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Optical Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Asda

$17 - $21.75/hr

You'll either complete our dedicated Asda Optical Step In training programme or have the opportunity to enroll on to the Level 3 Optical Assistant Apprenticeship, the training route you take depends ...

nLIGHT

Electro-Optical Technician

Longmont, CO

Responsibilities: * Assist in the construction, alignment, and testing of optical and electro-optical components and assemblies (mirrors, lenses, waveplates, dichroics, etc.) in clean-room ...

nLIGHT

Electro-Optical Technician

Longmont, CO · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

Responsibilities: * Assist in the construction, alignment, and testing of optical and electro-optical components and assemblies (mirrors, lenses, waveplates, dichroics, etc.) in clean-room ...

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Optical Assistant information

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How much do optical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 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 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.
More about Optical Assistant jobs
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What states have the most Optical Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Optical Assistant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Optical Assistant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Assistant jobs are:
Optical Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Assistant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,758 per year, or $16.7 per hour.
Optical Assistant - NCEENT of Cary

Optical Assistant - NCEENT of Cary

Duke University

Cary, NC • On-site

Other

Medical, Vision

Posted 26 days ago

Duke University rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

436th of 555 rated colleges and universities

Job description

At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.

Duke Health Integrated Practice

Duke Health Integrated Practice comprises more than 110 primary and specialty outpatient clinics, extending the reach of the Duke Health mission across the state of North Carolina.

$5,000 Commitment Bonus for qualifying candidates! 

JOB LOCATION
NCEENT of Cary - 1010 Tryon Village Drive
JOB SUMMARY
We are seeking an Optical Assistant to be an integral member of the healthcare team and provide direct and indirect care to patients. 
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Analyze and interpret prescriptions.
  • Advise patients of available frame styles, lens designs, materials and coatings.
  • Maintain and clean optical equipment as necessary.
  • Access and assist patients on insurance coverage, and promotions.
  • Enter customer billing/service records.
  • Partner with clinic staff to maintain a high level of patient satisfaction. 
  • Attend and actively participate in staff meetings to maintain and improve technical skills and service levels for patients. 
  • Ensure patient's visual and auditory privacy and maintain patient confidentiality at all times. Ensure HIPAA compliance standards are met.                                                                
  • Interact with staff and co-workers in a manner that promotes positive working relationships.
  • Meet all required competencies and maintain skill level.    
  • Complete required Annual Review and Safety, Compliance, and Infection Control trainings.
  • Flexibility to travel to various optical locations as needed.   
  • Other duties and tasks as assigned.

 
JOB ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
  • One-year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Requires excellent communication skills and a keen understanding of patients with sensory impairment.
  • Must be able to express a caring attitude while performing tasks required with accuracy and efficiency.
  • Ability to communicate professionally, in both verbal and written communication.
  • Basic PC and data entry skills.
  • Ability to organize and prioritize work effectively under stressful situations.


JOB HOURS
The schedule for this position is day shifts, Monday-Friday, with no weekends or holidays.


Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.


Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.


Essential Physical Job Functions:

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.


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About Duke University

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Duke is regarded as one of America's leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools and hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Durham, NC, US

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