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Optical Associate Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

EyeCare Associates

Optical Sales

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$15 - $18.50/hr

SUMMARY An Optical Technician will achieve a world class Total Patient Experience that maximizes retail sales while also supporting the patients' medical needs. This team member is trained to ...

EyeCare Associates

Optical Sales

Birmingham, AL

$15 - $18.50/hr

SUMMARY An Optical Technician will achieve a world class Total Patient Experience that maximizes retail sales while also supporting the patients' medical needs. This team member is trained to ...

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Optical Associate information

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an Optical Associate, and how do they collaborate with optometrists and other team members?

Optical Associates are responsible for assisting customers with frame selection, explaining lens options, fitting and adjusting eyewear, and processing sales transactions. They work closely with optometrists by preparing patients for eye exams, managing patient records, and ensuring a seamless handoff between the exam and eyewear selection. Collaboration with lab technicians and other associates is also essential to ensure timely and accurate fulfillment of eyewear orders. This team-oriented environment helps maintain a high level of customer service and operational efficiency.

What is the highest paid optometry job?

The highest paid optometry jobs are typically in specialized fields such as ocular disease, vision therapy, or in leadership roles like clinic directors or private practice owners. These positions often require advanced certifications, extensive experience, and may involve managing multiple locations or teams, leading to higher compensation.

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

Optical associates typically earn less than $3,000 per month, but roles such as commercial truck drivers, sales representatives, or skilled trades like electricians and HVAC technicians can reach or exceed this income without requiring a college degree. These jobs often rely on vocational training, certifications, or on-the-job experience rather than formal higher education.

What is the difference between Optical Associate vs Optical Technician?

AspectOptical AssociateOptical Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification may enhance prospectsHigh school diploma; specialized training or certification often required
Work EnvironmentOptical retail stores, eyewear clinics, optical departmentsLaboratories, manufacturing facilities, optical labs
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting customers, measuring for glasses, helping with frame selectionFabricating, repairing, and adjusting lenses and frames

Optical Associates typically work directly with customers in retail settings, focusing on sales and customer service, while Optical Technicians work behind the scenes in labs, handling lens fabrication and adjustments. Both roles require knowledge of eyewear and customer interaction, but differ mainly in technical versus sales responsibilities.

What are Optical Associates?

Optical Associates are professionals who assist customers in optical stores or eye care clinics. They help clients select eyeglasses or contact lenses, perform basic vision screenings, and provide information about frame styles, lens options, and insurance coverage. Optical Associates also handle administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, processing payments, and maintaining patient records. They play an important role in ensuring customers have a positive experience when purchasing eyewear and receiving eye care services.

Can you be an optical assistant with no experience?

Optical assistants can often start with little or no prior experience, as on-the-job training is common. Basic skills in customer service, attention to detail, and familiarity with optical equipment can be helpful, and some employers may require or prefer certification or training programs. Experience requirements vary by employer, but entry-level positions are typically accessible to newcomers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optical Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Associate, you need strong customer service skills, basic optical knowledge, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, lens measurement tools, and sometimes certification such as ABO-NCLE can be beneficial. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure accurate optical dispensing, positive customer experiences, and efficient workflow in a retail or clinical eye care environment.

Do I need a degree to be an optical assistant?

Optical assistants typically do not need a college degree but should have a high school diploma or equivalent. On-the-job training or certification in optical dispensing or customer service can be beneficial, and some employers may prefer candidates with relevant certifications or experience. Strong communication skills and familiarity with optical products are also important for the role.
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical jobs in Alabama? The most popular types of Optical jobs in Alabama are:
What cities in Alabama are hiring for Optical Associate jobs? Cities in Alabama with the most Optical Associate job openings:
Optical Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Associate job openings in Alabama as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 61% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.
Optical Retail Sales Associate FT Florence, AL #112

Optical Retail Sales Associate FT Florence, AL #112

Eyemart Express

Florence, AL

$14.25 - $17.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago

Eyemart Express rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 80 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 39 rated optical retailers

Job description

Optical Retail Sales Associate Full Time

30 years ago Dr. Barnes founded Eyemart Express to deliver everything a patient needs. It started with one friendly shop in Appleton, WI and has since expanded to over 245 in 42 states. Today, Eyemart Express is celebrated for promptly delivering quality eyewear at great prices, while maintaining great relationships with optometrists and local communities. We’re not like everyone else, with local labs in stores, eye exams and same-day delivery on glasses — our customers never miss a moment. Now, you can join one of the nation’s top optical retailers and get to improve lives by helping people see better.

Earning Potential: The earning potential for this role is competitive, inclusive of base pay and incentives.

As a Retail Associate, you'll guide patients in selecting eyeglass frames, lenses, and coatings tailored to their needs. You'll ensure accurate measurements and prescription information for our lab technicians, oversee the production process, and provide personalized care when dispensing glasses to patients.

Responsibilities

  • Provide Exceptional Customer Service: Use your optical expertise and product knowledge to precisely meet customer needs, ensuring personalized and informed interaction

  • Stay informed about sales, promotions, and company policies

  • Process payments and refunds using our Point of Sale system

  • Educate patients on eyeglass care

  • Process insurance claims

  • Maintain up-to-date product knowledge

  • Create and manage patient files with confidentiality in mind

  • Interpret prescription requirements

  • Take necessary measurements, prepare work orders, and inspect final products for accuracy

  • Adjust and repair frames as needed

  • Price, stock, and organize merchandise

Requirements

  • High School Diploma or GED

  • Optical industry experience is a plus!

  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written

Benefits

  • Health Insurance

  • Vision Insurance

  • Dental Insurance

  • Matching 401k

  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability

  • Life Insurance

  • Fully paid benefits to maintain licensing requirements and opportunities for advancement

At Eyemart Express, we're dedicated to excellence in everything we do. We understand the importance of work-life balance and strive to be as flexible as possible with scheduling needs to ensure our team members can achieve harmony between work and personal life.

If you're ready to join a company that values excellence, invests in your future, and respects your need for balance, submit your resume today! Eyemart Express is where your career takes off.

This posting provides an overview of the role. A full job description will be provided upon hire.

VSP Vision is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to age, gender, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability or protected veteran status. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.

What Eyemart Express employees say

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