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Optical Laboratory Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Optikos Corporation

Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA

$80K - $105K/yr

Perform laboratory testing and characterization of optical components (lenses, filters, lasers ... group in the world, managing all aspects of instrument design, including optics, mechanics ...

Sault Tribe

Health - Optical Lab Coordinator

Perronville, MI · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Provides pre-screening optical patients, instructing on contact lenses and managing billing ... Minimum of three (3) years' experience in an optical laboratory/paraoptometric field required.

Optikos

Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA · On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

Perform laboratory testing and characterization of optical components (lenses, filters, lasers ... group in the world, managing all aspects of instrument design, including optics, mechanics ...

Optikos Corporation

Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA · On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

Perform laboratory testing and characterization of optical components (lenses, filters, lasers ... group in the world, managing all aspects of instrument design, including optics, mechanics ...

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Optical Laboratory Manager information

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$89.5K

How much do optical laboratory manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical laboratory manager in the United States is $85,000.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,500.00 and $87,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What qualifications do you need to be a lab manager?

Optical Laboratory Managers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with many employers preferring postsecondary education or specialized training in optics or laboratory technology. Relevant experience in optical manufacturing or lab operations, along with strong organizational and technical skills, is essential; certifications such as Certified Optical Laboratory Technician (COLT) can also enhance qualifications.

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

Optical Laboratory Managers often face challenges such as maintaining high production quality while meeting tight deadlines, managing inventory of lenses and frames, and ensuring compliance with safety and industry standards. Effective communication with team members and cross-functional departments, such as customer service and sales, is essential to address these issues promptly. Implementing robust quality control procedures and ongoing staff training can help maintain accuracy and efficiency, while adopting inventory management systems can minimize shortages or overstock situations.

What is the highest paying lab technician job?

The highest paying lab technician roles are often in specialized fields such as clinical laboratory directors, research scientists, or quality assurance managers, with salaries exceeding $70,000 annually. Advanced certifications, extensive experience, and management responsibilities typically contribute to higher compensation in laboratory settings.

What does an Optical Laboratory Manager do?

An Optical Laboratory Manager oversees the daily operations of an optical lab where eyeglasses, lenses, and other optical products are manufactured and assembled. They are responsible for supervising staff, ensuring quality control, maintaining equipment, and managing inventory. Additionally, they implement safety standards, handle scheduling, and coordinate with optometrists and optical dispensaries to fulfill orders accurately and efficiently. Their role is crucial in ensuring timely delivery of high-quality optical products to customers.

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

AspectOptical Laboratory ManagerOptical Lab Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or equivalent; some roles prefer certifications in optical technologyHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical training often preferred
Work EnvironmentSupervises lab operations, manages staff, oversees quality controlPerforms lens fabrication, assembly, and quality checks
Industry UsageUsed in optical labs, eyewear manufacturing, and retail optical stores

The Optical Laboratory Manager oversees the entire lab operations, staff, and quality control, requiring some managerial skills. In contrast, the Optical Lab Technician focuses on the hands-on fabrication and assembly of lenses. Both roles are essential in optical labs but differ mainly in responsibilities and scope.

What does an optical lab manager do?

An optical lab manager oversees the daily operations of an optical laboratory, including managing staff, ensuring quality control, and maintaining production schedules for eyeglasses and lenses. They coordinate with optometrists and technicians, ensure compliance with safety standards, and may use specialized equipment and software to produce accurate optical products.

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

To thrive as an Optical Laboratory Manager, you typically need a solid understanding of optical science, laboratory operations, lens fabrication processes, and a relevant degree or certification in opticianry or optical technology. Familiarity with laboratory management software, lens edging and surfacing equipment, and quality control systems is crucial. Excellent leadership, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills help manage teams and ensure smooth workflow. These skills are vital for maintaining high-quality standards, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction in a competitive optical environment.

What does a laboratory manager do?

An optical laboratory manager oversees the daily operations of an optical lab, including supervising staff, ensuring quality control of lenses and frames, managing inventory, and maintaining safety standards. They coordinate with opticians and technicians, often use specialized equipment, and may require certifications in optical technology or management. Their role ensures efficient production and high-quality optical products.

What Does an Optical Laboratory Manager Do?

As an optical laboratory manager, your responsibilities include handling all optical laboratory duties for one or many practices. This includes inspecting lenses and invoices to ensure billing is accurate, coordinating scheduling with patients, and managing digital tracers, stock lenses, and lens turnaround time. You work closely with the lens vendor rep for staff training and marketing, and integrate lab management software. Other duties include crafting eyewear by edging lenses to the correct prescription, mounting lenses in frames, inspecting to ensure conformance to ANSI specifications, and working directly with patients to troubleshoot problems. You make recommendations to your manager on new operations and technologies that help increase efficiency and cost savings, assist with laboratory training, and organize expenses reports. You are also expected to handle equipment maintenance as needed.

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Optical Laboratory Manager jobs near you
Optical Lab Manager FT Conroe, TX

Optical Lab Manager FT Conroe, TX

Eyemart Express

Conroe, TX • On-site

Full-time

Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 25 days ago

Eyemart Express rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 76 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 39 rated optical retailers

Job description

Optical Lab Manager Full-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 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 improve lives by helping people see better.

As an Optical Lab Manager, you'll lead your team to ensure timely and accurate production of eyeglasses, maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency. Your experience in optical lab management will help drive our growth and deliver amazing customer experiences.

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

Responsibilities:

  • Lab Management: Maintain the lab area and equipment in a safe and organized manner. Manage the lab team to meet all production goals and objectives.

  • Equipment Maintenance: Perform daily, weekly, and monthly lab equipment maintenance as scheduled and in accordance with lab/equipment manual specifications.

  • Problem Solving: Identify and solve problems, and facilitate problem-solving among the team.

  • Operational Excellence: Correctly read and interpret prescription specifications, ensure proper lens cutting, and maintain high levels of workmanship and quality.

Requirements:

  • High School Diploma or GED

  • Experience working in the optical industry

  • Experience managing people is preferred

  • Experience working in a lab environment and with optical lab machinery

Benefits:

  • Vision Insurance

  • Dental Insurance

  • Matching 401k

  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability

  • Life Insurance

  • Fully paid benefits to maintain licensing requirements and opportunities for advancement

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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