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Optical Manager Jobs in Independence, IA (NOW HIRING)

Fiber Splicer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$23.25 - $27.50/hr

Perform other duties as assigned by management. Qualifications * 2+ years of fiber splicing and troubleshooting experience preferred. * Knowledge of fiber optic theory which includes fiber loss ...

Fiber Splicer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$23.25 - $27.50/hr

Perform other duties as assigned by management. Qualifications * 2+ years of fiber splicing and troubleshooting experience preferred. * Knowledge of fiber optic theory which includes fiber loss ...

Optometric Technician

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Is attentive to details; reviews prescriptions and/or patient information carefully; identifies special needs, consulting with Opticians, Doctor or Retail Management when necessary. * Shows patience ...

Optometric Technician

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Is attentive to details; reviews prescriptions and/or patient information carefully; identifies special needs, consulting with Opticians, Doctor or Retail Management when necessary. * Shows patience ...

Optometric Technician

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Is attentive to details; reviews prescriptions and/or patient information carefully; identifies special needs, consulting with Opticians, Doctor or Retail Management when necessary. * Shows patience ...

Optometric Technician

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Is attentive to details; reviews prescriptions and/or patient information carefully; identifies special needs, consulting with Opticians, Doctor or Retail Management when necessary. * Shows patience ...

... optics. * Review preliminary construction prints from Right of Way authorities and determine ... Manage personnel issues, recommend promotions, and recommend needs for new positions. * Ensure all ...

Optometric Assistant

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

Excellent time management skills * Have excellent patient service skills * Maintain excellent communication skills Previous optical or ophthalmic experience preferred but willing to train the right ...

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Showing results 1-20

Optical Manager information

See Independence, IA salary details

$20.4K

$69.3K

$240.9K

How much do optical manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical manager in Independence, IA is $69,305.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,300.00 and $72,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an optical manager?

An Optical Manager is a professional who oversees the daily operations of an optical store or department, ensuring high-quality customer service and efficient workflow. Their responsibilities typically include managing staff, handling inventory, assisting with eyewear selection, and ensuring compliance with health and safety standards. They may also be involved in training employees, coordinating with optometrists, and implementing sales strategies. Effective Optical Managers possess strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills. They play a crucial role in maintaining customer satisfaction and the overall success of the optical business.

What does an optical manager do?

Optical managers oversee the day-to-day operations of an optometrist’s office. As an optical manager, your job duties include a mix of administrative and eye care tasks, such as hiring and training staff, managing inventory, processing insurance and billing, submitting work orders for eyeglasses and contact lenses, adjusting eyeglasses, and maintaining client records. The qualifications to become an optical manager include several years of experience working in the eye care field, strong communication skills, and the ability to multitask. An associate or bachelor’s degree in business or a related field may make you a more valuable candidate for optical manager positions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Manager, you need expertise in optometry practices, optical product knowledge, and management experience, typically supported by a background in opticianry or a related field. Familiarity with practice management software, lens fitting tools, and inventory systems is crucial. Strong leadership, customer service, and problem-solving skills help build effective teams and ensure client satisfaction. These capabilities are vital for delivering quality eye care, optimizing business operations, and maintaining a loyal clientele.

What are some common challenges optical managers face when balancing clinical duties with business operations?

Optical Managers often juggle both patient care and business responsibilities, which can be challenging. Balancing staff scheduling, inventory management, and customer service while ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations requires strong organizational skills. Additionally, Optical Managers frequently work to motivate their team and meet sales targets without compromising the quality of care. Successful managers develop effective communication strategies and prioritize tasks to maintain a smoothly running optical practice.

What is the difference between Optical Manager vs Optical Sales Associate?

AspectOptical ManagerOptical Sales Associate
CredentialsOptical certification, management experienceOptical knowledge, sales skills
Work EnvironmentOptical stores, eyewear clinicsRetail optical outlets, eyewear departments
Employer & IndustryOptical chains, independent optical practicesOptical retail stores, eyewear retailers
Primary ResponsibilitiesOverseeing store operations, staff management, inventory controlAssisting customers, selling eyewear, product knowledge

Optical Managers focus on store operations, staff supervision, and inventory management, requiring management skills and optical certifications. Optical Sales Associates primarily assist customers with eyewear selection and sales, emphasizing customer service and product knowledge. Both roles are essential in optical retail environments but differ in responsibilities and required credentials.

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

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

Infographic showing various Optical Manager job openings in Independence, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $69,305 per year, or $33.3 per hour.

Optical Retail Sales Associate PT Waterloo, IA #079

Eyemart Express

Waterloo, IA • On-site

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

Part-time

Posted 17 days ago


Eyemart Express rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 40 rated optical retailers


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. Were not like everyone elsewith local labs in stores, eye exams, and same-day delivery on glassesour customers never miss a moment. Now, you can join one of the nations 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 patients 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 patients 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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