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Optical Assistant Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Optical dispensing experience * Minimum of one-year experience working as an Optician strongly preferred * Experience with HIPAA requirements preferred * Strong organizational skills and attention to ...

Optical dispensing experience * Minimum of one-year experience working as an Optician strongly preferred * Experience with HIPAA requirements preferred * Strong organizational skills and attention to ...

Optical dispensing experience * Minimum of one-year experience working as an Optician strongly preferred * Experience with HIPAA requirements preferred * Strong organizational skills and attention to ...

Fiber Optic Splicer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Fiber Optic Splicer FLSA Status : Non- Exempt Shift: N/A Reports to : Construction Superintendent ... Measure and record installed quantities of fiber * Assist on overall job including all tasks ...

Front Office Specialist

Raleigh, NC

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

Assistant Office Manager Rocky Mount, NC * Comprehensive Ophthalmologist - Charlotte, NC Charlotte ... Optical Technician / Optician Winston-Salem, NC * Optical Technician / Optician Rutherwood, NC

Assistant Office Manager Rocky Mount, NC * Comprehensive Ophthalmologist - Charlotte, NC Charlotte ... Optical Technician / Optician Winston-Salem, NC * Optical Technician / Optician Rutherwood, NC

Assistant Office Manager Rocky Mount, NC * Comprehensive Ophthalmologist - Charlotte, NC Charlotte ... Optical Technician / Optician Winston-Salem, NC * Optical Technician / Optician Rutherwood, NC

Licensed Opticians are responsible for selling & dispensing eyewear and eyewear accessories to patients. They ensure patients are fitted with the right-size frames that fit their needs and lifestyle ...

Licensed Opticians are responsible for selling & dispensing eyewear and eyewear accessories to patients. They ensure patients are fitted with the right-size frames that fit their needs and lifestyle ...

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Optical Assistant information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$9

$16

$19

How much do optical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical assistant in Raleigh, NC is $16.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 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 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 also handle administrative tasks like scheduling appointments and maintaining optical equipment, often working under the supervision of an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

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 do you need to be an ophthalmic assistant?

To become an ophthalmic assistant, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with specialized training or certification in ophthalmic assisting. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with ophthalmic equipment are important for the role. Some positions may require on-the-job training or certification from organizations like the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO).

How much does an optical assistant get paid?

An optical assistant typically earns between $20,000 and $35,000 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. Salaries often include benefits such as training and opportunities for certification in optical dispensing.

How to get a job as an optical assistant?

To become an optical assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may pursue relevant certifications such as a dispensing optician license. Experience in customer service and basic knowledge of optical products and tools are beneficial, and some employers offer on-the-job training for new hires.
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Optical jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Assistant jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Optical Assistant jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Assistant jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Assistant jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Optical Assistant jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Optical Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Optical Assistant job openings in Raleigh, NC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 20% Temporary. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,788 per year, or $16.2 per hour.
Licensed Optician

Licensed Optician

AEG Vision

Chapel Hill, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


AEG Vision rating

5.2

Company rating: 5.2 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 39 rated optical retailers


Job description

Licensed Opticians are responsible for selling & dispensing eyewear and eyewear accessories to patients. They ensure patients are fitted with the right-size frames that fit their needs and lifestyle and dispense lenses with correct prescription and measurements. Licensed Opticians are at the heart of our business. Their technical and customer service skills ensure patient satisfaction and repeat business.
  • Delivers extraordinary experience to each patient. Provides patients with a complete understanding of our customized recommendations for products and services
  • Custom fits glasses & precisely places prescription in lenses
  • Develops own clientele from providing outstanding service and obtaining referrals
  • Assists co-workers with difficult or complex areas of product needs & prescriptions
  • Keeps current on company/industry products and procedures, manufacturer rebates, and types of lenses and frames available
  • Takes and returns patient calls, updating patients on the status of their order and resolving order issues should they arise. Escalates any issues with the Store Manager, as necessary
  • Retrieves patient charts and electronic health records
  • Assists patients in selecting frames, lens type, and lens treatments including tints and coatings; depending on specific patient needs and facial measurements
  • Educates patients on proper eyeglass and contact lens care
  • Collects eye and face measurements to ensure proper fit
  • Interprets prescriptions written by optometrist and ophthalmologist
  • Creates work orders for lab technicians, specifying information on lenses needed
  • Follows-up on all pending orders. Verifies all orders are within the time guidelines given and informs patients of status if delays occur. Notifies patient when orders arrive from lab/manufacturer
  • Dispenses glasses by inspecting the product, checking for proper fit, adjusting if necessary, and asking for feedback
  • Adjusts eyewear to ensure visual acuity, proper fit, and patient comfort. Using various tools, performs eyewear adjustments and repairs
  • Proficient in using tools such as pupilometers, PD Sticks, lensometers, pliers, wrenches, frame warmers, etc.
  • Regularly communicates with technicians and/or store managers, providing additional patient information, or asking for an order status
  • Inspects the final product ensuring there are no flaws; Cleans and polishes lenses using cloths and solvents
  • Cleans and organizes frame boards, displays, mirrors, work bench, office area, bathroom, and breakroom, maintaining overall cleanliness and visual appeal of the store
  • Restocks retail boards with new merchandize
  • Understands product issues and analyzes any problems. Thoroughly and accurately answers patients' questions regarding insurance, warranty, products, materials, services, pricing, upgrades, promotions, etc.
  • Collaborates with technicians, front desk associates, Managers, and Optometrist
  • Sells miscellaneous products such as cleaners, contact lens supply, sunglasses, safety glasses, etc.

Qualifications
  • High School Diploma
  • State Licensure
  • Optical dispensing experience
  • Minimum of one-year experience working as an Optician strongly preferred
  • Experience with HIPAA requirements preferred
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Strong communication skills (verbal and written)
  • Excellent customer service skills and pleasant demeanor, experience with sales preferred
  • Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination
  • Dependability and punctuality
  • Ability to lift up to 30lbs, bend, kneel, and stand up to 8 hrs a day

Benefits
  • 401(k) with Match
  • Medical/Dental/Life/STD/LTD
  • Vision Service Plan
  • Employee Vision Discount Program
  • HSA/FSA
  • PTO
  • Paid Holidays

*Benefits applicable to full Time Employees only.
Physical Demands
  • This position requires the ability to communicate and exchange information, utilize equipment necessary to perform the job, and move about the office.

What AEG Vision employees say

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