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Optical Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Big City Optical

Part Time Optician

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18 - $22/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

Optician (La Grange)

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

Optician (La Grange)

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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Showing results 21-40

All JobsOptical JobsOptical Assistant JobsOptical Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL

Optical Assistant information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$17

$20

How much do optical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 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 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 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.
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 1% As Needed, 77% 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.

Optician/Certified Optician (North & South Andersonville)

Big City Optical

Chicago, IL • On-site

$20 - $26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Big City Optical is a leading firm in the optical industry, recognized for our innovative products and commitment to excellence. We are currently seeking an Optician to join our team and support the company's mission of providing preeminent eye care in our communities.
The optician is the main point of contact for new and current patients. They work with the optometrist's recommendations to match lenses, frames and combinations therein to match the patient's vision needs. The Optician, accurately fits, measure and adjusts frame for maximum usability by the client, ensuring quality and integrity of eye ware before leaving the store
Optician Duties and Responsibilities
  • Conduct pre-examination assessments of patients
  • Work closely with the optometrist to understand and deliver on specific patient vision requirements.
  • 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 and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses, ensuring a comfortable and optimal vision experience for each patient.
  • Educate patients on lens options, including features and benefits, to help them make informed decisions.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the latest trends in eyewear and advancements in lens technology.
  • Monitor orders and update patients on any delays.
  • Conducts quality assessment of orders prior to patient pickup.
  • Work with colleagues to manage inventory, including ordering, receiving, organizing frames and lens supplies and participating in off hours inventory count work as needed.
  • Provide excellent customer service, resolving any issues professionally.
  • Perform administrative tasks related to patient records, store operations and insurance billing.
  • Conducts follow up calls to check in on patients and proactively advise on eyecare appointment availability.
  • Additional responsibilities as assigned to support the overall success of the store.

Requirements
Optician Requirements and Qualifications
  • 1 year experience preferred, not required.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with an ability to engage effectively with diverse clientele.
  • Detail-oriented, with strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
  • Adhere to company policies on attendance, dress code and workplace safety.
  • Reliable transportation and willingness to travel up to 10 miles to support coverage at other locations as needed.

Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch, climb-up or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include Close vision, Distance vision, Depth perception and Ability to adjust focus.
Pay: $20-26 per hour
Benefits:
  • Incentive Plan Participation
  • Company subsidized Medical Insurance
  • Company subsidized Dental insurance
  • Company paid Short Term Disability insurance
  • 401(k) with 10% match
  • Paid time off
  • Employee discount plan

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