ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Optometric Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

unicare

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 ...

unicare

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 ...

Searhc

Optometric Assistant I

Juneau, AK

$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 ...

Rosin Optical Co., Inc.

Optometric Assistant

Miami, FL

$17 - $22/hr

Bilingual (English/Spanish) required , as we serve Spanish-speaking patients Position Summary We are seeking a reliable, detail-oriented Optometric Assistant who can effectively multitask between ...

Southwest Eye Care

Optometric Assistant

Minnetonka, MN

$20 - $21/hr

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 ...

Eye Society

Optometric Assistant/Medical Assistant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18.25 - $23.50/hr

Responsibilities Optometric Assistant/Medical Assistant jo b responsibilities include: • Complete diagnostic testing and necessary documentation • Prepare patients to be seen by the Doctor • ...

Brighton Eye Associates

Be Seen First

Optometric Assistant

Brighton, CO · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Job Overview Join our dynamic healthcare team as an Optometric Assistant, where your enthusiasm and dedication will directly enhance patient experiences and support our eye care professionals. In ...

EYEWORKS Benson

Optometric Assistant

Benson, NC · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

Experience in the Optometric Industry - Highly Preferred. ​ Qualifications: * Previous experience in eyecare or other healthcare fields * Familiarity with healthcare or medical procedures * Strong ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsOptometric JobsOptometric Assistant Jobs

Optometric Assistant information

See salary details

$10

$16

$21

How much do optometric assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 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.

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 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:
Optometric Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optometric Assistant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,352 per year, or $16.5 per hour.
Optometric Assistant I

Optometric Assistant I

Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium

Juneau, AK • On-site

$25 - $30.04/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Pay Range:$25.00 - $30.04This position supports eye care services to patients of all ages. 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 communication and timely documentation are essential for this position.
This is a career ladder position with four levels designed to provide progressively more technical and independent work experiences. Promotion between job levels is based on performance, skill acquisition, required certifications, and the demonstrated ability to successfully handle duties requiring progressively more responsibility.
SEARHC is a non-profit health consortium which serves the health interests of the residents of Southeast Alaska. We see our employees as our strongest assets. It is our priority to further their development and our organization by aiding in their professional advancement.
Working at SEARHC is more than a job, it's a fulfilling career. We offer generous benefits, including retirement, paid time off, paid parental leave, health insurance, dental, and vision benefits, life insurance and long and short-term disability, and more.
Key Essential Functions and Accountabilities of the Job (as skills acquire)
Optometry Assistant
  • Room and screen patients for the providers, perform optical and point of care lab testing.
  • Accurately document in a timely manner.

Optical
  • Assist patients with optical orders: optical benefits verification, frame selection, measurements, order entry, payment collection, order verification, dispensing (glasses and contacts) in-person or by mail, adjustments, repairs, and warranty replacements.
  • Assist with inventory management: ordering, cleaning, returns and frame placement.
  • Assist with approval and reconciliation of invoices for timely payment.

Imaging
  • Acquires ocular imaging: photos, ocular coherence tomography, visual fields, topography.
  • Enters images into medical record for provider review.

Administrative Support
  • Assist with triage, tracking and scheduling of referred, recalled or diabetic patients.
  • Assist with phones, directing/answering patient questions and paperwork.
  • Work with Referral Care Coordinators, providers and/or clinics to facilitate patient referrals.
  • Order and maintain office and medical supplies.

Other Functions
  • Always maintain patient confidentiality.
  • Work collaboratively to meet the needs of the patients and organizational goals.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Additional Details:
Education, Certifications, and Licenses Required
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • BLS at hire or must obtain within 3 months of hire
  • Clinical Competency required within 3 months of hire and every three years

Experience Required
  • One year of medical office experience preferred.

Knowledge of
  • Knowledge of medical and ophthalmic terminology.
  • Knowledge and demonstrated use of customer service principles.
  • Knowledge and demonstrated use of safety and infection control principles.

Skills in
  • Customer service, time management and organization.
  • Computer use with a high degree of accuracy and detail orientation.
  • Verbal and written communication.

Ability to
  • Ability to multi-task and work independently in fast paced environment.
  • Ability to learn and maintain optometry assistant competencies.
  • Ability to problem-solve and use conflict resolution skills to develop and maintain good working relations with other staff and departments.

Travel Required
  • Required to accompany optometrist on field trips, 3-6 weeks per year.

Other Qualifications
  • Fine detail manual dexterity with precision for eyeglass repairs.

Position Information:
Work Shift:Exempt
If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!

What Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply