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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 ...

Description Refocus currently has a unique opportunity for an experienced Optical Assistant to join our growing team! We are committed to providing the highest quality in patient care and are looking ...

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 ...

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 ...

Job Type Full-time Description Refocus currently has a unique opportunity for an experienced Optical Assistant to join our growing team! We are committed to providing the highest quality in patient ...

Refocus currently has a unique opportunity for an experienced Optical Assistant to join our growing team! We are committed to providing the highest quality in patient care and are looking for ...

Assistant Manager - Optical

Staunton, VA · On-site

$14 - $17.07/hr

Supervise and motivate Opticians and CL Sales associates (in some stores the Receptionist) and ensures the timely completion of day-to-day functions. * Assist the General Manager with forecasting ...

Assistant Manager - Optical

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$14 - $17.07/hr

Supervise and motivate Opticians and CL Sales associates (in some stores the Receptionist) and ensures the timely completion of day-to-day functions. * Assist the General Manager with forecasting ...

Assistant Manager - Optical

Suffolk, VA · On-site

$14 - $17.07/hr

Supervise and motivate Opticians and CL Sales associates (in some stores the Receptionist) and ensures the timely completion of day-to-day functions. * Assist the General Manager with forecasting ...

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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 Jul 3, 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 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 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 3% As Needed, 24% Full Time, 57% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 13% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% 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 10 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.