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Optical Assistant Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Refocus Eye Health

Optical Assistant

Reston, VA · On-site

We are seeking an energetic and customer-focused Optical Sales Associate to join our growing ... Maintain clean, well-organized frame displays, assist with inventory counts, and stay informed on ...

ReFocus Eye Health

Optical Assistant

Reston, VA

Description We are seeking an energetic and customer-focused Optical Sales Associate to join our ... Maintain clean, well-organized frame displays, assist with inventory counts, and stay informed on ...

ReFocus Eye Health

Optical Assistant

Reston, VA · On-site

Job Type Full-time Description We are seeking an energetic and customer-focused Optical Sales ... Maintain clean, well-organized frame displays, assist with inventory counts, and stay informed on ...

ReFocus Eye Health

Optical Assistant

Reston, VA · On-site

Job Type Full-time Description We are seeking an energetic and customer-focused Optical Sales ... Maintain clean, well-organized frame displays, assist with inventory counts, and stay informed on ...

KBR

Optical Technician

Greenbelt, MD

$62K - $93K/yr

... * Assist with assembly, inspection, cleaning, bonding, and handling of precision optical components ... Support logistics and facility readiness for integration and testing activities * Travel to off ...

KBR, Inc.

Optical Technician

Greenbelt, MD · On-site

$62K - $93K/yr

... * Assist with assembly, inspection, cleaning, bonding, and handling of precision optical components ... Support logistics and facility readiness for integration and testing activities * Travel to off ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$164K - $213K/yr

Provide optical subject matter expertise to program managers and manufacturing staff. * Assist in creating manufacturing work instructions. * Transition relevant fabrication or test benches from the ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA

$130K - $168K/yr

Provide optical subject matter expertise to program managers and manufacturing staff. * Assist in creating manufacturing work instructions. * Transition relevant fabrication or test benches from the ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA

$130K - $168K/yr

Provide optical subject matter expertise to program managers and manufacturing staff. * Assist in creating manufacturing work instructions. * Transition relevant fabrication or test benches from the ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$130K - $168K/yr

Provide optical subject matter expertise to program managers and manufacturing staff. * Assist in creating manufacturing work instructions. * Transition relevant fabrication or test benches from the ...

QinetiQ

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA

$164K - $213K/yr

Provide optical subject matter expertise to program managers and manufacturing staff. * Assist in creating manufacturing work instructions. * Transition relevant fabrication or test benches from the ...

Saic

Optical Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$200 - $240/hr

Optical Engineering and Fiber Optics: * Design, develop, and test optical components and systems, including fiber optic networks and devices * Perform characterization and analysis of optical systems ...

SAIC

Optical Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$200K - $240K/yr

Optical Engineering and Fiber Optics: * Design, develop, and test optical components and systems, including fiber optic networks and devices * Perform characterization and analysis of optical systems ...

SAIC

Optical Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$200K - $240K/yr

Optical Engineering and Fiber Optics: * Design, develop, and test optical components and systems, including fiber optic networks and devices * Perform characterization and analysis of optical systems ...

SAIC

Optical Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$200K - $240K/yr

Optical Engineering and Fiber Optics: * Design, develop, and test optical components and systems, including fiber optic networks and devices * Perform characterization and analysis of optical systems ...

Fibertek

Optical Communication Engineer

Herndon, VA

$80K - $145K/yr

As an optical communications engineer, you will be responsible for designing and building optical space terminals. Work includes optical space lasercom design, hand-on building space flight optical ...

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All JobsOptical JobsOptical Assistant JobsOptical Assistant Jobs in Washington, DC

Optical Assistant information

See Washington, DC salary details

$10

$18

$22

How much do optical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical assistant in Washington, DC is $18.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.02 and $20.19 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.

More about Optical Assistant jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Optical jobs in Washington, DC are:

What are popular job titles related to Optical Assistant jobs in Washington, DC?

For Optical Assistant jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optical Assistant jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Assistant jobs in Washington, DC are:

Optical Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Assistant job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,426 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Optical Assistant

Refocus Eye Health

Reston, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Vision

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Description:

We are seeking an energetic and customer-focused Optical Sales Associate to join our growing optical boutique within our medical ophthalmology practice. This role bridges medical eye care and retail styling, helping patients select frames, lens options, and specialty optical products that fit their prescription, lifestyle, and personal taste.


Key Responsibilities
  • Patient Engagement: Welcome patients post-exam, review optical prescriptions, and guide them through frame styling, lens options (e.g., progressive, anti-reflective, blue light), and sunglasses.
  • Order Management: Accurately enter optical orders, measure pupillary distance (PD) and segment heights, and ensure precise specifications are sent to the optical lab.
  • Insurance & Billing: Verify vision insurance benefits (e.g., VSP, Eyemed), explain coverage and out-of-pocket costs clearly to patients, and process payments.
  • Dispensing & Adjustments: Dispense finished eyewear to patients, perform minor frame adjustments and repairs, and troubleshoot fit or vision comfort issues.
  • Merchandising & Inventory: Maintain clean, well-organized frame displays, assist with inventory counts, and stay informed on current eyewear trends and promotions.
Qualifications & Skills
  • High school diploma or equivalent (prior retail, sales, or customer service experience preferred).
  • Experience in an optical setting, medical office, or retail environment is a plus.
  • Strong communication skills with a warm, professional demeanor.
  • High attention to detail when entering prescription measurements and order data.
  • Ability to multitask in a fast-paced medical practice setting.

We Care: We prioritize patients, colleagues, and families with compassionate, leading care and treat all with dignity and respect.

We Collaborate: We work together with patients, seeking diverse input to share and grow innovative ideas.

We Elevate: Committed to excellence, we exceed expectations by delivering leading eye care research, innovation, education, and outreach.


Refocus is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity.


Requirements: