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Optical Assistant Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

SEE Eyewear

Optical Stylist, Part-Time

Washington, DC · On-site

$19.75 - $25.50/hr

OPTICAL STYLIST SEE Eyewear is addicted to uncovering hidden gems--and not just within our product assortment. We believe that finding the perfect frames starts with finding the perfect people. At ...

Pearle Vision of Glen Burnie MD

Optician

Glen Burnie, MD

$16.75 - $21.75/hr

Utilize optical prescription in conjunction to the patient's visual requirements. * Recommend specific lenses, and lens coatings to suit patient needs. * Assist patients in the selection of frames ...

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All JobsOptical JobsOptical Assistant JobsOptical Assistant Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Optical Assistant information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$9

$17

$20

How much do optical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical assistant in Silver Spring, MD is $17.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $18.85 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 also handle administrative tasks like scheduling appointments and maintaining optical equipment, often working under the supervision of an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

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 do you need to be an ophthalmic assistant?

To become an ophthalmic assistant, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with specialized training or certification in ophthalmic assisting. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with ophthalmic equipment are important for the role. Some positions may require on-the-job training or certification from organizations like the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO).

How much does an optical assistant get paid?

An optical assistant typically earns between $20,000 and $35,000 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. Salaries often include benefits such as training and opportunities for certification in optical dispensing.

How to get a job as an optical assistant?

To become an optical assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may pursue relevant certifications such as a dispensing optician license. Experience in customer service and basic knowledge of optical products and tools are beneficial, and some employers offer on-the-job training for new hires.
More about Optical Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical jobs in Silver Spring, MD? The most popular types of Optical jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD? For Optical Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Optical Assistant jobs? Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Optical Assistant job openings:
Optical Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Assistant job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,823 per year, or $17.2 per hour.
Electro-Optical Engineer with Security Clearance

Electro-Optical Engineer with Security Clearance

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD

$128K - $166K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Description Do you like to work with sophisticated electro-optical systems? Do you have a desire to work in a cutting-edge R&D environment solving the nation's toughest challenges while working for a top-rated employer? If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL! JHU/APL is seeking an Electro-Optical Engineer to be a part of a team of scientists and engineers that conceives, designs, builds, and tests complex electro-optical systems. As an Electro-Optical Engineer, you will: * Conduct in-depth analysis of electro-optical sensors and systems
* Design, simulate, analyze, prototype, and test optical systems and sensors at the component, subsystem, and system levels
* Develop new test capabilities that will assess the performance of both new and fielded optical systems
* Develop and refine tools, techniques, models, simulations, algorithms, and software for the testing and evaluation of electro-optic systems
* Develop and maintain optical test equipment for electro-optical seeker and sensor systems
* Work with project and program management and with peers across the organization to ensure that test results provide critical contributions to the most critical challenges the nation faces in air and missile defense. Qualifications You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you... * A Bachelor's degree in engineering, optics, physics, mathematics, or a related field.
* Experience in analysis, design, development, or testing of electro-optical instruments or sensors
* Proficiency in data analysis and the interpretation of physical measurements as real-world phenomena
* Demonstrated strengths in understanding and solving sophisticated technical problems.
* Ability to speak and write for audiences of varying levels of technical knowledge
* Availability to travel up to 10% of the time as needed.
* An active Secret security clearance and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI. If selected, you will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship. You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you... * An MS or PhD degree or equivalent in a relevant technical field.
* Experience in system-level requirement analysis, engineering, and evaluation of electro-optical sensors, systems, and subsystems
* Experience with visible and infrared detectors (CCD, CMOS, microbolometer, InSb, HgCdTe, Type II SLS, etc.)
* Ability to perform radiometric/photometric modeling of electro-optical sensor systems in both the visible and the infrared spectrum
* Interdisciplinary familiarity of systems including optical, electro-optical, electrical, software, and mechanical engineering
* Experience in system engineering and project management.
* Experience with integrated software/hardware systems.
* Current TS/SCI clearance. About Us Why Work at APL? The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates. At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact . The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Minimum Rate $100,000 Annually Maximum Rate $290,000 Annually

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