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Optometric Assistant Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Envision Eye Care

Optometric Medical Assistant

Bristol, TN · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Envision Eye Care Optometric Medical Assistant Join Envision Eye Care as a Full Time Optometric Medical Assistant and embark on an exciting career path in the dynamic field of eye care. This onsite ...

Miller Eye Care

Be Seen First

Optometric Assistant/Unlicensed Optician

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

Miller Eye Care & Optical is seeking individuals for Optometric assistant, front desk, and unlicensed Optician duties. All staff members are cross-trained within the office system, including pre ...

Visionworks

Optometric Assistant Part Time

Smyrna, TN · On-site

$10.64 - $14.10/hr

A Visionworks OD Tech/Optometric Assistant is the very face of our Exam Practice and is dedicated to ensuring the best possible journey for every patient. This person is trained and knowledgeable ...

Visionworks

Optometric Assistant Part Time

Clarksville, TN · On-site

$10.64 - $14.10/hr

A Visionworks OD Tech/Optometric Assistant is the very face of our Exam Practice and is dedicated to ensuring the best possible journey for every patient. This person is trained and knowledgeable ...

Visionworks

Optometric Assistant Part Time

Murfreesboro, TN · On-site

$10.64 - $14.10/hr

A Visionworks OD Tech/Optometric Assistant is the very face of our Exam Practice and is dedicated to ensuring the best possible journey for every patient. This person is trained and knowledgeable ...

Visionworks

Optometric Assistant Part Time

Murfreesboro, TN · On-site

$10.64 - $14.10/hr

A Visionworks OD Tech/Optometric Assistant is the very face of our Exam Practice and is dedicated to ensuring the best possible journey for every patient. This person is trained and knowledgeable ...

Visionworks

Optometric Assistant Part Time

Jackson, TN · On-site

$10.64 - $14.10/hr

A Visionworks OD Tech/Optometric Assistant is the very face of our Exam Practice and is dedicated to ensuring the best possible journey for every patient. This person is trained and knowledgeable ...

Visionworks

Optometric Assistant Part Time

Millington, TN · On-site

$10.64 - $14.10/hr

A Visionworks OD Tech/Optometric Assistant is the very face of our Exam Practice and is dedicated to ensuring the best possible journey for every patient. This person is trained and knowledgeable ...

Visionworks

Optometric Assistant Part Time

Spring Hill, TN · On-site

$10.64 - $14.10/hr

A Visionworks OD Tech/Optometric Assistant is the very face of our Exam Practice and is dedicated to ensuring the best possible journey for every patient. This person is trained and knowledgeable ...

Visionworks

Optometric Assistant Part Time

Jackson, TN · On-site

$10.64 - $14.10/hr

A Visionworks OD Tech/Optometric Assistant is the very face of our Exam Practice and is dedicated to ensuring the best possible journey for every patient. This person is trained and knowledgeable ...

Visionworks

Optometric Assistant Part Time

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$10.64 - $14.10/hr

A Visionworks OD Tech/Optometric Assistant is the very face of our Exam Practice and is dedicated to ensuring the best possible journey for every patient. This person is trained and knowledgeable ...

Visionworks

Optometric Assistant Part Time

Brentwood, TN · On-site

$10.64 - $14.10/hr

A Visionworks OD Tech/Optometric Assistant is the very face of our Exam Practice and is dedicated to ensuring the best possible journey for every patient. This person is trained and knowledgeable ...

Visionworks

Optometric Assistant Part Time

Spring Hill, TN · On-site

$10.64 - $14.10/hr

A Visionworks OD Tech/Optometric Assistant is the very face of our Exam Practice and is dedicated to ensuring the best possible journey for every patient. This person is trained and knowledgeable ...

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All JobsOptometric JobsOptometric Assistant JobsOptometric Assistant Jobs in Tennessee

Optometric Assistant information

See Tennessee salary details

$9

$14

$19

How much do optometric assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for optometric assistant in Tennessee is $14.99, 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.

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

Optometric Assistant Part Time

Visionworks of America

Millington, TN • On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Visionworks rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 213 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 39 rated optical retailers

Job description

Visionworks Od Tech/Optometric Assistant

A Visionworks OD Tech/Optometric Assistant is the very face of our Exam Practice and is dedicated to ensuring the best possible journey for every patient. This person is trained and knowledgeable about eye health and preliminary testing, optics, our products/services and managed vision care. The OD Tech personally takes the patient through the first steps of the Visionworks experience ensuring their eye exam needs are met in a simple, human and bold way.

Maintain complete and accurate patient records before conducting preliminary testing

Introduce patient to OD and provide OD with important patient information

Transition patient from doctor to sales floor and provide associates necessary information to educate and recommend products and services that meet their eye care needs

Execute day-to-day operational activities to support the store's exam lane maintenance and patient experience goals including: restocking inventory, cleaning equipment, and answering phones to meet additional patient needs

Will open/close the store/office to support business as needed

Related customer or patient experience preferred, but not necessary

HS diploma, GED or equivalent related job experience

At Visionworks, we offer a generous, competitive benefits package (for our part timers, too!) and exclusive employee discounts —including but not limited to

Vision Coverage

Paid Parental Leave

Bereavement Leave

401 (k) Savings Plan

Paid Time off

Milestone anniversary awards

Medical, Dental for Full Timers

And more!

Everyone has a story that makes them who they are. At Visionworks, we're looking for charismatic people who can lead authentically and with their own unique voice. We are actively committed to fostering an environment where all are seen and heard equally as we embrace Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I).

VSP Vision is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to age, gender, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.

Compensation range for the roles is above. Applicable salary ranges may differ across markets. Actual pay will be determined based on experience and other job-related factors permitted by law. As a part of the compensation package, this role may include eligible bonuses, equity, and commissions.

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