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Optical Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

TRL11, Inc.

Lead Optical Engineer

Irvine, CA

$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 ...

Attalon, Inc.

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 ...

Essilor

Target Optical - Licensed Optician

Norco, CA

Requisition ID: 929505 Store # : 006724 Target Optical Position: Full-Time Total Rewards: Benefits/Incentive Information At Target Optical, we love the neighborhoods we belong to and that's why we ...

MARSHALL B KETCHUM UNIVERSITY

Optician

Anaheim, CA

$20 - $26/hr

Reporting to the Director of Optical Services at Ketchum Health. The Optician will assume the lead ... Ensure patients get excellent service in person or over the phone. * Assist being flexible in ...

Chao Vision Institute

Optician

Irvine, CA · On-site

$24 - $32/hr

Knowledge of effective sales techniques This role utilizes dedicated optical spreadsheets along ... Growth opportunities include cross-training as an Optometrist Assistant and specialization in ...

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All JobsOptical JobsOptical Assistant JobsOptical Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA

Optical Assistant information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$9

$17

$21

How much do optical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 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 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 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 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:
Optical Assistant jobs near you

Lead Optical Engineer

TRL11, Inc.

Irvine, CA

$138K - $179K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Responsibilities:

  1. Develop and optimize systems involving lenses, sensors, or imaging devices
  2. Conduct optical system modeling, simulation, and performance analysis using tools such as Zemax, Code V, FRED, or similar optical analysis software.
  3. Develop and execute optical test plans to validate system performance at component, subsystem, and payload levels.
  4. Design and implement optical test setups including alignment tools, calibration methods, and metrology procedures.
  5. Define optical acceptance criteria and support verification activities for payload integration and end-of-line testing.
  6. Support manufacturing and assembly processes involving optics, including defining handling procedures, contamination control, and alignment processes.
  7. Analyze test data and troubleshoot optical performance issues during development, integration, and production.
  8. Support root-cause investigations for optical performance deviations and recommend corrective actions.
  9. Conduct research on new materials and emerging optical technologies to keep R&D aligned with the latest advancements.
  10. Ideal candidates will be able to contribute in areas of secondary responsibility, such as structural or thermal simulation, manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, or systems engineering.

Requirements

  1. Bachelor's or Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics/Electrical Engineering or a related field
  2. 5-10+ years of experience in optical design or a related field
  3. Strong understanding of physics, optics materials, and/or laser systems Proficiency in optical design software (Zemax, Code V, Light tool or similar)
  4. Experience with imaging systems or laser systems
  5. Experience with OnShape, Solidworks, or similar CAD
  6. Strong understanding of thermal and structural analysis of optical designs
  7. Experience with optomechanical alignment, calibration and testing procedures
  8. Preferred experience with optics designed for visible, NIR, and LWIR transmission

Benefits

  • Fast paced, energetic startup culture, where you'll learn a lot, have great impact, and have fun doing it
  • Bonus, 401k, Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Unlimited Paid Time Off (with prior approval), for Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays, Maternity, Paternity
  • Possible Stock Option Plan participation, based on performance and tenure.

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