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Optical Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

FHN

Ophthalmic Assistant

Forest Park, IL · On-site

$19.02 - $28.53/hr

Optical Assistant Essential Duties And Responsibilities Is responsible for patient care. Rooms and collects patient assessment data. Administers medications and performs other patient care procedures ...

New

National Vision

Assistant Manager - Optical

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $19.34/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 ...

Big City Optical

Optician

La Grange, IL · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

Understand and evangelize Big City Optical's value proposition to clients * Assist patients in selecting frames and lenses that best suit their prescription needs and lifestyle. * Accurately measure ...

West Point Optical

Traveling Optician

Mundelein, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

Utilize optical prescription in conjunction to the patient's visual requirements. * Recommend specific lenses, and lens coatings to suit patient needs. * Assist patients in the selection of frames ...

West Point Optical

Traveling Optician

Mundelein, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

Utilize optical prescription in conjunction to the patient's visual requirements. * Recommend specific lenses, and lens coatings to suit patient needs. * Assist patients in the selection of frames ...

Eye Society

Optician / Optical Sales

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Responsibilities Optician job responsibilities include: * Assist patients in making frame selections * Coordinate order pickups and deliveries * Work with patients to customize their eyewear * Make ...

Eye Society

Optician / Optical Sales

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.75 - $23/hr

Responsibilities Optician job responsibilities include: * Assist patients in making frame selections * Coordinate order pickups and deliveries * Work with patients to customize their eyewear * Make ...

Big City Optical LLC

Optician

La Grange, IL · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

Understand and evangelize Big City Optical's value proposition to clients * Assist patients in selecting frames and lenses that best suit their prescription needs and lifestyle. * Accurately measure ...

Big City Optical LLC

Optician

La Grange, IL · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

Understand and evangelize Big City Optical's value proposition to clients * Assist patients in selecting frames and lenses that best suit their prescription needs and lifestyle. * Accurately measure ...

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All JobsOptical JobsOptical Assistant JobsOptical Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL

Optical Assistant information

See Chicago, IL salary details

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How much do optical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical assistant in Chicago, IL is $17.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $18.85 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 the most commonly searched types of Optical jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Optical jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Optical Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Optical Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optical Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Optical Assistant jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Optical Assistant job openings:

Optical Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Assistant job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,834 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Ophthalmic Assistant

Forest Park, IL • On-site

FHN
Health Care and Social Assistance • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about FHNexternal

$19.02 - $28.53/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted yesterday

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Job description

Optical Assistant

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Is responsible for patient care.

Rooms and collects patient assessment data.

Administers medications and performs other patient care procedures as directed and according to established criteria.

Assists physicians during treatment, testing and examinations.

Performs vision, refractometry and autorefractor, lensometer, color vision, stereo, fundus photography, corneal topography, visual fields, OCT, keratometry, tonopen/applanation and assists in minor room procedures.

Maintains timely flow of patients.

Provides patient and family education.

Documents patient care and related information.

Responds to incoming telephone calls.

Performs telephone triaging of patients.

Follows up on patient care as needed.

Reviews and maintains charts.

Education And/Or Experience

High School diploma.

Prefer education as a paraprofessional in ophthalmology or optometry.

Certification/Licensure

Certified by JCAHPO as an assistant.

Other Skills And Abilities

Good interpersonal/communicative skills needed.

Level Of Supervision

Work is performed according to specific procedures and methods, but the incumbent must make minor decisions using independent judgment required in order to adapt to routine situations.

Pay Range:

$19.02 - $28.53

Mercyhealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Mercyhealth offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package including:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Life & Disability Insurance
  • FSA/HSA Options
  • Generous, accruing paid time off
  • Paid Parental and caregiver leave
  • Career advancement and educational opportunities
  • Tuition and certification reimbursement
  • Certification Reimbursement
  • Well-being Programs
  • Employee Discounts
  • On-Demand Pay
  • Financial Education
  • Annual recognition/awards events
  • Partner appreciation days
  • Family entertainment/attractions discount
  • Community service/improvement opportunities

At Mercyhealth, we don't simply hire people, we empower employee-partners who are passionate about making lives better. As an integrated health system, we deliver exceptional, coordinated care across seven hospitals, 85 primary and specialty clinics, and a team of over 7,500 professionals serving northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.

Mercyhealth has been nationally recognized for our commitment to our people and culture, including:

  • #1 in the nation on AARP's Best Employers for Workers Over 50
  • One of Working Mother magazine's 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers
  • A Top 50 Company and Top 10 Nonprofit for Executive Women
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About FHN

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Freeport, IL, US

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