurate payment, makes change, processes cheques, credit and debit charges according to proper procedures for paperwork, cash handling and performance of duties.
  • Checks contact lenses and completed eyeglasses against prescription prior to dispensing to member. Fits and adjusts eyeglasses to member using frame warmer and bending with fingers.
  • Orders equipment, merchandise and supplies by keying into computer. Keys receipt of special orders from outside vendors.  Follows safety and security procedures.
  • Stocks optical merchandise and supplies. Follows department procedures and standards for production, record keeping, sales, eye health merchandising and product storage.
  • Maintains proper levels of Contact llens trials.
  • Maintains a safe and high level of health care cleanliness at all times.  
  • Cleans department displays and merchandise by spraying and wiping.
  • Oversees apprentices/students as required for certification qualification.
  • Maintains licensing requirements to ensure membership in provincial order is in good-standing.


Qualifications (Costco-specific or industry-specific skills that candidates must possess):

  • Education/Training: Relevant/applicable Provincial Ophthalmic Dispenser accreditation. 
  • Licenses/Certifications: Provincial License as Dispensing Optician; Certified Contact lens Fitter required.
  • Experience:  Licensed Optician/Contact lens Fitter experience preferred.
  • Knowledge/Skills: Computer, math and member service skills preferred.
  • Other:  Opticians who do not have certification/accreditation as a Contact Lens Fitter must enroll in the Contact Lens Fitter course within a year to maintain their position.  


Knowledge and talents recommended for job success:
NOTE:For postings in Quebec locations, candidates must be able to communicate in French (oral and written).

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About Costco

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Costco is a membership warehouse club, dedicated to bringing our members the best possible prices on quality brand-name merchandise. With more than 800 locations worldwide, Costco provides a wide selection of merchandise, plus the convenience of specialty departments and exclusive member services, all designed to make your shopping experience a pleasurable one. Today, as the company evolves, it stays true to the qualities that helped attract and retain millions of loyal members around the globe: Commitment to quality. Costco warehouses carry about 4,000 SKUs (stock keeping units) compared to the 30,000 found at most supermarkets. By carefully choosing products based on quality, price, brand, and features, the company can offer the best value to members.

Industry

Retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Issaquah, WA, US

Year founded

1983

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