1

Optical Sales Associate Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

Optician

Forsyth, IL · On-site

$17/hr

GENERAL FUNCTION The Sales Associate (Optician) delivers the Bard Optical value proposition - Set the standard of quality in eye care and eyewear by ensuring every patient and customer has the best ...

Optician

Decatur, IL · On-site

$17/hr

GENERAL FUNCTION The Sales Associate (Optician) delivers the Bard Optical value proposition - Set the standard of quality in eye care and eyewear by ensuring every patient and customer has the best ...

An Assistant Manager works on the sales floor and assists the Opticians with sales and ... Monitors associates break times, ensuring everyone receives breaks as required by law and company ...

An Assistant Manager works on the sales floor and assists the Opticians with sales and ... Monitors associates break times, ensuring everyone receives breaks as required by law and company ...

Optical Sales Associate information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$11

$17

$21

How much do optical sales associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical sales associate in Decatur, IL is $17.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $18.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an optical sales associate?

Optical Sales Associates are retail professionals who help customers choose eyeglasses, contact lenses, and related products based on their prescriptions and preferences. They assist with frame selection, explain lens options, take measurements for proper fitting, and process sales transactions. Optical Sales Associates may also handle insurance claims, perform basic adjustments or repairs on eyewear, and provide excellent customer service to ensure satisfaction. Their role combines product knowledge, fashion sense, and technical skills in a fast-paced retail environment.

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

To thrive as an Optical Sales Associate, you need strong sales acumen, knowledge of eyewear products, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, lens fitting devices, and basic optometric terminology is typically required. Excellent customer service, active listening, and interpersonal communication are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure you can effectively assist customers, recommend suitable products, and drive sales in a retail optical environment.

What are some common challenges optical sales associates face when balancing customer service with sales targets?

Optical Sales Associates often navigate the challenge of providing personalized, informed service while also meeting sales goals set by management. Striking the right balance means actively listening to customers’ vision needs and preferences, recommending suitable products, and building trust—all without being overly pushy. Success in this role comes from product knowledge, excellent communication, and a genuine desire to help customers find the best optical solutions, which naturally supports sales objectives. Many associates find that developing strong relationships and focusing on education leads to both satisfied customers and consistent sales performance.

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

AspectOptical Sales AssociateOptical Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; sales experienceCertification or associate degree in optical technology
Work EnvironmentRetail optical stores, eyewear boutiquesOptical labs, eye care clinics, retail stores
Job FocusCustomer service, selling eyewear, assisting with frame selectionLens fitting, frame adjustments, optical measurements
Common UsageSales and customer interactionTechnical optical work and lens processing

The main difference between an Optical Sales Associate and an Optical Technician lies in their focus and responsibilities. Optical Sales Associates primarily assist customers with eyewear selection and sales, while Optical Technicians handle the technical aspects of lens fitting and optical equipment. Both roles are essential in the optical industry but require different skill sets and certifications.

What job categories do people searching Optical Sales Associate jobs in Decatur, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Sales Associate jobs in Decatur, IL are:

What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Optical Sales Associate jobs?

Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Optical Sales Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Optical Sales Associate job openings in Decatur, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,475 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Optician

Forsyth, IL • On-site

Bard Optical
Health Care and Social Assistance • 51 - 200 employees

$17/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Optician - Forsyth, IL - from $17 per hour plus incentives
At Bard Optical, we believe in vision for life.
Bard Optical is number 37 of the top 50 optical retailer in the US and as part of an eyewear industry leader, Bard Optical, strives for higher standard of quality in your eyewear needs.
With an Optician career at Bard Optical, you’ll find yourself learning, growing, and interacting with some of the most passionate and talented people in the business. At the same time, you’ll be helping people look and see their best.
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Sales Associate (Optician) delivers the Bard Optical value proposition – Set the standard of quality in eye care and eyewear by ensuring every patient and customer has the best experience in every Bard Optical every time. Creates exceptional value in the lives of customers by delivering legendary customer service amp; perfectly crafted high quality eyewear which exceeds our customers’ expectations.
Summary
Fills ophthalmic eyeglass prescriptions and fits and adapts lenses and frames by performing the following duties. Dispenses contact lenses as fitted by the Doctor.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Include the following – other duties may be assigned.
Performs necessary tasks for good patient care and assisting the Doctor and Office Manager in the operation of the office. Understanding and complying with all corporate policies and procedures.
Completes all appropriate optical training and improving optical knowledge, including continuing education as required.
Books, confirms and makes recall appointments. Prepare files for patient care and follow-up. Communicates verbally and non- verbally positively with the patient and the office staff. Demonstrates Bard’s commitment to Perfect Patient Care to all.
Evaluates prescription in conjunction with patient’s vocational and avocation visual requirements.
Determines patient’s current lens prescription, when necessary, using lensometer or lens analyzer and patient’s eyeglasses. Recommends specific lenses, lens coatings, and frames to suit patient needs. Assists patient in selecting frames according to style and color, coordinating frames with facial and eye measurements and optical prescription. Measures patient’s bridge and eye size, temple length, vertex distance, pupillary distance, and optical centers of eyes. Informs patient of care and adaptation needed for patient’s purchase. Assists patient with contact lens related care, supporting the Doctor’s direction.
Prepares work order and instructions for grinding lenses and fabricating eyeglasses. Verifies finished lenses are ground to specification. Notifies patient that their product is ready for delivery. Delivers product to patient.
Heats, shapes, or bends plastic or metal frames to adjust eyeglasses to fit patient. Instructs clients in adapting to, wearing and caring for eyeglasses. Repairs damaged frames. Grinds lens edges or applies coating/tint to lenses if a finish lab is in the office.
Computes amount of sale and collects payment for services. Promotes and fits contact lenses. Promotes optical goods such as plano sunglasses, contacts lens solutions, accessories and low vision aids.
Assists in maintaining clean and full product displays and an environment for the patient.
Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and/or Experience: High School diploma or general education degree (GED); minimum of three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Language Skills: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively one-on-one in order to communicate the patient’s needs and product explanations.
Mathematical Skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute lens diopter power.
Reasoning Ability: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, verbal, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
Certificates, Licences, Registrations: Ability to pass the Bard Optical training tests.
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by and employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, reach with arms and hands, talk and hear. The Optician must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specifc vision abilities required for this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those which and employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Benefits:
Starting wage from $17 per hour with significant incentive opportunities
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Life insurance
401(k) with yearly employer contributions
Paid holidays
Paid time off
Employee eyewear discounts and allowances