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Optometric Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Doctor's Exchange of Iowa PC

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

Lakota, IA

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 ...

Walmart

Independent Optometrist - Walmart

Fenton, IA

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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All JobsOptometric Assistant JobsOptometric Assistant Jobs in Iowa

Optometric Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$15

$19

How much do optometric assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 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.

What are the duties of an optometric assistant?

An optometric assistant supports eye care professionals by preparing patients for exams, taking patient histories, performing basic vision tests, assisting with optical equipment, and managing appointments and patient records. They may also help with frame selection and cleaning, and ensure the clinic runs smoothly. Strong communication skills and familiarity with optometric tools are important for this role.

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 employers may prefer candidates with previous healthcare or customer service experience. On-the-job training is common, and certifications in medical assisting or optometry procedures can enhance job prospects, but formal education is not usually mandatory. The role generally involves working in an eye care environment, assisting with patient care, and handling administrative tasks.

What do optical assistants get paid?

Optometric assistants typically earn between $12 and $18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the employer. Salaries can vary based on certifications, skills, and whether they work full-time or part-time in an optical or healthcare setting.

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. Some employers may require prior experience or knowledge of medical terminology.

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
Pediatric Optometrist

Pediatric Optometrist

Wolfe Eye Clinic

West Des Moines, IA

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Wolfe Eye Clinic rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Pediatric Optometrist

West Des Moines, Iowa

Wolfe Eye Clinic has an immediate opening for a full-time Pediatric Optometrist in West Des Moines, Iowa. Our physician owned, multispecialty medical and surgical eye care practice has been in business for more than 100 years.  We have a strong family eye care foundation with well-established locations across the state of Iowa.


Strong candidates will have an enthusiasm for working with children and be people-oriented, high-energy individuals with a passion for quality patient care. Someone who combines exceptional work ethic and excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a deep technical understanding of optometry. The scope of practice is to provide comprehensive eyecare primarily to children of any age including the diagnosis and treatment eye diseases, myopia management, and co-management of strabismus with our Pediatric Ophthalmologist. Our West Des Moines location has an onsite pediatric optical department. The incoming Optometrist will enjoy a diversity of medical patients and a comfortable work/life balance. 

  • Clinic hours are Monday thru Friday approx. 8 am to 5 pm
  • Competitive income 
  • Well established practice and patient base
  • Largest physician owned practice in Iowa 
  • Wonderful family-friendly area 
  • Exceptional online reviews and reputation 

Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited training program and have the ability to be licensed in the state of Iowa. Completion of a pediatric residency is preferred but not required. We offer competitive compensation and benefits including bonuses based on profitability, as well as practice management tools and support. We invite you to learn more about our wonderful opportunity and the people who make our organization such a special place. 

If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please apply at www.wolfeeyeclinic.com/careers or send your curriculum vitae and salary requirements to:

Wolfe Eye Clinic
Attn: Annette Hughlette
309 East Church Street
Marshalltown, IA 50158
PHONE: 641-754-6262 Ext. 1012
FAX: 641-754-6205
ahughlette@wolfeclinic.com

EOE

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