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Optical Lab Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

... optical prescription ... Prepares lab orders containing instructions for grinding and mounting lenses in frames. Verifies ...

... optical prescription ... Prepares lab orders containing instructions for grinding and mounting lenses in frames. Verifies ...

Electro-Optics Lab Technician

Hampton, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $22/hr

Psionic, LLC. is seeking an Electro-Optics Lab Technician who will be working in the engineering ... Fabricate optical subassemblies and integrate the subassemblies with electrical and mechanical ...

Electro-Optics Lab Technician

Hampton, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $22/hr

Psionic, LLC. is seeking an Electro-Optics Lab Technician who will be working in the engineering ... Fabricate optical subassemblies and integrate the subassemblies with electrical and mechanical ...

Electro-Optics Lab Technician

Hampton, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $22/hr

Psionic, LLC. is seeking an Electro-Optics Lab Technician who will be working in the engineering ... Fabricate optical subassemblies and integrate the subassemblies with electrical and mechanical ...

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

Measures patients for size of eyeglasses and coordinates frames with facial and eye measurements and optical prescription. Prepares lab orders containing instructions for grinding and mounting lenses ...

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

Measures patients for size of eyeglasses and coordinates frames with facial and eye measurements and optical prescription. Prepares lab orders containing instructions for grinding and mounting lenses ...

Optician RMG

Newport News, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $20.25/hr

Measures patients for size of eyeglasses and coordinates frames with facial and eye measurements and optical prescription. Prepares lab orders containing instructions for grinding and mounting lenses ...

LensCrafters - Team Lead

Richmond, VA · On-site

$16.75 - $19.50/hr

Assists in the achievement of store success by managing key optical & lab processes (if applicable) & systems to exceptional results. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES While working in Retail

LensCrafters - Team Lead

Richmond, VA · On-site

$16.75 - $19.50/hr

Assists in the achievement of store success by managing key optical & lab processes (if applicable) & systems to exceptional results. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES While working in Retail

Integrated optical sensors and supporting electronics are necessary to achieve high-performance requirements. The successful candidate will be familiar with the integrated photonics lab testing ...

Integrated optical sensors and supporting electronics are necessary to achieve high-performance requirements. The successful candidate will be familiar with the integrated photonics lab testing ...

Integrated optical sensors and supporting electronics are necessary to achieve high-performance requirements. The successful candidate will be familiar with the integrated photonics lab testing ...

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$130K - $168K/yr

... from the lab to the field. * Provide optical subject matter expertise in support of developmental, prototype, and transition to manufacturing efforts. * Perform DRI (detection, recognition ...

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Optical Lab information

See Virginia salary details

$11

$21

$55

How much do optical lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical lab in Virginia is $21.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $20.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Optical Lab Technician, you need a solid understanding of lens fabrication, optical measurements, and quality control, typically supported by a high school diploma or technical training in optics. Familiarity with lens edgers, surfacing machines, and digital measurement systems is essential, and certifications from organizations like the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) can be beneficial. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and strong problem-solving skills help ensure precision and efficiency in daily tasks. These skills are critical for producing high-quality eyewear that meets both industry standards and customer needs.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In the optical lab industry, high-paying roles such as senior lab managers or specialized opticians can reach six-figure salaries, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or ownership of a lab. However, most positions in optical labs typically do not pay $500,000 annually, as such earnings are more common in executive or entrepreneurial roles across various industries.

What is the difference between Optical Lab vs Optical Technician?

AspectOptical LabOptical Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, training in lens fabricationHigh school diploma, certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing setting, working with lens equipmentRetail or clinical setting, assisting with eyewear fitting
Job FocusFabricating and finishing lensesAssisting with eyewear adjustments and measurements

Optical Lab and Optical Technician roles are related but distinct. The Optical Lab primarily focuses on lens fabrication and finishing in a manufacturing environment, requiring specialized skills and equipment. In contrast, Optical Technicians often work directly with customers or in retail settings, assisting with eyewear fitting and adjustments. Both roles require knowledge of optics but differ in daily tasks and work settings.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in an Optical Lab and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in an Optical Lab often encounter challenges such as maintaining precise quality control, managing high volumes of orders, and adapting to rapidly evolving lens technologies. Attention to detail is crucial, as even small errors can impact a patient's vision and satisfaction. To address these challenges, it’s important to follow strict standard operating procedures, utilize continuous training on new equipment, and foster strong communication with optometrists and sales teams to ensure accuracy and timely delivery.

What is the highest paid optometry job?

The highest paid optometry jobs typically include specialized roles such as optometrists with advanced certifications or those working in private practices, hospitals, or specialized clinics. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and subspecialty areas like ocular disease or vision therapy, with some earning over $150,000 annually. Leadership positions such as clinic directors or optometry practice owners also tend to have higher compensation.

What is an optical lab?

An optical lab is a specialized facility where prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other optical devices are manufactured and assembled. These labs use advanced machinery and skilled technicians to cut, grind, and coat lenses according to a patient's prescription. Optical labs also fit lenses into frames, check for quality, and ensure that each pair of glasses meets the required standards for vision correction and safety.

What is the highest paid lab technician?

The highest paid lab technicians are often those working in specialized fields such as pharmaceutical or industrial laboratories, with salaries reaching over $60,000 annually. Experience, certifications, and advanced technical skills can significantly increase earning potential in this role.

Do you need a degree to be an optical lab tech?

An optical lab technician typically does not need a college degree but should have a high school diploma or equivalent. Training is often provided on the job, and skills in handling optical equipment and understanding lens prescriptions are important. Certification is not required but can enhance job prospects.
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Lab jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Optical Lab jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Optical Lab jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Optical Lab job openings:
Infographic showing various Optical Lab job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 51% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 32% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,961 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Hampton, Virginia


Overview
Works with the supervision of the Optical Manager and Practice Director. Designs, fits, and adapts lenses, frames/ and or contact lenses for patients according to written optical prescription or specifications. Assist patients with selecting frames, measures patients for size of eyeglasses and coordinates frames with facial and eye measurements and optical prescription. Prepares lab orders containing instructions for grinding and mounting lenses in frames. Verifies exactness of finished lens spectacles. Adjust frame and lens positions to fit patients. Performs administrative duties such as tracking inventory, submitting patient insurance claims, and performs simple bookkeeping. Arranges and maintains displays of optical merchandise.
What you will do

  • Medicare claim information no less than 80% compliant to Medicare standards. Charges posted in COS, patient receipts and ABN forms are consistently completed correctly and obtains delivery signatures and dates.
  • Collects insurance plan authorizations and accurately explains plan coverage and limitations to patients. Accurately calculates, files, and collects any co-payments and surcharges under patient vision plan/discount plan. Patient data, insurance, prescription and purchase information accurately entered into computer system. Collects a minimum of 50% of order balance before placing order. Accurately post payments in the computer system and provides patients with invoices. Upon dispensing of eye wear, verifies an collects outstanding balances and change status of order to DELIVERED in computer system.
  • Maintains high customer service expectations for the patients and their families, physicians, optical team members and visitors. Responds to and with the managers approval, resolves patient service issues, including lab manufacturing delays and frame back orders to ensure an equitable solutions is found that provides high patient service levels and reduces patient refunds. During Short periods of staffing or heavy workload assists with patients as necessary.
  • Ensures frame inventory selection meets patients' style and vision needs. Arranges and maintains displays of optical merchandise. Vendorizes frame boards and ensures that inventory is not damaged, is bench aligned, clean and free of markings or dust.
  • Maintains knowledge of new optical products, technologies , compliance standards, billing and lab ordering processes. Successfully completes annual requirements (CBL's) for mandatory competencies within required time frame. If in Apprentice Program for Opticianry successfully passed class. Actively participates with additional optical industry training coordinated by manager and Director. Supports the Riverside Health System Code of Conduct, Compliance and Ethics Program. Reports any potential compliance concerns to the appropriate person.
  • Accurately completes optical . Verifies eyeglasses meet order specifications and industry manufacturing standard by performing quality inspections. Dispenses, adjusts, repairs, edges, tints and correctly performs other bench work. Troubleshoots eyeglass vision issues to resolution or appropriate referral to doctor's care. Documents steps taken to resolve issue in the patient's computer record. Performs duties of Optical Lab technician as necessary. Remake average does not exceed 3% of patients serviced. Performs additional duties as defined by Manager and Director.
  • Ensures patient satisfaction by greeting them as they enter the optical department. Completes all order processes in a timely and accurate manner while the patient is present. Keeps patient wait time to a minimum.
  • Average Sale $200. 00 after discounts and insurance collections.
  • Frame purchases does not exceed frame sales. Reviews frame purchases and Cost of Goods reports with optical manager throughout each month. Returns Special order and warranty products within 5 days of patient's non-approval of special order or pick up of warranty replacement. Reviews lab invoices for accuracy of order and pricing. Completes Lab Tracking Report, verifying outside lab fees match HREA contracted pricing. Tracks new lens sales and recommends lenses to be added to contract pricing. Submits invoices for corrected pricing and tracks credits. Updates Optical Monthly Expense report weekly with lab invoice totals.


Qualifications
Education

  • High School Diploma and/


Experience

  • 1-3 years Optical Retail (Preferred)
  • 1-3 years Retail (Preferred)

To learn more about being a team member with Riverside Health System visit us at https://www.riversideonline.com/careers.