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Optical Lab Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Sr Customer Care Specialist

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$16.25 - $21.50/hr

Strong understanding of optical lab workflows * Experience with CRM platforms and telephony systems * Strong communication skills with a customer-focused approach This posting is for an existing ...

Sr Customer Care Specialist

Sioux City, IA

$16.25 - $21.50/hr

Strong understanding of optical lab workflows * Experience with CRM platforms and telephony systems * Strong communication skills with a customer-focused approach This posting is for an existing ...

Optician

Tama, IA · On-site

$38K - $58K/yr

Managing the ordering of frames and lenses, follow up on lab work as necessary * Adjust, repair ... Take precise measurements necessary for eyewear, including pupillary distance, optical center ...

Optician

Tama, IA · On-site

$38K - $58K/yr

Managing the ordering of frames and lenses, follow up on lab work as necessary * Adjust, repair ... Take precise measurements necessary for eyewear, including pupillary distance, optical center ...

Optician

Tama, IA

$38K - $58K/yr

Managing the ordering of frames and lenses, follow up on lab work as necessary * Adjust, repair ... Take precise measurements necessary for eyewear, including pupillary distance, optical center ...

Patient Coordinator

Davenport, IA

$16.25 - $21.50/hr

Ensure brand standards are met in the lab area, and notify management of equipment malfunctions ... Now Optics d/b/a Stanton Optical Brand is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits ...

Patient Coordinator

Davenport, IA · On-site

$15 - $20.25/hr

Ensure brand standards are met in the lab area, and notify management of equipment malfunctions ... Now Optics d/b/a Stanton Optical Brand is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits ...

Ensure brand standards are met in the lab area, and notify management of equipment malfunctions ... Optical experience is a plus Now Optics d/b/a Stanton Optical Brand is an Equal Opportunity ...

Ensure brand standards are met in the lab area, and notify management of equipment malfunctions ... Optical experience is a plus Now Optics d/b/a Stanton Optical Brand is an Equal Opportunity ...

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Showing results 1-20

Optical Lab Manager information

See Iowa salary details

$74.2K

$79.8K

$84.1K

How much do optical lab manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical lab manager in Iowa is $79,837.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $82,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectOptical Lab ManagerOptical Lab Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or equivalent; some roles prefer certifications in optical technologyHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical training or certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentOversees lab operations, manages staff, and ensures quality controlPerforms lens cutting, fitting, and assembly under supervision
Industry UsageUsed in optical labs, eyewear manufacturing, and retail optical storesCommonly employed in optical labs and retail optical settings

The Optical Lab Manager focuses on overseeing lab operations, managing staff, and maintaining quality standards, while the Optical Lab Technician handles the hands-on production of lenses and eyewear. Both roles are essential in optical manufacturing but differ in responsibilities and required credentials.

What does an Optical Lab Manager do?

An Optical Lab Manager oversees the daily operations of an optical laboratory, where eyeglasses and lenses are manufactured and assembled. Their responsibilities include managing staff, ensuring quality control, maintaining equipment, and overseeing inventory. They also work closely with optometrists and opticians to ensure prescriptions are accurately fulfilled and that safety and industry standards are met. Additionally, they may handle budgeting, training, and implementing new technologies or processes to improve efficiency.

What are some common challenges faced by Optical Lab Managers, and how can they be addressed?

Optical Lab Managers often encounter challenges such as maintaining high-quality standards while meeting tight production deadlines and managing a diverse team of technicians. Keeping up with rapidly advancing lens technologies and equipment can also be demanding. Addressing these challenges involves implementing robust quality control systems, providing ongoing staff training, and fostering strong communication between the lab team and optometrists. Effective inventory management and staying informed about industry best practices also help ensure smooth operations.

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

To thrive as an Optical Lab Manager, you need expertise in optical sciences, lens manufacturing processes, and quality control, typically supported by experience in optical labs or a related technical degree. Familiarity with lens surfacing equipment, edging machines, and lab management software is essential, along with certifications such as ABO-NCLE or equivalent. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help manage teams and ensure workflow efficiency. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining high production standards, minimizing errors, and delivering excellent customer service in a laboratory environment.
What are popular job titles related to Optical Lab Manager jobs in Iowa? For Optical Lab Manager jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Lab Manager jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Lab Manager jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Optical Lab Manager jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Optical Lab Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Optical Lab Manager job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,837 per year, or $38.4 per hour.
General Manager/Lab Manager in Des Moines Area

General Manager/Lab Manager in Des Moines Area

Eyemart Express

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Eyemart Express rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 80 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

21st of 39 rated optical retailers


Job description

General Interest Requisition:
This is for a full time positions.
Are you looking for a career that will bring you "home?" A career with a company that has one of the absolute best store leadership teams on the planet?! Well, you just found it!
One of the nation's TOP optical companies, Eyemart Express is seeking candidates with strong retail or technical skills for open positions at one of our local stores. For nearly 30 years, Eyemart Express has been setting the pace and the standard when it comes to delivering an awesome customer experience along with great prices and the fastest service anywhere! We have full-service labs in every one of our stores! And we're growing every year with new stores opening throughout the country. Your career growth potential is endless!
So, if you're looking to join a company that leads the industry in service, quality & speed, and that is rapidly expanding to well over 200 stores, then Eyemart is the place for you! If you have the drive, the talent, along with the leadership experience in bringing teams together and exceeding goals, then we want to talk to you. Take a look at some of the things the role consists of and send us your resume today!
Eyemart Express is accepting applications for candidates that meet any of the Job Descriptions listed below. This is a General Interest Requisition for multiple open positions in multiple locations. If selected to move forward in the hiring process, you will be contacted by a Recruiter or Hiring Manager for a phone interview to determine the best fit for position and location. The Job Description for each position is listed below.
General Manager:
Eyemart Express is accepting applications for candidates with a strong retail optical background for a Management position at one of our store locations. Under the direction of their District Manager and/or Regional Vice President, the General Manager will be responsible for ensuring that all customers who enter the store are professionally assisted with the purchase of eyewear. This is a leadership role, responsible for the enforcement of all Eyemart policies and procedures. A General Manager will perform sales, customer service, lab, and administrative work, in addition to ordering materials and supplies, inventory control, home office reporting, establishing and monitoring lab production, store sales, and quality goals. This role is also responsible for establishing store budgets and cost controls, human resource functions (recruiting, training, coaching, counseling, and termination), P&L control, A/R control, store facility maintenance, and for establishing and maintaining positive doctor relationships.
Optical Lab Manager:
Eyemart Express is accepting applications for candidates with a strong optical lab background for a position at one of our store locations. Under the direction of the store's General Manager and the District Lab Manager, the Lab Manager will be responsible for ensuring that all customers who enter the store receive their glasses in a timely manner. This is a leadership role, responsible for the enforcement of all Eyemart policies and procedure.
Education and Experience Requirements:
Vary depending upon positions listed above. This is a General Interest Requisition. If selected to continue in the hiring process, a Recruiter or Hiring Manager will initiate a phone interview and move your application to the most relevant position/location that will be the best fit for both the candidate and the company. Specific requirements will be listed in the Job Posting you are placed in after best fit is determined.
All positions must meet the following requirements:
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Experience working in the optical industry is preferred

Skills and Abilities
Vary depending upon positions listed above. This is a General Interest Requisition. If selected to continue in the hiring process, a Recruiter or Hiring Manager will initiate a phone interview and move your application to the most relevant position/location that will be the best fit for both the candidate and company. Specific requirements will be listed in the Job Posting you are placed in after best fit is determined.
All position must meet the following criteria:
  • Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time (up to 8 hours per day per scheduled shift)

Duties and Responsibilities
Vary depending upon positions listed above. This is a General Interest Requisition. If selected to continue in the hiring process, a Recruiter or Hiring Manager will initiate a phone interview and move your application to the most relevant position/location that will be the best fit for both the candidate and company. Specific requirements will be listed in the Job Posting you are placed in after best fit is determined.
Working Environment
Vary depending upon positions listed above. This is a General Interest Requisition. If selected to continue in the hiring process, a Recruiter or Hiring Manager will initiate a phone interview and move your application to the most relevant position/location that will be the best fit for both the candidate and company. Specific requirements will be listed in the Job Posting you are placed in after best fit is determined.
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.

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