1

Optometric Assistant Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Provides optometric examinations including but not limited to pupillary reflexes, tonometry ... Become familiar with Federal and State Health Care programs requirements and assist in carrying out ...

Provides optometric examinations including but not limited to pupillary reflexes, tonometry ... Become familiar with Federal and State Health Care programs requirements and assist in carrying out ...

Opti Tech

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$17 - $21.25/hr

Prepare exam rooms and maintain cleanliness and organization * Assist the optometrist during exams as needed * Educate patients on procedures and basic eye care instructions * Manage patient flow to ...

Opti Tech

Minneapolis, MN

$17 - $21.25/hr

Prepare exam rooms and maintain cleanliness and organization * Assist the optometrist during exams as needed * Educate patients on procedures and basic eye care instructions * Manage patient flow to ...

Opti Tech

Minneapolis, MN

$17 - $21.25/hr

Prepare exam rooms and maintain cleanliness and organization * Assist the optometrist during exams as needed * Educate patients on procedures and basic eye care instructions * Manage patient flow to ...

Optometrist

Elk River, MN · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

Full Time and part-time Optometrist positions available (Elk River) For full time no weekend hours ... Our technicians assist with pre-testing, OCT, Optos, fundus photos, visual fields and Icare ...

Optometrist

Elk River, MN

$140K - $160K/yr

Full Time and part-time Optometrist positions available (Elk River) For full time no weekend hours ... Our technicians assist with pre-testing, OCT, Optos, fundus photos, visual fields and Icare ...

Optometrist

Elk River, MN · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

Full Time and part-time Optometrist positions available (Elk River) For full time no weekend hours ... Our technicians assist with pre-testing, OCT, Optos, fundus photos, visual fields and Icare ...

Optometrist

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$40K/yr

Our Optometrists are positioned to provide the utmost in patient-centered care, while receiving white glove concierge support from our seasoned Optometrist provider support team, based in Framingham ...

Our Optometrists are positioned to provide the utmost in patient-centered care, while receiving white glove concierge support from our seasoned Optometrist provider support team, based in Framingham ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Optometric Assistant information

See Minnesota salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do optometric assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for optometric assistant in Minnesota is $16.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.13 and $18.12 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 cities in Minnesota are hiring for Optometric Assistant jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Optometric Assistant job openings:
Provider - Optometrist

Provider - Optometrist

unicare

Two Harbors, MN

Other

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Job Summary

The Optometrist is primarily responsible for providing general optometry care for the patients at Unicare Community Health Center; in addition, the Optometrist may be directed by the Medical Director, Chief of Staff to perform other duties in accordance with funding agencies requirements, contractual agreements, and policies, procedures, and protocols established by the UCHC board of Directors.

Job duties

  1. Provides optometric examinations including but not limited to pupillary reflexes, tonometry, keratometry, evaluation of muscle balance, stereopsis, phorias, vergences, slit lamp examination, visual acuity, lensometry and indirect biomicroscopy.
  2. Provides routine eye examinations for new and established patients as well as follow-up exam for established patients in the health center.
  3. Performs eye examinations and contact lens fittings to pediatric, adult, and geriatric patients. - Performs triage and screening for acute or unscheduled patients in the clinic.
  4. Prescribes ophthalmic medications within the scope of practice.
  5. Participates in communicating the specific needs of patients to care providers. Demonstrates courtesy, common sense and follow-through in all telephone communications.
  6. Assume quality of care for all patients.
  7. Adheres to the highest standards of practice, ethics, and professionalism at all times.
  8. Participate in the control of and supervision of optometry practice and dispensary in conjunction with the Medical Director and Chief Operating Officer.
  9. Works within the optometry clinics to provide support as needed. - Adheres to the health center’s guidelines related to documentation of patient encounter notes, charge documents, and diagnostic study interpretation notes.
  10. Keep current with new techniques and philosophies related to all aspects of optometry field.
  11. Participate in quality assurance committee meetings provider meetings, general staff meetings and core management meeting.
  12. Other  duties  as  required  by  the  funding  agencies  to  carry  out contractual agreements and/or as established by the UCHC Board of Directors.
    1. Must become familiar with the Federal and State rules, regulations, and practices in a Community Health Center.
    2. Become  familiar  with  Federal  and  State  Health  Care  programs requirements and assist in carrying out these programs.
    3. Assist  in  developing  the  health  care  plan  and  review  of  the program requirements and recommend changes when necessary to carry out the health plan as required.
  13. Assist the Associate Director of Medical Services in establishing    medical polices, quality improvement procedures, evaluating current       practices, policies and procedures.
  14. Recommend changes in all clinical areas, and/or in general areas to improve the patient flow, medical records, billing practices, and appointment practices.
  15. Assist the Associate Director of Medical Services in designing, implementing, and evaluating educational programs for the UCHC patients and clinical staff.
  16. Responsible for the directing and supervising the clinical staff, as appropriate.
  17. Maintain an affiliation with professional groups, medical associations, and medical organizations, as per policies established and represent UCHC in all the meetings of these associations and organizations.
  18. Promotes and believes in UCHC mission statement.
  19. Ability to relate  to  the  public  regardless  of  ethnic,  religion and economic status.
 Professional Requirements
  • Adhere to dress code, appearance is neat and clean.
  • Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
  • Report to work on time and as scheduled.
  • Maintain regulatory requirements, including all state, federal and local regulations.
  • Represent the organization in a positive and professional manner at all times.
  • Comply with all organizational policies and standards regarding ethical business practices.
  • Promote the mission, ethics and goals of the organization.
  • Participate in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement activities.
Qualifications and Experience
  • Must have a minimum of one year of work experience as a licensed optometrist.
  • Doctoral degree in optometry issued by an accredited school / college of optometry.
  • Licensure by the California State Board of Optometry.
  • Thorough knowledge of optometry and skills essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to this position.
  • Thorough knowledge of eye diseases diagnosis.
  • Must be able to effectively communicate findings of examination to patients.
  • Requires strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Position must be able to work with diverse client group.
  • Position must be able to provide direction and guidance to less experienced staff members.
  • Must be able to work in a collaborative manner with staff, faculty, and members of the health care community across the campus.
  • Thorough professional skills in delivering eye care, treatment, and diagnostic services to patients.
  • This position requires flexibility to orient and work at other Unicare Community Health Center optometry locations, when needed.

Licenses and Certifications

  • Licensure by the California State Board of Optometry

Physical Requirements and Environmental Conditions

  • Pushing and pulling objects up to 25 lbs.
  • Frequent wrist, hand and finger dexterity to perform fine motor function without tremor.
  • Full range of body motion including twisting body, pushing, pulling
  • Position requires light to moderate work with 25 lb. maximum weight to lift and carry.
  • Position requires reaching, sitting down for long periods or time, walking, bending, stooping, and handling objects with hands and/or fingers, talking and/or hearing, and seeing.

Work Schedule

  • 40 hours per week.  Monday – Friday; 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, occasional Saturdays

Working Conditions

  • Non-Ionizing Radiation (microwaves, sun)
  • Hazardous Exposure (chemical [E.G. Latex] and infectious)

Â