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Optometric Assistant Jobs in Lockport, IL (NOW HIRING)

LensCrafters - Optometric Technician

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

Perform a variety of tasks to assist the optometrist in eye examinations. Tasks include privately obtaining medical history and preparation of patient for examination. Think out loud, asking open ...

Optometric Technician

Lemont, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $20.50/hr

Optometric Technician Optometric Technicians work in conjunction with the doctors to perform activities involving patient care, pre-testing, post-exam duties, specialty testing, and maintain the ...

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Optometric Assistant information

See Lockport, IL salary details

$10

$16

$21

How much do optometric assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for optometric assistant in Lockport, IL is $16.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $18.56 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 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 cities near Lockport, IL are hiring for Optometric Assistant jobs? Cities near Lockport, IL with the most Optometric Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Optometric Assistant job openings in Lockport, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,454 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Assistant Professor- IL-Cornea and Contact Lenses- Chicago College of Optometry

Midwestern University

Downers Grove, IL

$112K - $115K/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Midwestern University rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

360th of 617 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Responsibilities:

Candidates are expected to be highly knowledgeable in the field of Cornea and Contact Lenses, who can develop and teach courses and/or laboratories in the subject area. The candidate must also be able to provide direct patient care and clinical instruction to professional students as well as residents, and be involved in interdisciplinary practice with other educational professionals. Candidates must be willing to actively participate in curricular assessment, professional development, student counseling, and service activities within the college, university, and the scientific community. Successful candidates are also expected to be involved in research and scholarly activities and have a sincere commitment to optometric education, community service, and patient care. Primary duties include, but are not limited to:

a)   Teaching
  • Developing and delivering lectures and/or laboratories for cornea and contact lenses and related areas, as assigned;
  • Embracing and enhancing the didactic philosophies in the D. program;
  • Maintaining and expanding the high-quality clinical practice environment for optometry students on rotation;
  • Precepting students on clinical rotation at the Midwestern University Eye Institute-Downers
b)   Service
  • Helping to maintain and grow the state-of-the-art optometry program with a strong interdisciplinary focus that meets the needs of patients in the surrounding community, is efficient, patient-friendly, and cost-effective.
  • Working closely together with all optometry and ophthalmology faculty to provide a complete range of eye and vision care services;
  • Participating in leadership roles in state, regional, and national optometry organizations;
  • Participating on College and University committees, as assigned;
  • Participating in College and University service
c)   Scholarly activity

Engaging in research and scholarly activity, including presentations at scientific meetings, research, and publication in peer-reviewed journals sufficient to qualify for academic advancement in a non-tenure track position.

Qualifications:

Candidates must possess a Doctor of Optometry degree from an ACOE-accredited institution, must have completed an advanced degree and/or ACOE-accredited residency in Cornea and Contact Lens, and must be eligible for an Illinois optometric license. Primary eye care clinical expertise is also required.

Contact information: Interested applicants should apply online at www.midwestern.edu and include a curriculum vitae and a letter of interest.   Inquiries may be directed to Dr. Brianne Hobbs, OD, PhD, FAAO, Dean and Professor, Chicago College of Optometry, 555 31st Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515; e-mail: bhobbs@midwestern.edu.

Midwestern University is a private, not-for-profit organization that provides graduate and post-graduate education in the health sciences. The University has two campuses, one in Downers Grove, Illinois, and the other in Glendale, Arizona. More than 6,000 full-time students are enrolled in graduate programs in osteopathic medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nurse anesthesia, cardiovascular perfusion, podiatry, optometry, clinical psychology, speech language pathology, biomedical sciences, and veterinary medicine. Over 500 full-time faculty members and 400 staff members are dedicated to the education and development of our students in an environment that encourages learning, respect for all members of the health care team, service, interdisciplinary scholarly activity, and personal growth.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance plans as well as life insurance, short/long-term disability, and pet insurance.  We offer flexible spending accounts, including healthcare reimbursement and child/dependent care accounts.  We offer a work-life balance with a competitive time off package including paid holidays, sick/flex days, personal days, and vacation days.  We offer a 403(b) retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, child care subsidy reimbursement program, identity theft protection, and an employee assistance program.  Wellness is important to us, and we offer a wellness facility on-site with a fully equipped fitness facility. 

Midwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not discriminate against an employee or applicant based upon race; color; religion; creed; national origin or ancestry; ethnicity; sex (including pregnancy); gender (including gender expressions, gender identity; and sexual orientation); marital status; age; disability; citizenship; past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services; genetic information; or any other protected class, in accord with all federal, state and local laws and regulations. Midwestern University complies with the Smoke-Free Arizona Act (A.R.S. 36-601.01) and the Smoke Free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82/).  Midwestern University complies with the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003 and Arizona Equal Pay Acts.


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