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Optical Assistant Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Sydor Optics Inc.

Optical Technician

Rochester, NY · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

Sydor Optics, Inc. is a Rochester-based leader in flat-surfaced precision optics with over 60 years of innovation and manufacturing excellence. From our modern facility in Chili, NY, just minutes ...

Sydor Optics Inc.

Optical Technician

Rochester, NY · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

Sydor Optics, Inc. is a Rochester-based leader in flat-surfaced precision optics with over 60 years of innovation and manufacturing excellence. From our modern facility in Chili, NY, just minutes ...

IDEX

Optical Fabricator

West Henrietta, NY

Optical Fabricator This role is onsite and nonexempt. This role reports to the Glass Shop Supervisor Why Work for Us * Be part of a team driving innovation in advanced materials and thin-film ...

Corning

Optical Fabrication Engineer

Fairport, NY · On-site

$84K - $116K/yr

Role Purpose Corning is seeking an Optical Fabrication Engineer for its advanced optics technology center in Rochester, New York. This onsite role typically works Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM ...

Corning

Optical Fabrication Engineer

Fairport, NY

$84K - $116K/yr

Role Purpose Corning is seeking an Optical Fabrication Engineer for its advanced optics technology center in Rochester, New York. This onsite role typically works Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM ...

Corning

Optical Fabrication Engineer

Fairport, NY · On-site

$84K - $116K/yr

Role Purpose Corning is seeking an Optical Fabrication Engineer for its advanced optics technology center in Rochester, New York. This onsite role typically works Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM ...

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All JobsOptical Assistant JobsOptical Assistant Jobs in Rochester, NY

Optical Assistant information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$9

$16

$19

How much do optical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical assistant in Rochester, NY is $16.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $18.03 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 often perform administrative tasks, prepare prescriptions, and support optometrists or ophthalmologists in clinical settings. Good communication skills and knowledge of optical products are important for this role.

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.

Do you need qualifications to be an optical assistant?

Optical assistants typically do not require formal qualifications, but having a relevant qualification such as a Level 2 or Level 3 diploma in optical retail or ophthalmic dispensing can improve job prospects. Employers often value good communication skills, basic math, and customer service experience. On-the-job training is common for new optical assistants.

How much does an optical assistant get paid?

An optical assistant typically earns between $25,000 and $40,000 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. The role often requires knowledge of optical equipment and customer service skills.

Do I need a degree to be an optical assistant?

Optical assistants typically do not need a degree but should have good communication skills and basic knowledge of optical products. Many employers provide on-the-job training, and relevant certifications can enhance job prospects. Formal education requirements vary by employer and location.
More about Optical Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Optical jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY? For Optical Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Optical Assistant jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Optical Assistant job openings:
Optical Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Assistant job openings in Rochester, NY as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 23% Full Time, 61% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 10% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,295 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Optical Assistant

O'Neil's Vision Inc. DBA- Pearle Vision

Rochester, NY • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Full Job Description

Full time optical assistant/technician with benefits available. Very competitive hourly rate.

Seeking courteous, professional, hard working person to schedule appointments, prescreen patients, order contact lenses, verify insurances and cash out eye exams and medical visits.

Customer service experience required- 1 year minimum

Job Type: Full-time

Experience:

  • Optical experience preferred: 1 year (Required)

Company Description

Pearle Vision Pittsford Plaza