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Optical Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

About the role As an Optical Assistant you will be a fundamental part of our Boots Opticians store team, being the first and last person that our customers interact with. You will be based in store ...

About the role As an Optical Assistant you will be a fundamental part of our Boots Opticians store team, being the first and last person that our customers interact with. You will be based in store ...

Be Seen First

This position will handle all aspects of an optical shop. This includes but is not limited to helping patients select frames ,helping patients select the best lenses for their needs, doing simple ...

Be Seen First

This position will handle all aspects of an optical shop. This includes but is not limited to helping patients select frames ,helping patients select the best lenses for their needs, doing simple ...

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

Optical Communication Engineer

Herndon, VA

$132K - $171K/yr

Fibertek is looking for an optical communication engineer to join our Herndon, VA team to help pave the way for tomorrow's advancement in space exploration. You will embrace a team atmosphere while ...

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA

$130K - $168K/yr

Provide optical subject matter expertise in support of developmental, prototype, and transition to manufacturing efforts. * Perform DRI (detection, recognition, identification) range analysis of ...

Optical Communication Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$132K - $171K/yr

Job Title Optical Communication Engineer Location Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Would you enjoy working with a collaborative team of engineers to design and build satellite based ...

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Optical Assistant information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do optical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical assistant in Virginia is $16.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $18.12 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 also handle administrative tasks like scheduling appointments and maintaining optical equipment, often working under the supervision of an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

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 do you need to be an ophthalmic assistant?

To become an ophthalmic assistant, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with specialized training or certification in ophthalmic assisting. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with ophthalmic equipment are important for the role. Some positions may require on-the-job training or certification from organizations like the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO).

How much does an optical assistant get paid?

An optical assistant typically earns between $20,000 and $35,000 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. Salaries often include benefits such as training and opportunities for certification in optical dispensing.

How to get a job as an optical assistant?

To become an optical assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may pursue relevant certifications such as a dispensing optician license. Experience in customer service and basic knowledge of optical products and tools are beneficial, and some employers offer on-the-job training for new hires.
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Optical jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Assistant jobs in Virginia? For Optical Assistant jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Assistant jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Assistant jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Optical Assistant jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Optical Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Optical Assistant job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 4% Temporary. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,460 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Optical Assistant

Boots

Chesterfield, VA

Other

Retirement

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

About the role 
As an Optical Assistant you will be a fundamental part of our Boots Opticians store team, being the first and last person that our customers interact with.  
You will be based in store and report to the store manager. You will work on the shop floor and spend your time building great relationships with customers by listening and understanding their needs to find the right product or service for them. From greeting customers when they arrive in store, being part of the pre-screening activities of an eye-test through to helping our customers find the perfect eye-wear solution for them - no two days will be the same. 
Your role within the team as an Optical Assistant will give you lots of opportunities to develop your knowledge through our industry-leading 'Step Into Optics' training programme. This programme includes both workshop-based learning and practical 'on the job' experience. You will also:  

  • Order, dispense and collect glasses and contact lenses  
  • Support with eye-tests and pre-screening activities  
  • Provide aftercare support through repairs and adjustments  
  • Complete operational and administrative tasks associated with dispensing prescriptions  
  • Maintain shop floor standards  
 

What you'll need to have 

  • These are the essential skills or experience needed to succeed in this role. 
  • Passion for customer care  
  • Enthusiasm for learning and personal development 


It would be great if you also have 
These are desirable skills or experience and are not essential, so we would welcome applications from candidates that don't match this additional criteria. 

  • Experience in a retail or clinical environment  
 

Our benefits 

  • Boots Retirement Savings Plan 
  • Discretionary quarterly bonus 
  • Generous employee discounts 
  • Clinical and Non-Clinical Career development opportunities
  • Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption leave pay and gift card for anyone expecting or adopting a child
  • Flexible benefits scheme
  • Access to free, 24/7 counselling and support through TELUS Health, our Employee Assistance Programme. 

We have a great range of benefits in addition to the above that offer flexibility to suit you - find out more at boots.jobs/rewards. Exclusions may apply, eligible roles only. Please note, any salary estimates given on third-party sites are not provided or endorsed by Boots and may not be accurate. 
Why Boots Opticians 
At Boots Opticians, we foster a working environment where consideration and inclusivity help everyone to be themselves and reach their full potential. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, passionate about embracing the diversity of our colleagues and providing a positive and inclusive working environment for all. Join our team and let's see what's possible when we change for the better.  
What's next 
If your application is successful, you'll be invited to an in-store interview in the next 14 days. 
Where a role is advertised as full-time, we are open to discussing part-time and job share options during the application process. If you require additional support as part of the application and interview process, we are happy to provide reasonable adjustments to help you to be at your best.