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Optometric Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Optometric Assistant

Sandy Springs, GA

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

Thomas Eye Group is searching for a dynamic Optometric Assistant to join our dedicated team. If you're eager to make a difference and work in a vibrant, patient-focused environment, we want to hear ...

This position requires/develops skills as an optometry assistant including optical and imaging duties through on-the-job and self-training modules. Customer service, attention to detail, clear ...

Optometric Assistant

Reynoldsburg, OH · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

If you are service focused, energetic and team oriented, we want you to join our staff as an optometric assistant. You will work closely with three doctors to provide preliminary eye exam testing for ...

About the Role: We're on the lookout for a detail-oriented and dependable Optometric Assistant to join our small, dedicated team at Optometry Care! Our clinic is located inside the Exchange at Luke ...

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Vision insurance If you are service focused, energetic and team oriented, we want you to join our staff as an optometric assistant. You will work closely with three doctors to provide preliminary eye ...

Apply Early

About the Role: We're on the lookout for a detail-oriented and dependable Optometric Assistant to join our small, dedicated team at Optometry Care! Our clinic is located inside the Exchange at Luke ...

Were on the lookout for a detail-oriented and dependable Optometric Assistant to join our small, dedicated team at Optometry Care! Our clinic is located inside the Exchange at Luke Air Force Base ...

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Back Office - Optometry Assistant

Ontario, CA

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

The Optometric Assistant's customer service responsibilities include greeting customers, answering questions, and assisting customers to choose frames. Clerical responsibilities include scheduling ...

Back Office - Optometry Assistant

Ontario, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

The Optometric Assistant's customer service responsibilities include greeting customers, answering questions, and assisting customers to choose frames. Clerical responsibilities include scheduling ...

Southwest Eye Care is hiring for a full-time Optometric Assistant at our Minnetonka location.. Who we are: We are ambassadors of integrity, who are committed to individualized care using remarkable ...

Optometric Assistant I

Juneau, AK · On-site

$25 - $30.04/hr

This position requires/develops skills as an optometry assistant including optical and imaging duties through on-the-job and self-training modules. Customer service, attention to detail, clear ...

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From $17.00 per hour Job Overview We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Optometric Assistant to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for providing exceptional patient care ...

Optometric Technician

Denison, IA

$15.25 - $19/hr

As an Optometric Assistant, you will have the opportunity to receive continuous learning growth. Support and study materials are provided to earn certifications: Certified Para-Optometric (CPO) and ...

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Optometric Assistant information

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$10

$16

$21

How much do optometric assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for optometric assistant in the United States is $16.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $18.51 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.

What cities are hiring for Optometric Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Optometric Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Optometric jobs? The most popular types of Optometric jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Optometric Assistant jobs? The top employers for Optometric Assistant jobs are:
What states have the most Optometric Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Optometric Assistant jobs include:
Infographic showing various Optometric Assistant job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, and 99% Full Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,352 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

Part-time

Posted 27 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assist with eye examinations, maintain and clean examination equipment, and organize exam rooms with necessary supplies.

  • Perform clerical duties such as loading patient data into the EMR system, documenting medical information during exams, and transcribing consultations.

  • Greet patients, provide materials or prescriptions as directed by the optometrist, escort patients to the front desk, and complete patient follow-up tasks within specified timelines.


Job description

Are you passionate about eye care and looking to jumpstart your career with a leading provider in the field? Thomas Eye Group is searching for a dynamic Optometric Assistant to join our dedicated team. If you’re eager to make a difference and work in a vibrant, patient-focused environment, we want to hear from you!
Thomas Eye Group is a premier eye care provider, dedicated to offering top-notch vision care services across the Atlanta area. With a commitment to delivering exceptional patient experiences, we combine advanced technology with a compassionate approach to eye health. We have been offering services in optometry, cataract surgery, cornea, retina, and glaucoma treatment, oculoplastics, and pediatric ophthalmology for 50 years!
The Optometric Assistant will support eye examinations, perform clerical duties, and maintain examination equipment. This role requires strong communication and interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and a keen interest in repairing and maintaining glasses and ocular equipment. The ideal candidate is punctual, reliable, capable of multitasking, and conscientious about triaging and escalating issues. Proficiency in typing and excellent listening and understanding abilities are essential.
 
Key Responsibilities:
  • Assist with eye examinations and maintain examination equipment.
  • Perform clerical duties such as loading patient data into the EMR system and documenting medical information during patient exams.
  • Greet patients promptly and courteously.
  • Dispense samples, education materials, information brochures, and written prescriptions as directed by the optometrist.
  • Route charts, assign, and complete patient follow-up tasks by the end of the shift or within 24 hours, depending on urgency.
  • Ensure patients understand the information explained by the provider and answer questions regarding medications prescribed by the optometrist.
  • Escort patients to the front desk for check-out and ensure proper coding of visits and services.
  • Keep optometrists informed of patient flow and document procedures performed by the optometrist.
  • Transcribe consultations or discussions with family members accurately.
  • Organize and replenish exam rooms with medical supplies and clean equipment for the next day.
  • Assess charts and follow up with patients (letters, emails, prescriptions) by the end of the day as indicated in the EMR system.
  • Escalate issues to the Optometric Supervisor, Senior Optometric Manager, and/or Optometrist in a timely manner.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
  • Days needed are currently Monday and Tuesday (with potentially additional days added to cover vacations, etc.)

Education: High school diploma is required; some college or a degree is preferred. 
 

Experience: Less than 1 year of experience in a healthcare environment, familiarity with diagnostic codes and EMR systems preferred. 


Skills & Abilities:

  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Punctual and reliable with the ability to multitask.
  • Conscientious about triage and escalation of issues.
  • Excellent typing skills (at least 45 wpm with accuracy).
  • Proficient in listening and understanding.
  • Ability to work with optometrists and learn on the job.

Core Competencies: 

  • Greet patients promptly and courteously.
  • Load patient data into the EMR system to maintain clinic flow and schedule.
  • Document medical information during patient exams accurately.
  • Reiterate information provided by the doctor to patients clearly.
  • Dispense samples, education materials, and written prescriptions to patients.
  • Route charts and complete patient follow-up tasks within specified timelines.
  • Ensure friendly and helpful interactions with patients at all times.
  • Maintain professional conduct and minimize socialization to ensure courtesy and professionalism.
  • Confirm patient understanding of information explained by the provider.
  • Answer medication-related questions within the scope of practice and involve the optometrist as needed.
  • Escort patients to the front desk for check-out.
  • Properly code visits and services provided under the optometrist’s oversight.
  • Keep optometrists informed of patient flow and document procedures.
  • Transcribe consultations or family discussions accurately.
  • Assist with patient care as directed by the optometrist.
  • Organize and replenish exam rooms with necessary supplies and equipment.
  • Make assessments of charts and follow up with patients as indicated in the EMR system by the end of the day.
  • Escalate issues to the appropriate supervisory personnel in a timely manner.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.