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Optical Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

US Department of the Army

$31.73/hr

This National Guard position is for a Optical Instrument Repairer (Title 32) (Permanent), Position Description Number D1211000 and is part of the CSMS West, National Guard. Qualifications: NOTE

Now Optics

Licensed Optician

Virginia Beach, VA · 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

Virginia Beach, VA

... 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

Virginia Beach, VA · 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 Virginia

Optical Assistant information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do optical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 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.
More about Optical Assistant jobs
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:
Optical Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Assistant job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,460 per year, or $16.6 per hour.
Optical Instrument Repairer (Title 32) (Permanent)

Optical Instrument Repairer (Title 32) (Permanent)

US Department of the Army

$31.73/hr

Other

Posted 19 days ago

United States Army rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 488 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

46th of 50 rated military and defense

Job description

THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION.

This National Guard position is for a Optical Instrument Repairer (Title 32) (Permanent), Position Description Number D1211000 and is part of the CSMS West, National Guard.

Qualifications:

NOTE: Qualifications are based on breadth/level of experience. In addition to describing duties performed, applicants must provide the exact dates of each period of employment (from MM/DD/YY to MM/DD/YY) and the number of hours worked per week if part time. As qualification determinations cannot be made when resumes do not include the required information, failure to provide this information may result in disqualification. Applicants are encouraged to use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to develop their federal resume.
NOTE: All job seekers will be required to limit their resumes to 2 pages in length when applying for job opportunity announcements (JOAs)
WHO CAN APPLY:
GROUP I - All qualified Male/Female Enlisted Member (E1/PV1 - E8/MSG) currently employed (permanent) in the Virginia Army National Guard Military Technician Program.
GROUP II - All qualified Virginia Army National Guard Male/Female Enlisted Member (E1/PV1 - E8/MSG), regardless of employment status (Traditional, Military Technician or AGR). To be considered as a Group II applicant, proof of appointment/enlistment in the Virginia National Guard must be attached if the appointment/enlistment occurred within 60 days prior to, or during, the advertisement period.
GROUP III - Individuals eligible for membership in the Virginia Army National Guard.
Military Grades: Enlisted Member (E1/PV1 - E8/MSG)

GENERAL EXPERIENCE: Applicant must have experience or training that has provided you with the ability to apply knowledge of optical theory and construction principles in order to test, repair, align, and collimate a variety of complex optical equipment; experience which demonstrates the ability to understand and apply instructions, and specifications; and interpret blue prints and diagrams of optical paths and mechanical linkages; experience using hand and power tools common to an optical shop.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicant have at least 18 months of specialized experience, equivalent to at least the WG-09 level, or equivalent pay band in other pay systems in the Federal government. This experience may also have been obtained in the private sector, but must demonstrate that it is comparable to the WG grade indicated. This experience must include activities such as:

  1. Experience or training repairing, rebuilding, overhauling systems and components of optical instrument equipment.
  2. Experience in diagnosing malfunction in determining remedy where complex relationships exist among optical systems and supporting mechanical and electrical systems.
  3. Experience in the use of a variety of measuring and testing equipment.
  4. Experience interpreting technical manuals, blueprints, schematics and work orders.
Education:

You must provide transcripts or other documentation to support your Educational claims. To receive credit for Education, you must provide documentation of proof that you meet the Education requirements for this position.

Employment Type: OTHER

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Hours and flexibility

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Industry

National security, health care and social assistance, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US

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