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Optical Jobs in DeKalb, IL (NOW HIRING)

Keplr Vision

Optician I - 014

Dekalb, IL · 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 ...

Keplr Vision

Optician I - 014

Dekalb, IL · 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 ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsOptical JobsOptical Jobs in DeKalb, IL

Optical information

See DeKalb, IL salary details

$10

$21

$36

How much do optical jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical in DeKalb, IL is $21.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.06 and $22.88 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.
More about Optical jobs
What job categories do people searching Optical jobs in DeKalb, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Optical jobs in DeKalb, IL are:
What cities near DeKalb, IL are hiring for Optical jobs? Cities near DeKalb, IL with the most Optical job openings:
Optical jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical job openings in DeKalb, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,767 per year, or $21 per hour.

Sales Associate - Optical - Part Time

National Vision

South Elgin, IL • On-site

$15 - $17.58/hr

Part-time

Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 20 days ago

National Vision rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 153 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 39 rated optical retailers

Job description

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 with the attention and expertise they deserve. For more information about America's Best, visit AmericasBest.com.
Job Description
As a Sales Associate, you'll play a key role in delivering an exceptional experience for our customers while supporting store operations and sales goals.
  • Provide excellent customer service while supporting store sales goals
  • Help customers select eyewear based on lifestyle, prescription, and budget
  • Dispense eyeglasses and contact lenses and provide lens training (as permitted by state law)
  • Educate customers on eyewear and contact lens care
  • Maintain accurate customer and patient records
  • Communicate order status and answer incoming phone calls
  • Keep the store clean, organized, and visually merchandised to brand standards
  • Support inventory control and loss prevention procedures
  • Other duties as assigned

How would you like Sundays off? Yes, every Sunday we're closed!
Qualifications
What You'll Need:
Experience & Skills: 1+ year of retail or customer service experience is preferred
Versatility: Skilled at multi-tasking and handling a fast-paced work environment
Education: High School Diploma or equivalent required
Additional Information
At National Vision, we reward hard work with competitive pay, bonus opportunities, and a benefits package to support you and your family now and in the future.
Our Benefits Include:
  • 401k retirement savings with company match and stock purchase plan
  • Paid sick time
  • Parental leave
  • Employee eyewear discount
  • College scholarship program

Focus on Professional Growth and Career Fulfillment:
  • Training programs available
  • Access to educational courses
  • Emphasis on internal promotions and career advancement

At National Vision, you'll enjoy more than just a job - you'll have the chance to thrive in a rewarding career, surrounded by a supportive team and endless opportunities for growth. Join us today and see your future clearly!
We are an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

What National Vision employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

National Vision logo

About National Vision

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At National Vision we believe everyone deserves to see their best to live their best. We help people by making quality eye care and eyewear more affordable and accessible. National Vision is one of the largest optical retail companies in the United States with over 1,300 stores in 44 states plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. We operate five retail brands: America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses, Eyeglass World, Vision Centers inside select Walmart stores and Vista Optical inside Fred Meyer stores and on select military bases. We employ over 14,000 people including a network of over 2,000 optometrists. We offer an innovative culture where training is a priority, hard work is praised, and career growth is a reality.

Industry

Retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Duluth, GA, US

Year founded

1990

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