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Optometric Assistant Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Optometric Technician

Pinson, AL · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

The major responsibility of the Optometric Office Technician is to assist the Managing Optometrist in the technical and administrative operation of an optometric practice. The position will interact ...

Optometric Technician

Pinson, AL · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

The major responsibility of the Optometric Office Technician is to assist the Managing Optometrist in the technical and administrative operation of an optometric practice. The position will interact ...

Optometric Technician

Pinson, AL

$15 - $18.75/hr

The major responsibility of the Optometric Office Technician is to assist the Managing Optometrist in the technical and administrative operation of an optometric practice. The position will interact ...

Optometric Technician

Pinson, AL

$15 - $18.75/hr

The major responsibility of the Optometric Office Technician is to assist the Managing Optometrist in the technical and administrative operation of an optometric practice. The position will interact ...

$14.50 - $18/hr

For more information, visit SUMMARY An Optometric Technician is a valuable asset to an optometrist as they assist in providing a world class Total Patient Experience. This team member is able to ...

New

Optometric Technician

Hueytown, AL

$14.75 - $18.25/hr

SUMMARY An Optometric Technician is a valuable asset to an optometrist as they assist in providing a world class Total Patient Experience. This team member is able to handle a wide range of duties ...

Optometric Technician

Arab, AL · On-site

$14.75 - $18.25/hr

Employee Discounts SUMMARY An Optometric Technician is a valuable asset to an optometrist as they assist in providing a world class Total Patient Experience. This team member is able to handle a wide ...

$14.25 - $17.75/hr

... optometrist as they ... assist in providing a world class Total Patient Experience. This team member is able to handle a ...

Optometric Technician

Montgomery, AL

$16 - $20/hr

Employee Discounts SUMMARY An Optometric Technician is a valuable asset to an optometrist as they assist in providing a world class Total Patient Experience. This team member is able to handle a wide ...

New

Optometric Technician

Hoover, AL · On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

Employee Discounts SUMMARY An Optometric Technician is a valuable asset to an optometrist as they assist in providing a world class Total Patient Experience. This team member is able to handle a wide ...

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Optometric Assistant information

See Alabama salary details

$9

$14

$19

How much do optometric assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for optometric assistant in Alabama is $14.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.08 and $16.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Optometric Assistant, you need knowledge of basic eye care, patient intake procedures, and familiarity with vision insurance, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant certification. Experience with electronic health records (EHR), autorefractors, lensometers, and scheduling software is highly beneficial. Strong customer service, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you interact with patients and assist the optometrist efficiently. These abilities ensure smooth clinical operations, accurate patient care, and a positive experience for both patients and staff.

Do you need qualifications to be an optical assistant?

Optometric assistants typically do not require formal qualifications, but having a high school diploma or equivalent is common. Relevant skills include good communication, basic knowledge of eye care, and familiarity with optical equipment. Some employers may prefer or require certification or training in eye care procedures.

What is an Optometric Assistant?

An Optometric Assistant is a healthcare professional who supports optometrists in providing eye care services. Their duties typically include assisting with eye exams, performing basic vision tests, managing patient records, scheduling appointments, and helping patients select eyeglasses or contact lenses. They may also handle administrative tasks such as billing and insurance processing. Optometric Assistants play an important role in ensuring the smooth operation of an optometry clinic and providing quality patient care.

Is it hard to become an optometrist assistant?

Becoming an optometric assistant typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent and some on-the-job training, with many employers providing training for specific tasks. The role generally does not require formal certification, but strong communication skills and familiarity with eye care procedures are beneficial. The job can be accessible for those interested in healthcare support roles with minimal formal education requirements.

What do optometric assistants do?

Optometric assistants support eye care professionals by preparing exam rooms, assisting with patient check-in and check-out, and performing basic vision tests. They may also help with equipment sterilization, patient education, and administrative tasks, often using electronic health records systems. Strong communication skills and attention to detail are important in this role.

What do you need to become an optometric assistant?

To become an optometric assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may benefit from completing a training program or certification in optometry assisting. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with eye care equipment are also important. On-the-job training is common, and some employers prefer candidates with basic knowledge of medical terminology or customer service experience.

What is the difference between Optometric Assistant vs Optician?

AspectOptometric AssistantOptician
Required CredentialsUsually no formal certification, on-the-job trainingCertification or licensing often required, such as NCLE or ABO
Work EnvironmentOptometry clinics, eye care officesOptical stores, eyewear retail outlets
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist with patient exams, prepare equipment, administrative tasksFabricate, fit, and dispense eyewear, assist with frame selection

Optometric Assistants primarily support optometrists with patient care and administrative duties, while Opticians focus on eyewear fitting and fabrication. Both roles are essential in eye care settings but differ in responsibilities and required credentials.

What are some typical challenges faced by Optometric Assistants during busy clinic days, and how can they be managed?

Optometric Assistants often experience high patient volumes during peak hours, which can lead to time management challenges and the need to prioritize tasks efficiently. Balancing front-desk responsibilities, pre-testing patients, and assisting with eyewear selection requires strong organizational skills and clear communication with both patients and the optometrist. Proactively preparing materials, staying updated on appointment schedules, and collaborating closely with team members can help ensure smooth workflows and maintain quality patient care even during the busiest times.

What Is an Optometric Assistant?

An optometric assistant is responsible for assisting a licensed optometrist with patient vision care. They are considered medical assistants but do not have a medical certification or qualifications like physician’s assistants. Your job duties vary from office to office, depending on the size of the practice. During your career, you gain experience performing front desk duties such as scheduling appointments, filing records, calling patients, and handling insurance claims. You also perform patient-specific skills such as pretesting, fitting patients for glasses, and some basic procedures, as long as the procedures are under the direct supervision of a licensed physician.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optometric jobs in Alabama? The most popular types of Optometric jobs in Alabama are:
What cities in Alabama are hiring for Optometric Assistant jobs? Cities in Alabama with the most Optometric Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Optometric Assistant job openings in Alabama as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,137 per year, or $15 per hour.
School of Optometry-Assistant/Associate Professor-Optometry and Vision Science

School of Optometry-Assistant/Associate Professor-Optometry and Vision Science

The University of Alabama at Birmingham

Birmingham, AL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


University Of Alabama At Birmingham rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

226th of 553 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Details
Position Information
School/College
School of Optometry
Title
School of Optometry-Assistant/Associate Professor-Optometry and Vision Science
Assignment Category
Full-Time
Rank
Assistant/Associate Professor
Tenure Status
Non-Tenure Track
Payroll Status
Faculty 12
Job Description
Professional clinical educators are sought in the areas of ocular disease, cornea/contact lenses, and other clinical specialties. Successful candidates will be expected to contribute to and advance the educational, clinical, service, and research/scholarship mission and objectives of the School. Clinical faculty are generally expected to (1) provide high quality patient care while educating and supervising student interns in the clinic setting, (2) provide high quality didactic and laboratory teaching in the optometry professional curriculum, and (3) participate in service activities that benefit the School, university, and the optometric profession. To a lesser degree, clinical faculty should contribute to scholarship related to their areas of interest
Required Qualifications
Must have a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree from an accredited school or college of optometry. Eligible for licensure to practice the full scope of Optometry in the state of Alabama. Completion of a residency/fellowship program, or additional degree (MS, MPH, PhD), or minimum of three years equivalent clinical experience required.
Preferred Qualifications
Preference will be given to applicants who have completed a residency program related to ocular disease or cornea/contact lenses. Applicants without residency training, but with advanced clinical experience in these areas, will also be considered.
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
F2648P
Open Date
05/16/2025
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Nondiscrimination Statement
UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, religion, and veteran's status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB's Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Pre-employment Background Check
A pre-employment background check investigation is performed on candidates selected for employment.
Drug/Nicotine Screen (if applicable)
About University of Alabama at Birmingham
To learn more about the University of Alabama at Birmingham click here.

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About University of Alabama at Birmingham

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The University of Alabama at Birmingham is the heartbeat of Birmingham and an integral medical leader in the Southeast. The Birmingham campus is within walking distance of some of the best parks, entertainment, and dining in the region. UAB's three regional campuses expand their academic reach and responsibilities in addition to educating physicians in rural and underserved areas of the state. UAB is experiencing major and sustained investment and growth, due both to its exceptional research faculty and its culture of collaboration. Through concerted and strategic investments in its clinical and research enterprise, UAB has undergone an amazing transformation in the past five years and has strengthened its status and reputation as a leader in medical training, biomedical discovery, innovation, and patient care.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Birmingham, AL, US

Year founded

1859