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Optical Assistant Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

Optician

Forsyth, IL · On-site

$17/hr

Bard Optical is number 37 of the top 50 optical retailer in the US and as part of an eyewear industry leader, Bard Optical, strives for higher standard of quality in your eyewear needs. With an ...

Optician

Decatur, IL · On-site

$17/hr

Bard Optical is number 37 of the top 50 optical retailer in the US and as part of an eyewear industry leader, Bard Optical, strives for higher standard of quality in your eyewear needs. With an ...

Optician

Mount Zion, IL · On-site

$17.25 - $22.25/hr

The Optician will assist patients in selecting eyewear and accessories that fit their prescription, lifestyle, and personal style. By ensuring proper frame fit, accurate measurements, and correct ...

Optician

Mount Zion, IL

$17.25 - $22.25/hr

The Optician will assist patients in selecting eyewear and accessories that fit their prescription, lifestyle, and personal style. By ensuring proper frame fit, accurate measurements, and correct ...

An Assistant Manager works on the sales floor and assists the Opticians with sales and troubleshooting and helps resolve customer service issues. * Resolves customer service issues/complaints ...

An Assistant Manager works on the sales floor and assists the Opticians with sales and troubleshooting and helps resolve customer service issues. * Resolves customer service issues/complaints ...

... assist the contractor in scheduling periodic damage prevention tailgates safety meetings in the ... We are customer-focused and provide cutting-edge fiber optic communication services, including ...

... assist the contractor in scheduling periodic damage prevention tailgates safety meetings in the ... We are customer-focused and provide cutting-edge fiber optic communication services, including ...

(USA) Optometrist - Sam's

Monticello, IL · On-site

$135K - $200K/yr

... Optical Coherence Tomography OCT providing additional vision treatment for example foreign body removal as necessary developing treatment plans based on patients clinical presentation using ...

(USA) Optometrist - Sam's

Bement, IL · On-site

$135K - $200K/yr

... Optical Coherence Tomography OCT providing additional vision treatment for example foreign body removal as necessary developing treatment plans based on patients clinical presentation using ...

(USA) Optometrist - Sam's

Farmer City, IL · On-site

$135K - $200K/yr

... Optical Coherence Tomography OCT providing additional vision treatment for example foreign body removal as necessary developing treatment plans based on patients clinical presentation using ...

Administrative Assistant | 7:30AM - 4:30PM | Mon - Fri | $18.00/hr. - $20.00/hr Full-time, long-term with growing electrical, heating, cooling business Qualifications for Administrative Assistant * 2 ...

Gailey Eye Clinic has Ophthalmic Assistant positions open at our Decatur clinic. We are looking for someone who is hard working, customer service focused, and interested in Ophthalmology. This is a ...

Ophthalmic Assistant

Decatur, IL · On-site

$17 - $20.90/hr

Gailey Eye Clinic has Ophthalmic Assistant positions open at our Decatur clinic. We are looking for someone who is hard working, customer service focused, and interested in Ophthalmology. This is a ...

Ophthalmic Assistant

Forsyth, IL · On-site

$17 - $20.90/hr

Gailey Eye Clinic has Ophthalmic Assistant positions open at our Forsyth clinic. We are looking for someone who is hard working, customer service focused, and interested in Ophthalmology. This is a ...

Ophthalmic Assistant

Forsyth, IL · On-site

$17 - $20.90/hr

Gailey Eye Clinic has Ophthalmic Assistant positions open at our Forsyth clinic. We are looking for someone who is hard working, customer service focused, and interested in Ophthalmology. This is a ...

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Showing results 1-20

Optical Assistant information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$9

$16

$19

How much do optical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical assistant in Decatur, IL is $16.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $17.74 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 cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Optical Assistant jobs? Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Optical Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Optical Assistant job openings in Decatur, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,715 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

$17/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Optician - Forsyth, IL - from $17 per hour plus incentives
At Bard Optical, we believe in vision for life.
Bard Optical is number 37 of the top 50 optical retailer in the US and as part of an eyewear industry leader, Bard Optical, strives for higher standard of quality in your eyewear needs.
With an Optician career at Bard Optical, you’ll find yourself learning, growing, and interacting with some of the most passionate and talented people in the business. At the same time, you’ll be helping people look and see their best.
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Sales Associate (Optician) delivers the Bard Optical value proposition – Set the standard of quality in eye care and eyewear by ensuring every patient and customer has the best experience in every Bard Optical every time. Creates exceptional value in the lives of customers by delivering legendary customer service amp; perfectly crafted high quality eyewear which exceeds our customers’ expectations.
Summary
Fills ophthalmic eyeglass prescriptions and fits and adapts lenses and frames by performing the following duties. Dispenses contact lenses as fitted by the Doctor.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Include the following – other duties may be assigned.
Performs necessary tasks for good patient care and assisting the Doctor and Office Manager in the operation of the office. Understanding and complying with all corporate policies and procedures.
Completes all appropriate optical training and improving optical knowledge, including continuing education as required.
Books, confirms and makes recall appointments. Prepare files for patient care and follow-up. Communicates verbally and non- verbally positively with the patient and the office staff. Demonstrates Bard’s commitment to Perfect Patient Care to all.
Evaluates prescription in conjunction with patient’s vocational and avocation visual requirements.
Determines patient’s current lens prescription, when necessary, using lensometer or lens analyzer and patient’s eyeglasses. Recommends specific lenses, lens coatings, and frames to suit patient needs. Assists patient in selecting frames according to style and color, coordinating frames with facial and eye measurements and optical prescription. Measures patient’s bridge and eye size, temple length, vertex distance, pupillary distance, and optical centers of eyes. Informs patient of care and adaptation needed for patient’s purchase. Assists patient with contact lens related care, supporting the Doctor’s direction.
Prepares work order and instructions for grinding lenses and fabricating eyeglasses. Verifies finished lenses are ground to specification. Notifies patient that their product is ready for delivery. Delivers product to patient.
Heats, shapes, or bends plastic or metal frames to adjust eyeglasses to fit patient. Instructs clients in adapting to, wearing and caring for eyeglasses. Repairs damaged frames. Grinds lens edges or applies coating/tint to lenses if a finish lab is in the office.
Computes amount of sale and collects payment for services. Promotes and fits contact lenses. Promotes optical goods such as plano sunglasses, contacts lens solutions, accessories and low vision aids.
Assists in maintaining clean and full product displays and an environment for the patient.
Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and/or Experience: High School diploma or general education degree (GED); minimum of three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Language Skills: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively one-on-one in order to communicate the patient’s needs and product explanations.
Mathematical Skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute lens diopter power.
Reasoning Ability: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, verbal, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
Certificates, Licences, Registrations: Ability to pass the Bard Optical training tests.
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by and employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, reach with arms and hands, talk and hear. The Optician must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specifc vision abilities required for this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those which and 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.
Benefits:
Starting wage from $17 per hour with significant incentive opportunities
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Life insurance
401(k) with yearly employer contributions
Paid holidays
Paid time off
Employee eyewear discounts and allowances