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Optical Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Manager - Optical

Colton, CA · On-site

$17.60 - $21.97/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 ...

Lead Optical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$138K - $179K/yr

Conduct optical system modeling, simulation, and performance analysis using tools such as Zemax, Code V, FRED, or similar optical analysis software. * Develop and execute optical test plans to ...

Optical Dispenser

Riverside, CA · On-site

$33.62 - $36.55/hr

Under limited supervision, measures pupil distance and bridge width, adjust eyeglass frames and assist patients in selecting optical items to conform with corresponding optical prescriptions and ...

Optical Dispenser

Fontana, CA · On-site

$33.62 - $36.55/hr

Under limited supervision, measures pupil distance and bridge width, adjust eyeglass frames and assist patients in selecting optical items to conform with corresponding optical prescriptions and ...

Optical Tech I

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$16.07 - $27.48/hr

Optical Technician 1 We are looking for talent to join our Optical Fabrication team. Under general supervision, you will operate and maintain machines, fabricate optical parts, perform inspections ...

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Optical Assistant information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$9

$17

$21

How much do optical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical assistant in Riverside, CA is $17.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.06 and $19.04 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 are the most commonly searched types of Optical jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Optical jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA? For Optical Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Optical Assistant jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Optical Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Optical Assistant job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,262 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

Licensed Optician - Assistant Manager - Bilingual

National Vision

Fontana, CA • On-site

$20.35 - $27.84/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


National Vision rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 153 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 39 rated optical retailers


Job description

Licensed Optician - Assistant Manager - Bilingual

Full-time

Salary Range: $20.35 - $27.84 per hour

Compensation: USD 20.35 - USD 27.84 - hourly

Company Description

America's Best is part of National Vision, one of the largest optical retailers in the United States. The America's Best brand continues to grow with over 1,000 stores and counting. Each location combines both parts of the optical equation – eyewear and eye care – into one excellent experience at a single low price.

At National Vision, we believe everyone deserves to see their best to live their best. We help people by making quality eye care and eyewear more affordable and accessible.

By overseeing the daily operations of our stores, including personnel management and inventory control, our Assistant Eyeglass Managers keep customers coming back by providing a positive experience from start to finish – and keeping associates happy, too.

How would you like Sundays off? Yes, every Sunday we're closed!

Job Description

What would you do? – The Specifics

  • Drives, monitors, and achieves profit, sales and performance goals according to National Vision standards. Monitors retail operating costs, budgets, and resources.
  • Optimizes and oversees the eyeglass department to ensure efficiency and compliance with company's policies and operational guidelines. Identifies areas of opportunity and creates an action plan for improvement.
  • Conveys a commitment to providing outstanding customer service and ensures all associates do the same.
  • Ensures quality standards are met.
  • Ensures effective merchandising and execution of marketing, pricing promotions, and initiatives according to Brand and Company standards.
  • Supervises and motivates Opticians and CL Sales associates (in some stores the Receptionist) and ensures the timely completion of day-to-day functions.
  • Assists the General Manager with forecasting staffing needs, recruiting, selecting and retaining a high caliber staff.
  • Leads and coaches associates towards the attainment of sales and customer service goals.
  • Mentor potential Apprentice Opticians as permitted by law.
Qualifications

Are you the right fit? – The Suitable Talent

  • Fluent in reading and speaking both English and Spanish.
  • Maintain Optical license as required by the state.
  • Optical sales experience. Supervising experience is preferred.
  • Proven ability to lead, coach and build associate relationships.
  • Sound understanding of store operations and standards for success.
  • Strong communication skills (both oral and written) for effective management of teams.
  • Exceptional customer service skills.
  • Strong organizational skills for planning work and continuously monitoring progress towards goals.
  • Ability to analyze, create, and understand financial reports.
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze and solve problems of varied scope.
  • ABO and NCLE Certified
Additional Information

At National Vision, we reward hard work with competitive pay, bonus opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package to support you and your family now and in the future. Our Benefits Include:

  • Health & Dental Insurance
  • 401k Retirement Savings
  • Flex Spending Account
  • Generous Paid Time Off & Company Holidays
  • Parental Leave
  • Employee Eyewear Discount
  • Overtime pay when applicable

Focus on Professional Growth and Career Fulfillment:

  • Training programs available
  • Access to educational courses
  • Emphasis on internal promotions and career advancement

At National Vision, you'll enjoy more than just a job – you'll have the chance to thrive in a rewarding career, surrounded by a supportive team and endless opportunities for growth. Join us today and see your future clearly!

We are an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

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What National Vision employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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About National Vision

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At National Vision we believe everyone deserves to see their best to live their best. We help people by making quality eye care and eyewear more affordable and accessible. National Vision is one of the largest optical retail companies in the United States with over 1,300 stores in 44 states plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. We operate five retail brands: America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses, Eyeglass World, Vision Centers inside select Walmart stores and Vista Optical inside Fred Meyer stores and on select military bases. We employ over 14,000 people including a network of over 2,000 optometrists. We offer an innovative culture where training is a priority, hard work is praised, and career growth is a reality.

Industry

Retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Duluth, GA, US

Year founded

1990