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Optical Dispensing Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Optometry - Ophthalmic Assistant

Ontario, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

COA or COT, Optician Certification OR 2+ Years of experience as an ophthalmology or optometry technician OR 2-3+ years Retail optical dispensing experience required. * Previous experience in a ...

Optometrist

Riverside, CA · On-site

$94.35 - $115.29/hr

Works effectively as team member with other areas of Vision Services which includes Optical Lab and Optical Dispensing. * Promotes member satisfaction by ensuring the provision of a high level of ...

Optometrist-Per Diem

Riverside, CA · On-site

$94.35 - $115.29/hr

Works effectively as team member with other areas of Vision Services which includes Optical Lab and Optical Dispensing. * Promotes member satisfaction by ensuring the provision of a high level of ...

Optometrist

Fontana, CA · On-site

$94.35 - $115.29/hr

Works effectively as team member with other areas of Vision Services which includes Optical Lab and Optical Dispensing. * Promotes member satisfaction by ensuring the provision of a high level of ...

Showing results 21-40

Optical Dispensing information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$15

$20

$29

How much do optical dispensing jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical dispensing in Riverside, CA is $20.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.08 and $22.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is optical dispensing?

Optical dispensing is the process of interpreting optical prescriptions and fitting customers with suitable eyewear, such as glasses or contact lenses. Optical dispensers, also called dispensing opticians, help clients choose frames, measure their facial features, and ensure that lenses are correctly made and fitted. They also provide advice on lens options, coatings, and maintenance. Optical dispensing is a customer-focused role that combines technical knowledge with people skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical dispenser?

To thrive as an Optical Dispenser, you need a solid understanding of optical products, vision correction principles, and spectacle fitting, usually supported by a Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing or equivalent experience. Familiarity with lens edging machines, optical dispensing software, and frame adjustment tools is highly valuable. Excellent interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and customer service orientation help you build trust and deliver personalized solutions. These competencies ensure accurate prescription fulfillment, high customer satisfaction, and safe, effective eyewear fitting.

What are some common challenges faced by optical dispensers when balancing customer service and technical accuracy?

Optical dispensers often need to balance providing excellent customer service with ensuring the precise fitting and adjustment of eyewear. A common challenge is translating complex optical prescriptions into practical recommendations that suit each customer's lifestyle and preferences, all while maintaining accuracy and compliance with optical standards. Additionally, dispensers may need to manage time effectively during busy periods and work closely with optometrists and laboratory technicians to resolve issues promptly. Strong communication skills and attention to detail are essential for success in this dynamic environment.

What is the difference between Optical Dispensing vs Optical Technician?

AspectOptical DispensingOptical Technician
CredentialsCertification often preferred (e.g., NCLE)Technical training or certification
Work EnvironmentOptical retail stores, labsLaboratories, manufacturing facilities
Job FocusCustomer service, selecting and fitting glassesLens fabrication, equipment operation

Optical Dispensing primarily involves assisting customers in selecting and fitting eyewear, focusing on customer service and product knowledge. In contrast, Optical Technicians concentrate on lens fabrication and technical tasks within labs. While both roles require technical skills and certifications, Optical Dispensing emphasizes direct customer interaction, making it ideal for those interested in retail and sales in the optical industry.

How do you become a optical dispensing?

To become an optical dispenser, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and complete a formal training program or apprenticeship in optical dispensing. Certification or licensing may be required depending on the state or country, and strong customer service skills and knowledge of eyewear products are important for success in this role.

Is being an optical dispenser hard?

Being an optical dispenser involves customer service, attention to detail, and knowledge of eyewear and prescriptions. The job requires good communication skills, manual dexterity, and often certification or training, but it is generally considered manageable with proper training and experience.

Is optical dispensing a good career?

Optical dispensing is a stable career that involves fitting and selling eyeglasses and contact lenses, often requiring certification or training. It offers regular hours and the opportunity to work in retail or healthcare settings, with job prospects influenced by demand for vision correction services.

What are popular job titles related to Optical Dispensing jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Optical Dispensing jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optical Dispensing jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Dispensing jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Optical Dispensing jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Optical Dispensing job openings:

Infographic showing various Optical Dispensing job openings in Riverside, CA as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 2% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,510 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Optometry - Ophthalmic Assistant

San Bernardino, CA • On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Full-time

Vision

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

At Unicare, we strive to provide high quality health care to the community we serve. Our goal is to provide easily accessible, comprehensive, and affordable health care to every family member, while reducing visits to emergency rooms and urgent care facilities. Our mission is to be a community health care organization that treats everyone with dignity and, respect and cultural sensitivity to help create an environment in which all can prosper.
Job Summary
The Ophthalmic Assistant provides clinical and administrative support to Optometrist. Including welcoming and assisting patients, obtaining medical and ocular histories, performing preliminary eye testing and diagnostic procedures, documenting patient information accurately, preparing patients for examinations, and maintaining ophthalmic equipment and supplies.
Duties/Responsibilities:
The following reflects management's definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time with reasonable accommodation.
  • Verify vision insurance benefits (e.g., VSP, IEHP) and explain coverage to patients.
  • Process eyewear and contact lens orders, track laboratory status, and notify patients arrival.
  • Manage the appointment calendar, handle patient check-in/check-out procedures, and coordinate referrals.
  • Conduct preliminary diagnostic tests, including visual acuity, auto-refraction, tonometry and ....
  • Gather and document patient medical history, current medications, and chief complaints into Electronic Health Records (EHR).
  • Sanitize examination rooms and prepare necessary instruments between patient visits.
  • Conduct Visual Fields, Retinal Imaging (OCT and Retinal Camera), pachymetry and other ophthalmic specialty test....
  • Instruct new wearers on the proper insertion, removal, and hygienic care of contact lenses.
  • Assist patients in selecting eyewear for their prescription, facial features, and personal style.
  • Take facial measurements, such as Pupillary Distance (PD) and segment height
  • Fit, adjust, and perform minor repairs on eyeglasses.
  • Explain various lens options, anti-reflective coatings, blue light filters, and progressive designs.

Non-Essential Functions
  • As directed by the Director of Optometry and Regional Optician, performs other related and/or necessary tasks to achieve organizational and programmatic goals and objectives.

Professional Requirements
  • Adhere to dress code, appearance is neat and clean.
  • Maintain current license, registrations and/or certifications.
  • Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
  • Report to work on time and as scheduled as attendance and punctuality is necessary.
  • Ability to work well with a multidisciplinary team.
  • Ability to problem solve and be self-motivated.
  • Maintain regulatory requirements, including all state, federal and local regulations.
  • Represent the organization in a positive and professional manner at all times.
  • Comply with all organizational policies and standards regarding ethical business practices.
  • Communicate the mission, ethics and goals of the organization.
  • Must have excellent written and oral skills, strong organizational, problem-solving and analytical skills.
  • Expected to have strong interpersonal skills and have the ability to understand and follow written/verbal instructions.
  • Able to work independently with little or no supervision.
  • Must have reliable transportation.

Qualifications
  • High school diploma, or GED required.
  • COA or COT, Optician Certification OR 2+ Years of experience as an ophthalmology or optometry technician OR 2-3+ years Retail optical dispensing experience required.
  • Previous experience in a medical office, retail, or hospitality setting preferred.
  • Bilingual in English/Spanish required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Excellent people skills, with an ability to partner with a dynamic leadership team.
  • strong interpersonal communication, empathy for patient needs, and a professional demeanor.
  • Possess personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and commitment to corporate mission.
  • Flexible and able to multitask; can work within an ambiguous, fast-moving environment, while also driving toward clarity and solutions; demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities.
  • Maintain current knowledge of policies and procedures as they relate to safe work practices.
  • Follow all safety procedures and report unsafe conditions.
  • Ability to work with a diverse population.
  • Willing to work flexible hours, including evenings.
  • Must be self-directed and work productively with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to work effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary team
  • Demonstrated proficiency in using Microsoft applications such as Word, Excel, Access, Outlook
  • Knowledge of Electronic Health Records
  • Thorough knowledge of basic science and optics, familiarity with optometric and/or ophthalmic procedure related to preliminary testing.
  • Basic knowledge of instillation of optometric diagnostic and therapeutic pharmaceuticals as applied to the practice of optometry.

Critical for accurate data entry of prescriptions and taking precise measurements.
  • Demonstrate the skills to provide age-appropriate care to the clients of the clinic.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the principals of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to interpret information relative to the patients age related needs.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Conditions
  • Prolonged periods of sitting and working on a computer.
  • Pushing and pulling objects up to 25 lbs.
  • Frequent wrist, hand, and finger dexterity to perform fine motor function.
  • Position requires light to moderate work with 25 lb. maximum weight to lift and carry.
  • Full range of body motion requires twisting body, pushing, pulling, reaching, bending, stooping, and handling objects with hands and/or fingers, listening, talking, and/or hearing, and seeing.
  • Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Working Conditions
  • Non-Ionizing Radiation (microwaves)
  • Hazardous Exposure (chemical [E.G. Latex] and infectious)

Work Schedule
  • You will generally be scheduled to work each day Monday through Friday, with starting times each day varying between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. and ending time between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., as required to meet the operational needs of the company. There will be occasional Saturdays as needed.

You will need to travel to other clinic locations as needed for cross coverage support.
Our Mission
The mission of Unicare is to be a community health care organization that treats everyone with dignity, respect and cultural sensitivity to help create an environment in which all can prosper.
Let Unicare Community Health Center be your choice that meaningful work that makes a difference in the community we serve.