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Optometrist Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Optometrist Assistant

Akron, OH · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Optometric Assistant To provide direct, high-quality patient care to clinic patients and visitors and maintain a professional and friendly atmosphere. Acts as the Clinical Assistant to the ...

Optometrist Assistant

Akron, OH · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

OPTOMETRIC ASSISTANT SUMMARY: To provide direct, high-quality patient care to clinic patients and visitors and maintain a professional and friendly atmosphere. Acts as the Clinical Assistant to the ...

Optometrist Assistant

Akron, OH · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

OPTOMETRIC ASSISTANT SUMMARY: To provide direct, high-quality patient care to clinic patients and visitors and maintain a professional and friendly atmosphere. Acts as the Clinical Assistant to the ...

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Make a Difference Every Day Our growing neuro-optometric rehabilitation practice is looking for a compassionate, motivated, and detail-oriented Neuro-Optometry Assistant to join our team. We help ...

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Optometrist Assistant information

See salary details

$14

$17

$26

How much do optometrist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for optometrist assistant in the United States is $17.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do I become an optometrist assistant?

To become an optometrist assistant, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Relevant skills include good communication, attention to detail, and basic knowledge of eye care; some employers may prefer or require on-the-job training or certification in medical assisting or ophthalmic procedures.

What do optometrist assistants do?

Optometrist assistants support optometrists by preparing exam rooms, assisting patients during eye exams, and handling administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments and maintaining patient records. They may also help with selecting and fitting eyeglasses and contact lenses, often using basic ophthalmic tools and equipment. Strong communication skills and attention to detail are important in this role.

How do you become an optometrist assistant?

To become an optometrist assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may pursue postsecondary training or certification in ophthalmic assisting. Relevant skills include knowledge of eye care procedures and good communication, and some employers offer on-the-job training. Certification from organizations like the American Optometric Association can enhance job prospects.

What is an optometrist assistant?

An optometrist is a medical professional who provides vision and eye care. An optometrist assistant, also called an “optometric assistant,” works with the optometrist to ensure the office runs smoothly. As an optometrist assistant, your job duties include scheduling appointments, filing paperwork, handling other bookkeeping tasks, and answering the phone. You may also have some clinical responsibilities, such as performing pretests for vision exams, prepping exam rooms, cleaning and setting up equipment, and showing patients how to care for contact lenses.

What are the typical responsibilities of an optometrist assistant during a patient’s visit?

As an Optometrist Assistant, you’ll often be the first point of contact for patients, responsible for tasks such as taking patient histories, performing preliminary vision tests, and preparing examination rooms. You’ll assist the optometrist by handling equipment, administering eye drops as instructed, and educating patients about eye care or eyewear options. This role also involves managing appointment schedules, maintaining patient records, and ensuring that the clinic runs smoothly. Collaboration with the optometrist, office staff, and optical technicians is a key part of providing efficient, high-quality patient care.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optometrist assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optometrist Assistant, you need a solid understanding of basic eye care procedures, patient scheduling, and administrative tasks, usually supported by a high school diploma or relevant certification. Familiarity with ophthalmic instruments, electronic health record (EHR) systems, and vision testing equipment is often required. Excellent interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask help you stand out in this role. These skills ensure efficient patient care, accurate record-keeping, and a smooth workflow within an eye care practice.

What is the difference between Optometrist Assistant vs Optician?

AspectOptometrist AssistantOptician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; on-the-job training or certificationHigh school diploma; certification or license often required
Work EnvironmentOptometry clinics, eye care officesOptical stores, eyewear retail outlets
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist optometrists, prepare patients, perform basic testsFabricate, fit, and dispense eyewear, assist customers

Optometrist Assistants support optometrists with patient care and clinic tasks, while opticians focus on eyewear fitting and sales. Both roles require related certifications and work in eye care environments, but their primary duties differ significantly.

What cities are hiring for Optometrist Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Optometrist Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Optometrist jobs? The most popular types of Optometrist jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Optometrist Assistant jobs? The top employers for Optometrist Assistant jobs are:
What states have the most Optometrist Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Optometrist Assistant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Optometrist Assistant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Optometrist Assistant jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Optometrist Assistant jobs? For Optometrist Assistant jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Optometrist Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 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 $37,259 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

$16 - $19/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Description

OPTOMETRIC ASSISTANT


SUMMARY: To provide direct, high-quality patient care to clinic patients and visitors and maintain a professional and friendly atmosphere.  Acts as the Clinical Assistant to the Optometrist in providing patient care.  AFS manages patient care using a team-based approach in our interactions with patients and working to achieve stated objectives and outcomes. 


SUPERVISOR: Health Center Administrator & Optometrist



DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Obtains and records patient medical histories, vitals, test results and other information for medical records while maintaining strict confidentiality. 
  • Conducts exam pretesting procedures
  • Prepares treatment rooms for clinical examinations and assists practitioners with medical procedures and other patient care.
  • Complete patient registration, insurance verification, and process/scan/fax all necessary paperwork.
  • Collect and process co-payments at time of service, understand payment arrangement policy and assign accordingly. Complete daily reconciliation of funds collected.
  • Check patients in & out in a timely manner and consult with clinical support and/or provider staff regarding walk-in patients. 
  • Assist patients navigate insurance plans, process claims, and work to create payment plans when necessary.
  • Complete insurance eligibility process. 
  • Answers phones and returns patient calls.
  • Schedules patient appointments
  • Adjusts and takes measurements for glasses
  • Verifies powers of glasses
  • Delivers compassionate support, attention, and assistance to patients and families.      
  • Ensures compliance with all health care regulations, including HIPAA and OSHA.
  • Sterilizes equipment pre-examination and post examination. 
  • Provides exemplary customer service to all patients
  • Manages supply inventory.
  • Other duties as assigned.

The Duties and Responsibilities above represent the most significant duties of this position, but do not exclude other assignments that would be within the qualification and responsibility levels of this position. 

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Two years of optometric assisting - preferred

LICENSES OR CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

  • CPO Certification - Preferred


COMPLIANCE:

This position requires compliance with AFS' written standards, including its Compliance Program and Standards of Conduct and policies and procedures. Such compliance will be an element considered as part of the regular performance evaluation.


Failure to comply with AFS' Written Standards, which may include the failure to report any conduct or event that potentially violates legal or compliance requirements or AFS' Written Standards or, for managers and supervisors, fails to detect non-compliant conduct where reasonable efforts would have resulted in detection, will be met by the enforcement of disciplinary action, up to and including possible termination, in accordance with AFS' Compliance Program Policy and Procedure: Addressing Instances of Non-Compliance through Appropriate Disciplinary Actions.


PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, and use hands to finger handle or feel; to talk; or hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally stand, walk, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must be able to frequently lift up to 25 pounds. The employee may occasionally be required to lift 25 to 50 pounds; however, this is not essential; duties may be shifted to accommodate lifting restrictions.



WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to use close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less). The employee will occasionally be working near moving mechanical parts, be exposed to outdoor weather conditions and exposed to a risk of electrical shock while running the copier, printer, other standard equipment and answering the telephone. The noise level in the work environment is low to moderate. Stress level can be high at times.


Note: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the job.