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Optometric Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Vision Care Clinic, P.C. (C)

Optometrist

Denison, IA · On-site

Join the team and find your path to long-term optometric career success with us today! Job Expectations: Provision of comprehensive eye care services. Contacts, Spectacles, Ocular Disease Management ...

visionworks

$61.18 - $84.13/hr

Visionworks Optometrist - Employed Our employed optometrists help make quality eye care accessible and affordable, changing the lives of millions of patients each year. HAVERTOWN, PA - Part Time ...

Vision Care Clinic, P.C. (C)

Optometrist

Sioux City, IA · On-site

Join the team and find your path to long-term optometric career success with us today! Job Expectations: Provision of comprehensive eye care services. Contacts, Spectacles, Ocular Disease Management ...

Vision Care Clinic, P.C. (C)

Optometrist

Onawa, IA · On-site

Join the team and find your path to long-term optometric career success with us today! Job Expectations: Provision of comprehensive eye care services. Contacts, Spectacles, Ocular Disease Management ...

Vision Care Clinic, P.C. (C)

Optometrist

Onawa, IA · On-site

Join the team and find your path to long-term optometric career success with us today! Job Expectations: Provision of comprehensive eye care services. Contacts, Spectacles, Ocular Disease Management ...

Vision Care Clinic, P.C. (C)

Optometrist

Sioux City, IA · On-site

Join the team and find your path to long-term optometric career success with us today! Job Expectations: Provision of comprehensive eye care services. Contacts, Spectacles, Ocular Disease Management ...

Vision To Learn

Optometrist

Des Moines, IA

$80 - $90/hr

OPTOMETRIST - Mobile Optometry - Des Moines, Iowa Compensation : $80-$90/hr. Job Types: Part-time, Contract Vision To Learn seeks compassionate, mission-driven optometrists who want to make a ...

Vision to Learn

Optometrist

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$80 - $90/hr

OPTOMETRIST - Mobile Optometry - Des Moines, Iowa Compensation : $80-$90/hr. Job Types: Part-time, Contract Vision To Learn seeks compassionate, mission-driven optometrists who want to make a ...

Vision To Learn

$80 - $90/hr

OPTOMETRIST - Mobile Optometry - Des Moines, Iowa Compensation : $80-$90/hr. Job Types: Part-time, Contract Vision To Learn seeks compassionate, mission-driven optometrists who want to make a ...

National Vision

Optometrist

Des Moines, IA

This is a great opportunity for a skilled, personable optometrist who wants to earn additional income while enjoying maximum flexibility. Whether you're balancing another role, family life, or easing ...

National Vision

Optometrist

Des Moines, IA · On-site

This is a great opportunity for a skilled, personable optometrist who wants to earn additional income while enjoying maximum flexibility. Whether you're balancing another role, family life, or easing ...

Walmart

Independent Optometrist - Walmart

Ringsted, IA · On-site

As an Independent Optometrist leasing space inside our Walmart stores you will take a leading role in patient care with respect to eye and vision care as well as general health and wellbeing. As an ...

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Optometric Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$15

$19

How much do optometric assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for optometric assistant in Iowa is $15.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $17.40 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.

More about Optometric Assistant jobs
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Optometric Assistant jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Optometric Assistant job openings:
Optometric Assistant jobs near you

Optometrist

Vision Care Clinic, P.C. (C)

Denison, IA • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Apply Now
Why You'll Love This Job
Join a committed and caring group of the Midwest's elite care providers in Iowa. With a commitment to full scope optometry and optimal patient outcomes in vision correction, preservation, rehabilitation and ocular disease management. Rural and urban communities served across a large geographic area. Like-minded, patient-oriented, grassroots providers working in a large group practice setting to employ cutting edge technologies and provide comprehensive patient services. Come join our team of skilled providers and be a part of the country's largest network of independent optometrists - learning and growing every day in our lives and practice with a strong commitment to fostering professional relationships and community involvement.
Join the team and find your path to long-term optometric career success with us today!
Job Expectations:
Provision of comprehensive eye care services.
Contacts, Spectacles, Ocular Disease Management, and Urgent Care
Contributions to group best practices and input on clinical care protocols
Flexible hours and provider schedule - great for families!
Benefits:
  • Profit sharing,
  • 401k w/ employer contribution,
  • Production bonus,
  • Paid time off,
  • FSA/HSA/HRA,
  • Flexible schedule,
  • Employer malpractice coverage,
  • Continuing education
  • Licensure costs covered

Desired Character Traits
Diligent work ethic, compassionate care for patients, willingness to learn and grow, spirit of honesty and integrity.
Practice Summary: Established, rapidly growing, successful multi-location practice in West Central Iowa. O.D. only group practice with opportunity for buy-in to equity of the business. Full-scope with comprehensive services offered, continually expanding and evolving technology and cutting edge patient care services.
History: Founded in 1976 by Dr. Kuhlmann as a single practitioner, single office clinic in Denison, IA where he provided not only exam services, but complete optical care as well. Vision Care Clinic has now grown to be the largest O.D. only practice in the state of Iowa employing as many as 10 providers with 9 active locations.
Vision Care Clinic has always been a leader and preferred provider of quality vision care products and personalized optometric services to our patients in Western Iowa and Nebraska. Our experienced doctors and staff offer comprehensive vision examinations and specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide array of eye diseases, conditions, and problems.
Responsibilities
Full-scope Primary Care and Disease Optometrist
Responsibilities:
  • Comprehensive eye care services.
  • Contributions to group best practices and team work in refining clinical care protocols.
  • Flexible hours and provider schedules.
  • Complete eye care services Contacts, Spectacle Prescriptions, Ocular Disease management, and urgent care services.

Skills & Qualifications
Qualifications:
  • Optometric License to Practice in states of Iowa and Nebraska
  • Complete eye care services Contacts
  • Spectacle Prescriptions,
  • Ocular Disease management
  • Urgent care services.

Qualifications of Ideal Candidate: Diligent work ethic, compassionate care for patients, willingness to learn and grow, spirit of honesty and integrity.
Apply Now
Type: Part Time (Salaried)

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