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Optical Lab Manager Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

Optical Lab Manager information

See Ames, IA salary details

$77.3K

$83.1K

$87.5K

How much do optical lab manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical lab manager in Ames, IA is $83,146.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,700.00 and $85,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical lab manager?

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 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 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 job categories do people searching Optical Lab Manager jobs in Ames, IA look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Lab Manager jobs in Ames, IA are:

What cities near Ames, IA are hiring for Optical Lab Manager jobs?

Cities near Ames, IA with the most Optical Lab Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Optical Lab Manager job openings in Ames, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,146 per year, or $40 per hour.

Optical Retail Sales Associate PT Ankeny, IA #084

Ankeny, IA • On-site


Eyemart Express
Retail • 1 - 5K employees

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 80 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 40 rated optical retailers

People enjoy working here

Recommended by parents

Respectful managers


$15.25 - $18.75/hr

Part-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Optical Retail Sales Associate Part 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 stores 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 help improve lives by helping people see better.

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

The Retail Sales Associate, also known as a Retail Optician, will primarily assist patients in selecting the eyeglass frames, lenses, and lens coatings that best suit their needs. The Retail Associate will also be responsible for ensuring the lab technicians have accurate measurements and prescription information for grinding, coating, and fitting lenses to the frames. Once the glasses are complete, the Retail Associate is responsible for dispensing the glasses to the patient.

Responsibilities:

  • Customer Service: Provide exceptional customer service to all patients.

  • Sales and Promotions: Maintain knowledge of current sales and promotions as well as policies regarding payment, returns, and exchanges.

  • Transaction Processing: Compute and process payment transactions/refunds using the in-house Point of Sale system.

  • Insurance Claims: Process insurance claims efficiently.

  • Product Knowledge: Maintain up-to-date knowledge of products.

  • Patient Files: Create and maintain patient files, following company and HIPAA policies regarding confidentiality.

  • Patient Assessment: Assess and interpret patient’s needs/wants based upon prescription requirements, facial features, lifestyle, and occupation, and suggest the most appropriate products (i.e., frames, lens type, coatings).

  • Measurements: Take necessary measurements (i.e., measuring the patient’s pupillary distance).

  • Work Orders: Prepare work orders for the lab ensuring all pertinent information is listed (i.e., patient information, prescription, lens size/type, measurements, special tinting or coating, etc.).

  • Lens Selection: Pull correct lenses according to work order specifications.

  • Product Inspection: Inspect the final product for accuracy; adjust completed glasses to fit the patient using pliers, hands, and heat if necessary to bend frames accordingly.

  • Adjustments and Repairs: Adjust/repair damaged frames, replace nose pads, and missing screws.

  • Merchandise Management: Price, stock, and straighten merchandise.

Requirements:

  • High School Diploma or GED.

  • Experience working in retail, customer service, or sales.

  • Experience working in the optical industry is preferred but not required. We are willing to train.

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.



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