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Optical Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Asda

$17.25 - $22.25/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 ...

Heritage Valley Eye Care

Optician

Santa Paula, CA

$16.50 - $26/hr

Welcome and assist patients in a professional and friendly manner * Help patients select frames and lenses based on prescription, lifestyle, and preferences * Take accurate optical measurements ...

nLIGHT

Electro-Optical Technician

Longmont, CO · On-site

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

$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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Searhc

Optometric Assistant

Sitka, AK · On-site

$25 - $30.04/hr

This position requires/develops skills as an optometry assistant including optical and imaging duties through on-the-job and self-training modules. Customer service, attention to detail, clear ...

New

Asda

Optical Manager

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

With tasks including managing your team of Optometrists and Optical assistants, overseeing compliance processes and procedures, reviewing sales forecasting and department targets whilst also dealing ...

Asda

With tasks including managing your team of Optometrists and Optical assistants, overseeing compliance processes and procedures, reviewing sales forecasting and department targets whilst also dealing ...

Searhc

Optometric Assistant I

Juneau, AK · On-site

$25 - $30.04/hr

This position requires/develops skills as an optometry assistant including optical and imaging duties through on-the-job and self-training modules. Customer service, attention to detail, clear ...

Searhc

Optometric Assistant II - 0.5 FTE

Juneau, AK · On-site

$25 - $31.88/hr

This position requires/develops skills as an optometry assistant including optical and imaging duties through on-the-job and self-training modules. Customer service, attention to detail, clear ...

Asda

Optical Manager

West Dundee, IL · On-site

With tasks including managing your team of Optometrists and Optical assistants, overseeing compliance processes and procedures, reviewing sales forecasting and department targets whilst also dealing ...

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Optical Assistant information

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How much do optical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 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 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.
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Optical Assistant jobs near you
Quantum and Optical Communications-Assistant Staff

Quantum and Optical Communications-Assistant Staff

MIT Lincoln Laboratory

Lexington, MA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

The Optical and Quantum Communication Group develops impactful quantum and classical technologies and system prototypes for use in a wide range of challenging applications in terrestrial, space and underwater environments. Primary areas of research include the development of novel entangled-photon source technologies and quantum memory systems; novel quantum link architectures; sensitive single-photon receivers; novel modulation and coding approaches; multi-format laser-comm modems; robust and compact free-space optical beam directors; and precision beam pointing, link acquisition and tracking systems. The group is leveraging these technologies for use in prototype systems that are deployed in the field to inform next-generation quantum and classical optical system capabilities. Examples of near-term field tests include terabit-per-second direct-to-Earth small-satellite constellations, near-Earth wideband relay laser communication terminal hardware for space and ground terminal use, and next-generation beam-director prototypes that are inherently scalable to deep-space optical comm systems, and quantum state transfer across a regional quantum network testbed.
Position Description
The group is seeking a full time Assistant Staff member to contribute to research and development activities for quantum networking and free-space optical communications technologies and systems. Examples of current technology development activities include on-demand entangled photon-sources, single-photon detector arrays, parametric nonlinear optical devices, quantum memory and synchronization subsystems, adaptive optics systems, and optical modem technologies.
The primary goal for the candidate upon joining the group will be to support integration and testing of these technologies in a laboratory environment and in laboratory and fielded testbeds. This work will include significant interactions with other staff working in the group. We anticipate that the candidate will also support additional ongoing efforts in the group including quantum technology development and free-space laser communication terminal development and testing.
Minimum Qualifications
  • B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering or Physics with experience or coursework in nonlinear optics and/or quantum mechanics

Recent Graduate Hiring Range: $100,200 - $120,000
Experienced Hiring Range: $100,200 - $150,000
Disclaimer: MIT Lincoln Laboratory provides a typical hiring range as a good faith estimate of what we reasonably expect to offer for this position at the time of posting. The final salary offered to a selected candidate will depend on various factors, including-but not limited to-the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate's experience, skills and education/training, internal equity considerations and applicable legal requirements. This range reflects base salary only and does not include additional forms of compensation or benefits.
At MIT Lincoln Laboratory, our exceptional career opportunities include many outstanding benefits to help you stay healthy, feel supported, and enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance. Benefits offered to employees include:
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
  • MIT-funded pension
  • Matching 401K
  • Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)
  • Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs
  • Mentorship programs
  • A range of work-life balance options
  • ... and much more!

Please visit our Benefits page for more information. As an employee of MIT, you can also take advantage of other voluntary benefits, discounts and perks.
Selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret level DoD security clearance.
MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required.
Requisition ID: 42888

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