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Optical Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Optical Lab Technician

Rochester, NY ยท On-site

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

As an Optical Lab Technician at Navitar in Rochester, NY , you will be responsible for technical functions related to calibration, alignment, fabrication, assembly and modification of optical ...

Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at the speed of light * Precision glass for advanced displays to deliver richer experiences * Auto ...

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Optical information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$10

$21

$36

How much do optical jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical in Rochester, NY is $21.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $23.03 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 Rochester, NY?

The most popular types of Optical jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What are popular job titles related to Optical jobs in Rochester, NY?

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

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Optical jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Optical job openings:

Infographic showing various Optical job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,998 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Optical Waveguide Engineer

Vuzix Corporation

West Henrietta, NY โ€ข On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Description

About Us: Founded in 1997, Vuzix (NASDAQ: VUZI) is a growing, dynamic company that specializes in the design, manufacturing and sale of smart glasses and augmented reality (AR) technologies and products for the enterprise and consumer markets. Company products include wearable displays and computing devices that offer portable, high-quality viewing experience for applications in augmented reality, digital information, utility, and entertainment.


Position Summary: The ideal candidate is an energetic, self-motivated professional with strong leadership skills who will oversee the characterization and test lab. This role will maintain and document existing tests while developing new procedures to support Quality Assurance, Research and Development, and Production. The candidate will collaborate with customers and vendors, analyze and communicate test results, and work with systems including displays, projectors, optical subsystems, waveguides, and other imaging technologies. Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills are essential for success in this multidisciplinary role.


Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Characterize and test micro-displays, projector systems, optical subsystems, and complete near-eye systems.
  • Develop and implement new test methods and procedures to support research, development, quality assurance, and production needs.
  • Create and maintain detailed test documentation, procedures, and organized test data records.
  • Collaborate with Quality Assurance and Production teams to establish and calibrate incoming inspection procedures and in-process validation methods.
  • Identify, procure, set up, and maintain appropriate test and measurement equipment.
  • Analyze and interpret test results, identify issues, and independently develop corrective actions for product and process concerns.
  • Provide senior-level optical engineering expertise and technical guidance on optical testing and characterization.
  • Communicate with vendors, customers, and internal management as a technical expert on optical testing and characterization.
  • Conduct technical reviews to ensure appropriate procedures and methods are followed and provide value-added feedback to the design team.
  • Support the successful transition and implementation of test methods and procedures into full-scale production.
  • Ensure projects meet established schedule, financial, and technical performance objectives.
  • Meets required ISO 9001:2015 standards and necessary training based on the relevant Quality Objectives.

Competencies:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Written Communication - Read and interpret written information effectively, write clearly and concisely, adapt writing style for different audiences.


Verbal Communication - Give focused attention to what others are saying, take time to understand what and respond when appropriate without interrupting, speak clearly and effectively express ideas and opinions, adapt and react professionally in both positive and negative situations.


Teamwork & Collaboration - Balance team and individual responsibilities, consider others' views objectively and with openness to changing your own, give and encourage feedback, contribute to a positive team dynamic, prioritize team success over personal interests, work effectively across departments toward company goals.


Professionalism - Interact with others in a considerate manner, follow through on commitments, react well under pressure and preserve confidentiality, control emotions, and accept responsibility, maintain focus on solutions and treat others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position.


Motivation & Initiative - Demonstrate persistence and ability to adapt to changes in daily workflow, overcome obstacles, request and provide help as needed, and work independently. Volunteer readily and look for ways to improve and create successful outcomes, positively contributes to overall work environment.


Respect & Integrity - Treat people with respect, work ethically and with honesty and integrity, inspire the trust of others, demonstrate appreciation and sensitivity for cultural differences, help promote inclusion and understanding of the value of diversity, embrace differences and support a harassment-free environment.

Requirements

ย Experience Required:

  • Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics or equivalent. Master's degree preferred.
  • Minimum of 10 years of detailed experience working in a research or product design environment.
  • Strong organizational, time management, leadership skills, and the ability to successfully manage multiple tasks in a dynamic environment.
  • Familiarity with a variety of optical test equipment.
  • Familiarity with optical measurement techniques.
  • Must be able to demonstrate out-of-box thinking for unique problem solving.
  • Familiarity with optical design software such as Zemax.
  • Programming experience preferred.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None.


Travel: Negligible.


Physical Demands: Frequently required to sit, speak, hear, see, and perform repetitive motion (data entry). Occasionally required to lift or carry (10 lb. minimum). Reasonable accommodation will be made available if applicable.


Vuzix Corporation is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status. We are committed to recruiting and employing the best talent available.