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Optical Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

Retail Licensed Optician

Narragansett, RI ยท On-site

$25.50 - $38.25/hr

Utilizing technical information to interpret prescription to assist customer with selection of optical products and services. Pay Class and Pay Pay Class: Full Time Pay: $25.50 - $38.25 per hour ...

Retail Licensed Optician

Narragansett, RI ยท On-site

$25.50 - $38.25/hr

Utilizing technical information to interpret prescription to assist customer with selection of optical products and services. Pay Class and Pay Pay Class: Full Time Pay: $25.50 - $38.25 per hour ...

Showing results 21-40

Optical information

See Rhode Island salary details

$10

$20

$36

How much do optical jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical in Rhode Island is $21.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $22.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is optical technician a good career?

Optical technicians play a key role in manufacturing, repairing, and maintaining optical devices such as lenses and glasses. The profession typically requires technical training or certification and offers steady employment opportunities in healthcare and manufacturing sectors. Job prospects depend on industry demand and regional employment rates.

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 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 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.

What is a career in optics?

A career in optics involves working with the science and technology of light, including designing, testing, and manufacturing optical devices such as lenses, microscopes, and lasers. Professionals in this field often require knowledge of physics, engineering, and specialized tools, and may work in research, development, or manufacturing environments.

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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Optical jobs in Rhode Island? The most popular types of Optical jobs in Rhode Island are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical jobs in Rhode Island? For Optical jobs in Rhode Island, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical jobs in Rhode Island look for? The top searched job categories for Optical jobs in Rhode Island are:
What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Optical jobs? Cities in Rhode Island with the most Optical job openings:
Infographic showing various Optical job openings in Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,670 per year, or $21 per hour.

Retail Licensed Optician

Visionworks

Narragansett, RI โ€ข On-site

$25.50 - $38.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Summary:
Assists customers with frame selection, fits and dispenses frames. Utilizing technical information to interpret prescription to assist customer with selection of optical products and services.
Pay Class and Pay
Pay Class: Full Time
Pay: $25.50 - $38.25 per hour
Essential Responsibilities:
1. Assist each customer in frame and lens selection meeting social distance requirements
2. Ensure compliance with social distancing, cleaning protocols and cleaning hygiene practices: frequent handwashing, not shaking hands, cover nose and mouth while coughing or sneezing, avoid touching eyes / nose / mouth with unwashed hands
3. Provide customers with accurate product information regarding frames, lens selections and other services.
4. Provide customers covered by Third Party insurance with accurate information regarding benefits to ensure proper selection of frames and lenses. Inform the customer of any additional charges not covered by their Third-Party insurance coverage.
5. Utilize the SERVE sales process to identify customer needs and establish proper lens recommendations based on patient needs. Associate must utilize all available demonstration tools (See SERVE brochure for specifics).
6. Analyze and interpret patients' prescriptions. Communicate as necessary with the Lab and Optometrist to ensure accuracy of prescription.
7. Sell, fit and dispense frames and other accessories through the use of accurate measurements, verification of ordered products and adjustments of various optical products, in accordance with the Eyewear Presentation.
8. Maintain a clean and orderly dispensing area.
9. Responsible for the accuracy of customer pricing for the retail customer.
10. Maintain license requirements per State Guidelines
11. Where applicable, provide feedback and guidance to Apprentice Opticians
12. Adhere to privacy and confidential and proprietary company policies and procedures (i.e. HIPAA).
13. Participate in any/all training and educational activities necessary to fulfill at least the minimum requirements as specified within your departmental goals. This is in addition to, the completion of any activities necessary for the maintenance of professional affiliations or organizational requirements.
14. Diligently maintain the cleanliness of all equipment, workstations and the overall facility on a daily basis.
15. As required by changing business needs, complete additional responsibilities as assigned.
Education:
โ€ข High School Diploma or Equivalent
Experience & Background:
โ€ข Must have and maintain applicable state licensure for ophthalmic dispensing
โ€ข Knowledge and demonstrated abilities in explaining optical products, services, the analysis and interpretation of optical prescriptions, fitting and dispensing.
Language Skills:
โ€ข Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos
โ€ข Ability to write simple correspondence
โ€ข Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other associates of the organization
Mathematical Skills:
โ€ข Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest and percentages
โ€ข Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry
Reasoning Ability
โ€ข Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form
โ€ข Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations
Essential Responsibilities related to Physical Demands/Work Environment:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the associate is required to stand, use hands and fingers to handle, feel, pick or pinch, and talk or hear most of the time. The associate is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The associate must frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. The noise level in this location is moderate (use of computers, printers and machines).
Activity
Amount of Time
None
Under 1/3
1/3 to 2/3
Over 2/3
Stand
X
Walk
X
Sit
X
Use hands to finger, handle, or feel
X
Reach with Hands and Arms
X
Climb or balance
X
Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
X
Talk or hear
X
โ€ข Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less)
โ€ข Distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more)
โ€ข Color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors)
โ€ข Peripheral vision (ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left and right while eyes are fixed on a given point)
โ€ข Depth perception (three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships)
โ€ข Ability to adjust focus (ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus)
Essential Responsibilities related to Behavioral Characteristics:
โ€ข Basic computer literacy
โ€ข Strong communication skills and the desire to work with the public
โ€ข Possess an outgoing, positive professional personality & appearance
โ€ข Ability to work independently and as part of team
โ€ข Ability to interact well with Doctor and other associates
โ€ข Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously
โ€ข Flexibility to support change
โ€ข Ability to work onsite and participate in interactive onsite meetings on a regular and predictable basis.
โ€ข Ability to initiate immediate interaction, coordination and collaboration with team members, clients, customers etc.
HIPAA & Security Requirements
All Associates must comply with the Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) as it pertains to disclosures of protected health information (PHI) as described in the Notice of Privacy Practices and HIPAA Privacy Policies and Procedures. As a component of job roles and responsibilities, Associates may have access to covered information, cardholder data or other confidential customer information which must be protected at all times. As a result, Associates must explicitly adhere to all data security guidelines established within the Company's Privacy & Security Training Program.
Visionworks is an equal opportunity employer, committed to the hiring, advancement, and fair treatment of individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, ethnicity, disability or veteran status, or any other protected status designated by federal, state, or local law.
The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria considered necessary to perform the job successfully. As required by changing business needs, complete additional essential responsibilities as identified and assigned.
Union Position Compensation: Position provides competitive pay and benefits. Specific terms are set forth in the Company's collective bargaining agreement with a minimum pay rate of $25.50 per hour plus incentive. Starting pay may vary based on experience to a maximum of $38.25 per hour. Incentive pay, wage upgrades, and overtime opportunities also available.