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Optical Assistant Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

Optician

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$23.55 - $28.11/hr

Verify all optical prescriptions. * At the direction of the Optometrist, enter lab orders for lenses and frames through online designated online portal/s. * Assist Optometrist as needed. * Follows ...

Optician

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$23.55 - $28.11/hr

Verify all optical prescriptions. * At the direction of the Optometrist, enter lab orders for lenses and frames through online designated online portal/s. * Assist Optometrist as needed. * Follows ...

Optician

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$23.55 - $28.11/hr

Verify all optical prescriptions. * At the direction of the Optometrist, enter lab orders for lenses and frames through online designated online portal/s. * Assist Optometrist as needed. * Follows ...

Optician-Empire Optometry

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$18.75 - $24.25/hr

This role involves assisting customers in selecting eyewear, ensuring accurate prescription fulfillment, and maintaining a welcoming and professional optical environment. Duties : - Assist patients ...

Shipping Specialist

Novato, CA · On-site

$20.50 - $23/hr

Zenni Optical is looking for a Shipping Specialist to join our growing team. The primary ... Be flexible and willing to learn new tasks and procedures as required * Assist in maintaining the ...

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Optical Assistant information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$10

$18

$22

How much do optical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical assistant in Santa Rosa, CA is $18.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $19.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

Do you need a qualification to be an optical assistant?

Optical assistants typically do not require formal qualifications, but having relevant training or certifications in optical care or customer service can be beneficial. Employers may also provide on-the-job training to develop necessary skills for working with optical equipment and assisting customers.

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 involves customer service, lens fitting, and using optical equipment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical jobs in Santa Rosa, CA?

The most popular types of Optical jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Optical Assistant jobs in Santa Rosa, CA?

For Optical Assistant jobs in Santa Rosa, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optical Assistant jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Assistant jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Optical Assistant jobs?

Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Optical Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Optical Assistant job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,003 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Staff Optical Coating Process Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA

II-VI Incorporated
Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

$141K - $182K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

  • Have in-depth knowledge of reactive magnetron sputtering processes and their relationship to thin-film growth processes sufficient to understand their effects on optical, structural and mechanical properties of multilayer thin films.
  • Have sufficient analytical knowledge of automated thin film vacuum sputter deposition chamber operation to support Process change decisions regarding; Programmable Logic Controllers, Agility HMI automation, process control interfaces, process control setup, laser monitoring, Manufacturing execution system and database interface. 
  • Have in depth knowledge and experience with vacuum equipment including, pumps, valves, feedthroughs, Mass flow valves, pressure gauges, magnetron cathodes, heaters and heat control systems.
  • Understand Optical thin-film design theory and how to use Optical thin-film design codes for characterizing manufacturing errors. Working knowledge of basic design building blocks, effective indices and the various applications of symmetric design components.
  • Analytical knowledge of automated Optical monitoring systems used for accurate layer thickness control of coatings with as many as 400 layers and synchronous control of deposition process.
  • Ability to interpret and analyze data from radiometric fiber optic measurement system utilizing grin lenses and tunable laser sources. 
  • Working together with engineers in a team environment where project actions are interdependent upon multiple team members where shared ideas may be accepted or challenged in an effort to achieve the best outcome for all.
  • Responsible for daily decisions on process, product and equipment problems and their impact on production costs and on-time delivery commitments.
  • Develop new tools and processes for manufacturing new products and integrate them into the manufacturing systems.
  • Interact closely with the Manufacturing team to monitor and clarify procedures.
  • Support Planning and Manufacturing to optimize product flow, throughput and on-time delivery goals.
  • Perform continuous process improvement and development of tools to assist engineering and manufacturing in evaluation of processes, diagnosis of equipment failures, product and business. Support decisions using measurable statistics.
  • Maintain and optimize predictive tools to maximize run yields and minimize downtime.
  • Perform product qualifications for new products or for specified process changes
  • Write or modify work instructions for tasks associated with coating processes, measurement instrumentation and software tool utilized by technicians.
  • Participate in major development efforts driven by Management and work together with Senior engineers to identify how to best support the effort
  • Communicate well with outside vendors and customers, fostering good working relationships.

Education & Experience

  • BS degree or higher in Engineering, Physics or related field
  • 5 years of professional optical coating process engineering in manufacturing.

Skills

  • In depth knowledge of reactive magnetron sputter deposition processes, thin film growth processes and their interrelationships
  • In depth knowledge of thin film design theory, thin film design code development and product application.
  • General knowledge of statistical software packages, interpretation of statistics and an ability to clearly communicate statistical results to others.
  • Experience Decreasing/Eliminating process variations using problem solving methodologies to; understand root causes, confirm hypotheses, implement resolutions, and optimize improvement
  • General knowledge optical thin film metrology for telecommunication filters 
  • Familiarity with Matlab/Visual Basic/Labview/Python codes for equipment control and data analysis and proficient in one of these languages.
  • Have proficient general computer skills. Some examples are; experience with commercial thin film software, and other programs, Word, Excel, power point etc.
  • Experience TFCALC preferred.

Working Conditions

  • Shift and 'on-call' work may be required, particularly where manufacturing/production equipment is in continual 24-hour operation.

Physical Requirements

  • Able to lift and move up to 25lbs without assistances 

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.

Quality and Environmental Responsibilities

Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

Culture Commitment

Ensure adherence to company's values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:

Integrity - Create an Environment of Trust

Collaboration - Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

Accountability - Own the Process and the Outcome

Respect - Recognize the Value in Everyone

Enthusiasm - Find a Sense of Purpose in Work


 

Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.


 

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at talentacquisition@coherent.com.


 

Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!
Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.