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

You will be involved in system modeling to assist in design and validation. You will work with a ... Hands-on experience with lab equipment for optical and electrical characterization Pay & Benefits ...

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Fiber Optic Scopes * Flexible Sigmoidoscopes * High-Level Disinfection (HLD) * Instrument ... BLS Certification (AHA) * Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or SGNA Certification required

Perform mechanical inspections of precision-machined components using CMM (optical and touch probe ... actions. * Assist with quality, manufacturing, and continuous improvement activities while ...

Perform mechanical inspections of precision-machined components using CMM (optical and touch probe ... actions. * Assist with quality, manufacturing, and continuous improvement activities while ...

Perform wafer disposition and data analysis. * Assist with logistics support in set-up, scheduling ... Previouse Experience in optical manufacturing and/or any manufacturing environment; experience in ...

Perform wafer disposition and data analysis. * Assist with logistics support in set-up, scheduling ... Previouse Experience in optical manufacturing and/or any manufacturing environment; experience in ...

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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 Jul 21, 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 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.
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:
Licensed Optician

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Costco rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 1,900 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

California applicants: Please click here to review the Costco Applicant Privacy Notice.
The jobs listed are examples of the typical kinds of positions that Costco may hire for when openings exist.
The listing does not mean that any positions are currently open or available at Costco.
Position Summary:
Assists members in choosing and ordering eyeglasses, uses computer to process orders, fits eyeglasses, and dispenses eyeglasses and contacts under the supervision of a licensed optician. Provides prompt and courteous member service. Follows department procedures for stocking and cleaning.
For additional information about pay ranges, click here.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, health benefits (medical/dental/vision/hearing aid/pharmacy/behavioral health/employee assistance), health care reimbursement account, dependent care assistance plan, short-term disability and long-term disability insurance, AD&D insurance, life insurance, 401(k), and stock purchase plan to eligible employees.

What Costco employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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About Costco

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Costco is a membership warehouse club, dedicated to bringing our members the best possible prices on quality brand-name merchandise. With more than 800 locations worldwide, Costco provides a wide selection of merchandise, plus the convenience of specialty departments and exclusive member services, all designed to make your shopping experience a pleasurable one. Today, as the company evolves, it stays true to the qualities that helped attract and retain millions of loyal members around the globe: Commitment to quality. Costco warehouses carry about 4,000 SKUs (stock keeping units) compared to the 30,000 found at most supermarkets. By carefully choosing products based on quality, price, brand, and features, the company can offer the best value to members.

Industry

Retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Issaquah, WA, US

Year founded

1983