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Optometrist Assistant Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

Searhc

Optometric Assistant

Juneau, AK · On-site

$25 - $30.04/hr

Required to accompany optometrist on field trips, 3-6 weeks/year. Position Information: Work Shift:OT 8/40 If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy ...

Searhc

Optometric Assistant

Sitka, AK

$18 - $23.25/hr

This position requires/develops skills as an optometry assistant including optical and imaging ... Required to accompany optometrist on field trips, 3-6 weeks per year. Other Qualifications * Fine ...

Searhc

Optometric Assistant II

Sitka, AK · On-site

$25 - $31.88/hr

Required to accompany optometrist on field trips, 3-6 weeks/year. Position Information: Work Shift:OT 8/40 If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy ...

Searhc

Optometric Assistant I

Juneau, AK · On-site

$25 - $30.04/hr

This position requires/develops skills as an optometry assistant including optical and imaging ... Required to accompany optometrist on field trips, 3-6 weeks per year. Other Qualifications * Fine ...

NurseStar Medical Partners

Travel Optometrist

Yakutat, AK · On-site

$4.5K - $4.6K/wk

Optometry Start Date: As Soon As Credentialed Travel: Client provides onsite housing Assignment ... * Assist with equipment selection, dispensary setup, and inventory management. * Develop EHR ...

Eyetastic Services®

Optometrist - Kenai, Alaska

Kenai, AK · On-site

$180K - $200K/yr

Optometrist - Kenai, Alaska We are currently seeking a dedicated and hardworking optometrist to ... To further enhance patient care, the specialized testing team is available to assist with advanced ...

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Optometrist Assistant information

See Alaska salary details

$16

$19

$28

How much do optometrist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for optometrist assistant in Alaska is $19.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.36 and $19.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 provide on-the-job training. Certification from organizations like the American Optometric Association can enhance job prospects.

Is it hard to become an optometrist assistant?

Becoming an optometrist assistant typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, along with on-the-job training or a short certification program. The role involves assisting with patient care, managing equipment, and supporting optometrists, and it generally does not require extensive formal education or licensing.

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 specialized tools and following specific protocols. Strong communication skills and knowledge of eye care procedures are important for this role.
More about Optometrist Assistant jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Optometrist jobs in Alaska?

The most popular types of Optometrist jobs in Alaska are:

What are popular job titles related to Optometrist Assistant jobs in Alaska?

For Optometrist Assistant jobs in Alaska, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optometrist Assistant jobs in Alaska look for?

The top searched job categories for Optometrist Assistant jobs in Alaska are:

What cities in Alaska are hiring for Optometrist Assistant jobs?

Cities in Alaska with the most Optometrist Assistant job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Optometrist Assistant jobs in AK?

For Optometrist Assistant jobs in AK, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Optometrist Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optometrist Assistant job openings in Alaska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,126 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

Optometric Assistant

Sitka, AK • On-site

South East Alaska Regional Health Consortium
See more jobs at South East Alaska Regional Health Consortiumexternal

$18 - $23.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Optometry Assistant

This 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: OT 8/40

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!

Apply