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Optical Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Richard L Barnes OD PA

Optical Assistant

Conway, AR · On-site

$16 - $22/hr

Optical sales in glasses, contact lenses and patient care including but not limited to contact lens fittings, medical testing and invoicing out visits. Must have sales experience, be personable ...

Riverside

$16.80 - $21.83/hr

Overview Works with the supervision of the Optical Manager and Practice Director. Designs, fits ... Assist patients with selecting frames, measures patients for size of eyeglasses and coordinates ...

Riverside Health System Non-Providers

$16.80 - $21.83/hr

Overview Works with the supervision of the Optical Manager and Practice Director. Designs, fits ... Assist patients with selecting frames, measures patients for size of eyeglasses and coordinates ...

Li & Liao Optometry

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Optical Assistant Eyewear Sales

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $18/hr

Similar to a medical assistant, the position requires a workup of the patient for an exam, to include taking a medical & eye history and preliminary testing. 2) Optical Eyewear sales, based on the ...

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Optical Assistant information

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How much do optical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical assistant in the United States is $16.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $18.27 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
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Optical Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Assistant job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 12% Full Time, 71% 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 $34,758 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Optical Assistant

Richard L Barnes OD PA

Conway, AR • On-site

$16 - $22/hr

Part-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Optical sales in glasses, contact lenses and patient care including but not limited to contact lens fittings, medical testing and invoicing out visits. Must have sales experience, be personable, attention to detail, multi-task, and be reliable. Hours M-F 8a-2:30pm.

Company Description

Visioncare Arkansas