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Optical Lab Assistant Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Shopko Optical

Optical Sales Associate

Freeport, IL · On-site

$15 - $21/hr

Prepare work orders for Optical Lab. Process medical billing information. Maintain frame inventory ... needs · Assist patients in selecting frames according to style and color. Ensure frames are ...

Shopko Optical

PT Optical Sales Associate

Freeport, IL · On-site

$15 - $21/hr

Prepare work orders for Optical Lab. Process medical billing information. Maintain frame inventory ... needs · Assist patients in selecting frames according to style and color. Ensure frames are ...

Shopko Optical

PT Optical Sales Associates

Antioch, IL · On-site

$19.50 - $27.30/hr

Prepare work orders for Optical Lab. Process medical billing information. Maintain frame inventory ... needs · Assist patients in selecting frames according to style and color. Ensure frames are ...

Fielmann USA

Optical Sales Associate

Machesney Park, IL · On-site

$18.50 - $25.90/hr

Prepare work orders for Optical Lab. Process medical billing information. Maintain frame inventory ... needs · Assist patients in selecting frames according to style and color. Ensure frames are ...

Fielmann USA

Optical Sales Associate

Rockford, IL · On-site

$19.50 - $27.30/hr

Prepare work orders for Optical Lab. Process medical billing information. Maintain frame inventory ... needs · Assist patients in selecting frames according to style and color. Ensure frames are ...

New

Shoptikal, LLC

PT Optical Sales Associate

Lakemoor, IL · On-site

$18.50 - $25.90/hr

Prepare work orders for Optical Lab. Process medical billing information. Maintain frame inventory ... needs · Assist patients in selecting frames according to style and color. Ensure frames are ...

Fielmann USA

PT Optical Sales Associate

Crystal Lake, IL · On-site

$19.50 - $27.30/hr

Prepare work orders for Optical Lab. Process medical billing information. Maintain frame inventory ... needs · Assist patients in selecting frames according to style and color. Ensure frames are ...

Bard Optical

Lead Optician

Moline, IL

$19/hr

Bard Optical is number 37 of the top 50 optical retailer in the US and as part of an eyewear ... The Lead Optician will set the example for their office, will assist the Office Manager with ...

Vision Care Associates (C)

Optician

Springfield, IL · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Attend and assist with quarterly inventory audits * Ensure appearance of Optical Department is kept ... the lab, etc. is imperative. Pace of the Environment Must be able to work at a fast pace.

Vision Care Associates (C)

Optician

Springfield, IL · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Attend and assist with quarterly inventory audits * Ensure appearance of Optical Department is kept ... the lab, etc. is imperative. Pace of the Environment Must be able to work at a fast pace.

University of Utah

Lab Technician

Campus, IL · On-site

$19 - $21.63/hr

Surgical Procedures * Assist with and, following training, independently perform stereotaxic ... optic fibers. * Perform diligent post-operative care and monitoring to ensure animal welfare.

University of Utah

Lab Technician

Campus, IL · On-site

$19 - $21.63/hr

Surgical Procedures * Assist with and, following training, independently perform stereotaxic ... optic fibers. * Perform diligent post-operative care and monitoring to ensure animal welfare.

Pavletic Eye Care

Optician

La Grange, IL · On-site

$20 - $26/hr

Make suggestions on frames, and assist patients in choosing the best option for them * Take facial ... Prepare specific orders for the ophthalmic lab * Explain pricing, insurance, and payment options to ...

Pavletic Eye Care

Optician

La Grange, IL · On-site

$20 - $26/hr

Make suggestions on frames, and assist patients in choosing the best option for them * Take facial ... Prepare specific orders for the ophthalmic lab * Explain pricing, insurance, and payment options to ...

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All JobsOptical Lab JobsOptical Lab Assistant JobsOptical Lab Assistant Jobs in Illinois

Optical Lab Assistant information

What is an optical lab assistant?

Optical Lab Assistants are professionals who work in optical laboratories to help manufacture, assemble, and repair eyeglasses and other vision-related devices. They are responsible for tasks like cutting, grinding, and edging lenses, fitting lenses into frames, and performing quality checks on finished products. Optical Lab Assistants support optometrists and opticians by ensuring that eyewear meets prescription specifications and quality standards. Their work requires attention to detail, manual dexterity, and familiarity with optical equipment and safety protocols.

What does an optical lab assistant do?

As an Optical Lab Assistant, your daily responsibilities will often include preparing and edging lenses, assembling eyeglasses, inspecting finished products for quality, and maintaining lab equipment. You'll also assist with ordering supplies, managing inventory, and sometimes interact with optometrists or dispensing staff to clarify prescriptions. The role requires attention to detail and the ability to work efficiently in a team-oriented lab environment, where collaboration and communication help ensure fast turnaround times and high-quality eyewear.

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

To thrive as an Optical Lab Assistant, you need a solid understanding of optical terminology, attention to detail, and basic math skills, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with lens edging machines, lensometers, and laboratory management systems is typically required. Strong organizational skills, manual dexterity, and the ability to work efficiently as part of a team help you stand out in this position. These skills are crucial to ensure the accurate preparation of eyewear, maintain quality control, and support smooth workflow in a fast-paced optical laboratory environment.

What is the difference between Optical Lab Assistant vs Optical Technician?

AspectOptical Lab AssistantOptical Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingPost-secondary education or certification in optics or related field
Work EnvironmentOptical labs, manufacturing facilitiesOptical labs, clinics, manufacturing settings
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with lens processing, cleaning, and basic assemblyPrecision lens grinding, fitting, and quality control
Industry UsageCommonly employed in optical labs and retail settingsMore specialized, often in larger labs or manufacturing

Optical Lab Assistants typically perform basic support tasks in optical labs, requiring minimal formal education. Optical Technicians have more advanced skills, often involving specialized training or certification, and handle more complex lens fabrication and quality control. Both roles are essential in optical manufacturing but differ in complexity and responsibilities.

How to work at an optical lab assistant?

To work as an optical lab assistant, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and basic knowledge of optical products. Responsibilities include assisting with lens cutting, assembly, and quality control, often using specialized equipment. Good attention to detail, manual dexterity, and the ability to follow safety procedures are important for success in this role.

Is optical lab assistant a good career?

An optical lab assistant plays a key role in manufacturing and fitting eyeglasses, often working with optical equipment and lenses. The job typically offers steady employment, opportunities for skill development, and may require attention to detail and basic technical knowledge. It can be a good entry-level career in the healthcare and retail sectors for those interested in optics and customer service.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Lab jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Optical Lab jobs in Illinois are:

Infographic showing various Optical Lab Assistant job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 59% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Optical Sales Associate

Freeport, IL • On-site

Shopko Optical
Fitness and Sports Centers • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Shopko Opticalexternal

$15 - $21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Shopko Optical rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Optician Pay rate is $15.00 to $21.00 per hour

Are you looking for an opportunity to provide great customer service and patient care and grow your career? Shopko Optical is seeking a Full-time Optical Sales Associate to join our team in Freeport, IL. 

On-the-job training provided, no experience necessary.

 POSITION SUMMARY:  

Provide excellent patient and customer service in the selection, ordering and dispensing of eyewear. Complete pre-screening activities prior to patient exams. Prepare work orders for Optical Lab. Process medical billing information. Maintain frame inventory.  

  Taking Care of our teams who take Care of our Patients

  • Competitive Wages & Sales Incentives
  • Competitive time off package including vacation pay, volunteer pay paid holidays, and a personal day
  • Sick Pay: Eligible teammates accrue Sick/ Safe leave per state law   
  • Health & Wellbeing Benefits Medical, Life, Dental, vision, Short- & Long-term Disability 
  • Voluntary/Cafeteria Offerings
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • On the Job Training & Certification
  • Teammate Recognition Program

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

CUSTOMER SERVICE  

· Provide excellent customer and patient service according to company and Optical Center standards  

· Analyze patient eyewear needs  

· Recommend specific lenses, lens coatings and frames to satisfy patient needs  

· Assist patients in selecting frames according to style and color. Ensure frames are coordinated with facial and eye measurements and optical prescriptions  

· Order and dispense eyewear accurately and professionally  

· Assist patients with proper frame repairs and adjustments  

· Show patients how to insert, remove and care for their contact lenses  

· Assist Optometrist with case histories and screenings  

BUSINESS AND OPERATIONAL STANDARDS  

· Maintain a complete knowledge of third-party plans and claims  

· Explain promotions and special lens offerings to patients and customers  

· Balance accounts  

· Prepare work orders containing specific instructions for Optical Lab  

· Process medical billing information  

· Ensure proper merchandising of frame inventory  

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS REQUIREMENTS:  

· High School Graduate or equivalent  

· Maintain license as required by state

· To become Certified, teammate must complete Shopko OCE Certification requirements and calendar modules  

· Previous experience in an office and/or optical dispensing is preferred  

· Able to handle multiple customer interactions/phone calls at a time  

· Able to work with patient eyewear needs including analyzing prescriptions, repairs and adjustments and lifestyle dispensing  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & WORK REQUIREMENTS:  

 · Ability to effectively communicate at all levels within the organization through written and two-way verbal communication  

· Able to read and write at a high school graduate level  

· Able to sit or stand for extended periods of time  

· Able to operate various office equipment (e.g., personal computer, telephone, fax machine, copier, etc.)  

· Ability to lift 10 to 20 pounds  

· Ability to see (Near, Distance, Color, and Depth Perception)  

· Manual and finger dexterity, as well as hand/arm steadiness  

· Ability to grip and hold items  

· Good eye and hand coordination  

· Able to operate a cash register, various optical equipment and tools  

· Able to work normal and/or extended (evenings, nights, and weekends) office hours to meet established deadlines  

· Able to travel independently to support Company objectives and personal development  

These statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by teammates assigned to this job classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.  

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