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Optical Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Optician

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

Communicating with optical laboratories regarding orders. * Checking completed orders for accuracy. * Ordering contact lens materials. * Educate patients on contact lenses. * Travel to other ...

Optician

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Target Optical Location: Ankeny, IA, US, 50021 Store #: 001933 Target Optical Position: Part-Time Total Rewards: Benefits/Incentive Information At Target Optical, we love the neighborhoods we belong ...

New

Assistant Manager - Optical

Ankeny, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Each location combines both parts of the optical equation - eyewear and eye care - into one excellent experience at a single low price. For more details about America's Best, visit AmericasBest.com

Assistant Manager - Optical

Ankeny, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Each location combines both parts of the optical equation - eyewear and eye care - into one excellent experience at a single low price. For more details about America's Best, visit AmericasBest.com

Office Assistant/Receptionist, Part-Time

Asbury, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Optical Center Support Provide support to the Optical center team. Greet patients as they enter the center, answer the telephone, book appointments, manage patient files, and support all other ...

Optician

Mason City, IA · On-site

$17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Eye care is an exciting and rewarding career that combines optical knowledge and skills with style and customer service. We will help develop your skills; whether you are new to optics or have ...

Optician

Mason City, IA · On-site

$17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Eye care is an exciting and rewarding career that combines optical knowledge and skills with style and customer service. We will help develop your skills; whether you are new to optics or have ...

Optician

Paullina, IA

$18 - $22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are looking for someone who has a few years of optical experience! Start your Career in Vision Care today! What You'll Do * Help patients choose frames and lenses that fit their needs and style ...

Sales Associate - Optical - Part Time

Davenport, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $17.50/hr

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Company Description America's Best is part of National Vision, one of the largest optical retailers in the United States. With over 1,000 stores and counting, each location aims to provide customers ...

Optician

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$16.25 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Requisition ID: 940791 Store # : 001933 Target Optical Position: Part-Time Total Rewards: Benefits/Incentive Information At Target Optical, we love the neighborhoods we belong to and that's why we ...

New

Sales Associate - Optical - Part Time

Davenport, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $17.50/hr

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Company Description America's Best is part of National Vision, one of the largest optical retailers in the United States. With over 1,000 stores and counting, each location aims to provide customers ...

Optician

Ankeny, IA

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Requisition ID: 940791 Store # : 001933 Target Optical Position: Part-Time Total Rewards: Benefits/Incentive Information At Target Optical, we love the neighborhoods we belong to and that's why we ...

Optician

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Requisition ID: 940791 Store # : 001933 Target Optical Position: Part-Time Total Rewards: Benefits/Incentive Information At Target Optical, we love the neighborhoods we belong to and that's why we ...

New

Optician

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Take measurements, fit and adjust frames for patients according to written optical prescriptions * Assist patients with frame selections to ensure optimal fit and patient satisfaction * Complete and ...

Optician

Keokuk, IA · On-site

$15 - $19.25/hr

Optical experience is preferred, but we also value strong customer-service professionals who are eager to learn. What You'll Do * Welcome patients and create a friendly, comfortable optical ...

Optician

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$16.25 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Requisition ID: 940791 Store # : 001933 Target Optical Position: Part-Time Total Rewards: Benefits/Incentive Information At Target Optical, we love the neighborhoods we belong to and that's why we ...

Optician

Keokuk, IA · On-site

$15 - $19.25/hr

Optical experience is preferred, but we also value strong customer-service professionals who are eager to learn. What You'll Do * Welcome patients and create a friendly, comfortable optical ...

Optician

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$16.75 - $21.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Take measurements, fit and adjust frames for patients according to written optical prescriptions * Assist patients with frame selections to ensure optimal fit and patient satisfaction * Complete and ...

Showing results 41-60

Optical information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$20

$34

How much do optical jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical in Iowa is $20.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.34 and $21.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are optical jobs?

Optical jobs refer to roles within the vision care and eyewear industry, such as opticians, optical assistants, and technicians. These professionals help customers select and fit eyeglasses or contact lenses, assist with vision tests, and provide support to optometrists and ophthalmologists. They may also perform repairs and adjustments on eyewear and educate customers about lens options and eye care. Working in optical jobs typically requires strong customer service skills and a basic understanding of eye anatomy and optical products.

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

To thrive as an Optical Technician, you need a strong understanding of optics, lens fabrication, and vision correction, often supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training or certification. Familiarity with lensometers, auto-refractors, and optical dispensing software is typically required. Attention to detail, customer service skills, and effective communication help you excel when assisting patients and collaborating with eye care professionals. These skills are crucial for ensuring accurate prescription fulfillment, patient satisfaction, and the smooth operation of optical services.

What are some common challenges faced by optical technicians, and how can they effectively address them?

Optical technicians often encounter challenges such as keeping up with evolving lens technologies, managing high volumes of customer orders, and ensuring precise fabrication and fitting of eyewear. Staying updated through ongoing training and certifications is essential to handle new equipment and materials. Additionally, strong communication and organizational skills help in coordinating with optometrists and delivering excellent customer service. Collaborating closely with the rest of the optical team ensures that patient needs are met efficiently and accurately.

What is the difference between an ophthalmologist, an optometrist, and an optician?

Optometrists and ophthalmologists are both medical eye care professionals, but they differ in their level of training. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors and complete eight years of medical school. They can practice medicine and perform surgery. Optometrists are not medical doctors. Optometrists earn a doctor of optometry degree after attending four years of optometry school. These professionals primarily perform eye exams and vision tests, but they can also identify some basic eye abnormalities. Optometrists are also licensed to prescribe some medications. Opticians are eyewear specialists and do not need any formal medical education.

What is the difference between Optical vs Optometrist?

AspectOpticalOptometrist
CredentialsTypically requires optical technician or assistant certificationRequires Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree and licensure
Work EnvironmentOptical stores, eyewear retail, labsClinics, private practices, healthcare settings
Industry UsageFocuses on eyewear fitting, lens selection, customer serviceFocuses on eye exams, vision testing, diagnosing eye conditions

Optical roles mainly involve assisting with eyewear and customer service, while optometrists provide comprehensive eye care and diagnosis. Both are essential in eye health but differ significantly in education and scope of practice.

How long is schooling to become an optical?

Becoming an optical technician typically requires completing a post-secondary program or certificate that lasts from several months up to a year. For opticians, the process often involves completing an associate degree or a specialized training program, followed by certification or licensing depending on the state or country. Practical experience and knowledge of optical equipment are also important components of training.

Is optical technician a good career?

Optical technicians assist in the fabrication, repair, and fitting of eyeglasses and optical devices, often working in retail or laboratory settings. The role typically requires technical training or certification and offers steady employment with opportunities for advancement in the eye care industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Optical jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Optical jobs in Iowa?

For Optical jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optical jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Optical jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Optical job openings:

Infographic showing various Optical job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,884 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

$16 - $20.75/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Wolfe Eye Clinic rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Optician

In medical practice since 1919, Wolfe Eye Clinic is a multi-specialty clinic providing surgical services and vision care throughout Iowa. At Wolfe Eye Clinic, we create Better Vision for a Better Life.

We have an immediate opening for a full-time optician based in our Waterloo clinic.

Responsibilities include:

  • Assisting patients with frame selection.
  • Fitting and ordering appropriate spectacle lens materials.
  • Dispensing, adjusting, and fixing glasses for patients.
  • Maintaining organization of optical area.  
  • Communicating with optical laboratories regarding orders.
  • Checking completed orders for accuracy.
  • Ordering contact lens materials.
  • Educate patients on contact lenses.
  • Travel to other locations as needed.
  • Performing other duties as needed.

Qualifications include:

  • Ability to demonstrate strong patient service skills.
  • Ability to portray a professional attitude and appearance.
  • Ability to demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred (but not required) qualifications are:

  • Previous optical experience preferred, but willing to train the right candidate.

Travel Requirements:

  • Travel as scheduled to our Cedar Falls Clinic.
  • When traveling mileage and time on the road will be reimbursed.

If you are interested in being part of a quality driven organization while receiving a competitive wage, please apply.

EOE


What Wolfe Eye Clinic employees say

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Hours and flexibility

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