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Optical Jobs in Bloomington, IL (NOW HIRING)

Optician

Normal, IL ยท On-site

$17/hr

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 ...

Ophthalmic Tech

Normal, IL ยท On-site

$17/hr

Ophthalmic Technician - Bard Optical Bard Optical is a growing eye care company that provides patients with access to routine eye care. We have an excellent benefit package, 401k/profit sharing ...

Physics 2 Tutor

Normal, IL ยท Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain Gauss law, electromagnetic induction, wave optics, and the photoelectric effect while preparing students for advanced physics coursework, engineering applications, and MCAT ...

Retail Sales Associate

Bloomington, IL ยท On-site

$14.25 - $16.50/hr

Because continuing our legacy of the highest optical standards helps us innovate the future in optical care. At LensCrafters, we want every person who enters our doors to feel our passion for care.

Retail Sales Associate

Bloomington, IL ยท On-site

$14.25 - $16.50/hr

Because continuing our legacy of the highest optical standards helps us innovate the future in optical care. At LensCrafters, we want every person who enters our doors to feel our passion for care.

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Optical information

See Bloomington, IL salary details

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How much do optical jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical in Bloomington, IL is $20.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $22.36 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 Bloomington, IL?

The most popular types of Optical jobs in Bloomington, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Optical jobs in Bloomington, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Optical jobs in Bloomington, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical jobs in Bloomington, IL are:

What cities near Bloomington, IL are hiring for Optical jobs?

Cities near Bloomington, IL with the most Optical job openings:

Infographic showing various Optical job openings in Bloomington, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 11% Temporary. Highlights an 78% In-person, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,775 per year, or $20.6 per hour.

$17/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Optician - Normal, 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, youโ€™ll find yourself learning, growing, and interacting with some of the most passionate and talented people in the business. At the same time, youโ€™ll be helping people look and see their best.
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Sales Associate (Optician) delivers the Bard Optical value proposition โ€“ 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 customersโ€™ 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 โ€“ 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 Bardโ€™s commitment to Perfect Patient Care to all.
Evaluates prescription in conjunction with patientโ€™s vocational and avocation visual requirements.
Determines patientโ€™s current lens prescription, when necessary, using lensometer or lens analyzer and patientโ€™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 patientโ€™s bridge and eye size, temple length, vertex distance, pupillary distance, and optical centers of eyes. Informs patient of care and adaptation needed for patientโ€™s purchase. Assists patient with contact lens related care, supporting the Doctorโ€™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 patientโ€™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