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Optical Assistant Jobs in Columbus, IN (NOW HIRING)

Optician

Shelbyville, IN · On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... optical lab orders, while also showcasing your creative talents in maintaining our optical ... * Assist patients in the selection process of spectacles, providing education on quality choices ...

Optician

Shelbyville, IN · On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... optical lab orders, while also showcasing your creative talents in maintaining our optical ... : * Assist patients in the selection process of spectacles, providing education on quality choices ...

Optician in Training - Columbus

Columbus, IN · On-site

$17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

You don't need optical experience to succeed at Dr. Tavel-just drive, compassion, and a desire to grow. We're looking for someone who loves people, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and wants more ...

Clinical Optician

Bloomington, IN · On-site

$15 - $19.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Associate's degree in optical/medical field. SKILLS Required * Experience in a regulated environment * Ability to work in a safe and efficient manner * Demonstrates a high commitment to quality

Optometric Technician

Trafalgar, IN

$36K - $48K/yr

  • Medical

  • Vision

  • PTO

... * Assist with submittion of insurance claims and handle billing inquiries Required Skills: * Experience in optical knowledge and lensometry * Ability to perform pretesting such as Optos, OCT, iCare

Optician Level 1

Greensburg, IN · On-site

$19.50 - $27.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

They assist with verifying prescription information, aiding in customer's purchasing decisions, and completing lens and eyewear orders. Responsibilities may vary based on state regulations and ...

Optician Level 1

Columbus, IN · On-site

$19.50 - $27.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

They assist with verifying prescription information, aiding in customer's purchasing decisions, and completing lens and eyewear orders. Responsibilities may vary based on state regulations and ...

Travel CVOR Technologist

Bloomington, IN · On-site

$1.7K - $2.3K/wk

... optic equipment*, Carotid Endarterectomy*, Carpal tunnel release*, Case Cart*, Cell saver ... Assist Device (VAD)*, Washer/sterilizer*, XLIF (Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion)*, Main OR ...

... optical sales as well! As an Optometrist in this practice, your regular duties will include: * Perform comprehensive eye exams * Diagnose and assist in the treatment of ocular disease * Prescribe ...

Educate patients, families, and staff on vision and optical protocols and concerns. * Deliver excellent customer service through patient interactions We Provide: * Trained vision tech to assist * ...

Educate patients, families, and staff on vision and optical protocols and concerns. * Deliver excellent customer service through patient interactions We Provide: * Trained vision tech to assist * ...

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Showing results 1-20

Optical Assistant information

See Columbus, IN salary details

$8

$15

$18

How much do optical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical assistant in Columbus, IN is $15.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.33 and $16.97 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.

What job categories do people searching Optical Assistant jobs in Columbus, IN look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Assistant jobs in Columbus, IN are:

What cities near Columbus, IN are hiring for Optical Assistant jobs?

Cities near Columbus, IN with the most Optical Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Optical Assistant job openings in Columbus, IN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,327 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

Optician in Training - Columbus

Dr. Tavel Optical Group

Columbus, IN • On-site

$17/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Dr. Tavel rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 40 rated optical retailers


Job description

Description
Optician in Training
Ready to Learn, Ready to Make a Difference?
You don't need optical experience to succeed at Dr. Tavel-just drive, compassion, and a desire to grow. We're looking for someone who loves people, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and wants more than a job-they want a career. As an Optician in Training, we'll teach you everything you need to know. Bring curiosity, commitment, and a willingness to learn-we'll handle the rest.
This is an opportunity to break into a professional field where style, service, and healthcare intersect. It's rewarding work-but we won't sugarcoat it. Success here takes focus, sharp attention to detail, and a daily commitment to excellence.
Daily Responsibilities:
• Guide patients in selecting eyewear that fits their face, lifestyle, and vision needs-while helping them feel confident and cared for.
• Educate patients on lens options, eyewear care, and how to get the most out of their glasses.
• Manage front-desk tasks like insurance verification, scheduling, and benefit authorizations with accuracy and confidence.
• Place and process eyewear orders with precision-and troubleshoot when challenges arise.
• Make minor repairs and adjustments to ensure a comfortable, proper fit for every pair.
• Build lasting relationships with patients that keep them coming back.
• Stay on top of your development, completing training, certifications, and growth milestones.
• Ability to travel to support other locations only if needed.
This Role Is NOT for You If:
• You prefer repetition and routine over opportunities for growth in knowledge and skills.
• You struggle in high-energy environments or dislike frequent change.
• You tend to wait for direction rather than taking initiative.
• You get flustered or frustrated when things don't go exactly as planned.
• You are not open to coaching, feedback, or ongoing training.
You will be a GREAT Fit If:
• You love helping people and take pride in making their day better.
• You are excited about a job where you're constantly learning and growing.
• You communicate clearly and confidently-even when trying something new.
• You can juggle multiple tasks while staying organized and focused.
• You appreciate feedback and use it as a tool to improve.
• You take ownership of your work and strive to get things right the first time.
• You show up on time, stay dependable, and take your responsibilities seriously.
• Availability to work during office hours (including some Saturdays)
Perks & Benefits:
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Health, Dental, and Rx Insurance
• 100% Paid Parental Leave
• Free Eye Exams & Glasses (including immediate and extended family discounts)
• Company-Paid Life Insurance
Starting Pay: $17.00/hour base
o Opportunities to complete Certifications for additional wage increases!
Bilingual Pay Eligibility: fluency in another language(s), increase to base pay below:
o Spanish, ASL, French Creole & Burmese
This Is More Than a Job. It's Your Start.
• Training is mandatory and paid. You'll attend a two-week training course at our corporate office in Indianapolis. No absences are allowed-we invest heavily in your success and need your full commitment.
• This role combines service and precision. You'll need strong people skills and attention to detail.
• We hire for mindset. If you're coachable, driven, and ready to grow, we'll help you build a real career.

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