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Optical Assistant Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Eye Care Center of TN

Optical Assistant

Antioch, TN · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Antioch Eye Care Center is looking for a friendly, dependable, and motivated Optical Assistant to join our growing team! We are seeking someone with previous optical, optometry, ophthalmology ...

Stanton Optical

Licensed Optician

Knoxville, TN

... to assist in the sales process. They do this all while matching patient needs with our services and products. About us: Stanton Optical is among the nations fastest growing, full-service retail ...

Stanton Optical

Licensed Optician

Knoxville, TN

... to assist in the sales process. They do this all while matching patient needs with our services and products. About us: Stanton Optical is among the nation's fastest growing, full-service retail ...

Miller Eye Care

Be Seen First

Optometric Assistant/Unlicensed Optician

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

Miller Eye Care & Optical is seeking individuals for Optometric assistant, front desk, and unlicensed Optician duties. All staff members are cross-trained within the office system, including pre ...

Now Optics

Licensed Optician

Knoxville, TN · On-site

... to assist in the sales process. They do this all while matching patient needs with our services and products. About us: Stanton Optical is among the nations fastest growing, full-service retail ...

Now Optics

Licensed Optician

Knoxville, TN · On-site

... to assist in the sales process. They do this all while matching patient needs with our services and products. About us: Stanton Optical is among the nation's fastest growing, full-service retail ...

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All JobsOptical JobsOptical Assistant JobsOptical Assistant Jobs in Tennessee

Optical Assistant information

See Tennessee salary details

$8

$15

$18

How much do optical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical assistant in Tennessee is $15.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.94 and $16.59 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 Tennessee? The most popular types of Optical jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Assistant jobs in Tennessee? For Optical Assistant jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Assistant jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Assistant jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Optical Assistant jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Optical Assistant job openings:
Optical Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Assistant job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,547 per year, or $15.2 per hour.

Optical Assistant

Eye Care Center of TN

Antioch, TN • On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Antioch Eye Care Center is looking for a friendly, dependable, and motivated Optical Assistant to join our growing team! We are seeking someone with previous optical, optometry, ophthalmology experience who enjoys working with patients in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities:

  • Assisting patients with frame and lens selection
  • Pretesting patients before exams
  • Insurance eligibility and benefit verification
  • Scheduling appointments and answering phones
  • Checking patients in/out
  • Contact lens training and ordering
  • Maintaining cleanliness and organization of the office
  • Assisting doctors and staff as needed

Qualifications:

  • Previous experience in optical, optometry, ophthalmology, or medical office setting preferred
  • Strong communication and customer service skills
  • Ability to multitask and work efficiently
  • Comfortable learning insurance verification and EHR systems
  • Team player with a positive attitude
  • Reliable and professional

What We Offer:

  • Supportive and team-oriented environment
  • Opportunity for growth and raises based on performance and experience
  • Employee discounts
  • Competitive pay based on experience