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Optometrist Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Wolfe Eye Clinic

Optometric Assistant

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

This position will assist the Optometrist during clinic to provide comprehensive care for our patients. Responsibilities: * Assisting the Optometrist during clinic. * Performing patient workups.

Wolfe Eye Clinic

Optometric Assistant

Cedar Falls, IA

$14 - $18/hr

This position will assist the Optometrist during clinic to provide comprehensive care for our patients. Responsibilities: * Assisting the Optometrist during clinic. * Performing patient workups.

Eye Surgeons Associates

Optometric Assistant

Bettendorf, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

Optometric Assistant - Reclaim Your Evenings & Weekends! Are you a clinical professional looking for a high-impact role without the burnout of irregular hours? Eye Surgeons Associates P.C. is seeking ...

Vision Care Clinic, P.C. (C)

Optometric Technician

Denison, IA · On-site

$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 ...

Vision Care Associates LLP

Optometric Technician

Denison, IA · On-site

$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 ...

University of Iowa

OPTOMETRIST FACULTY

Iowa City, IA · On-site

OPTOMETRIST FACULTYRequisition # 75675Position Basics Type of Position CLINICAL-TRACK Advertising ... Appointment at the level of Assistant Professor, Associate Professor or full Professor and to the ...

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Optometrist Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$13

$16

$25

How much do optometrist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for optometrist assistant in Iowa is $16.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $16.92 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 Iowa?

The most popular types of Optometrist jobs in Iowa are:

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

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

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

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Optometrist Assistant jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Optometrist Assistant job openings:

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

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

Optometrist Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optometrist Assistant job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% 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 $34,996 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

Optometric Assistant

Wolfe Eye Clinic

Cedar Falls, IA • On-site

$14 - $18/hr

Other

Re-posted 3 days ago

Wolfe Eye Clinic rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Optometric Assistant

Cedar Falls - Cedar Falls, IA 50613

Overview

Position Type Part Time

Description

Optometric Assistant At Wolfe Eye Clinic, we create Better Vision for a Better Life.

We have an immediate opening for a Part-Time Optometric Assistant based in the Cedar Falls Clinic.

This position will assist the Optometrist during clinic to provide comprehensive care for our patients.

Responsibilities:

  • Assisting the Optometrist during clinic.
  • Performing patient workups.
  • Performing diagnostic testing such as manual-refraction, retinoscopy, keratometry, OCT's, visual fields, pressure checks and tonometry
  • Documenting medical and ocular histories into electronic medical records
  • Ordering contact lenses.
  • Providing Patient Education.
  • Answering and triaging calls from patients.
  • Responding to tasks.
  • Completing paperwork and maintaining patient documentation in the electronic medical record.
  • Sterilizing exam rooms.
  • Monitoring the patient schedule to ensure clinic maintains efficiency.
  • Travel to Waterloo clinic based on clinic need.
  • Performing other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Detailed orientated
  • Previous experience in a medical office.
  • Previous experience with electronic medical record or medical office software.
  • Able to work both independently and in a team environment
  • Excellent time management skills
  • Have excellent patient service skills
  • Maintain excellent communication skills

Previous optical or ophthalmic experience preferred but willing to train the right candidate.

Daytime travel is required. When traveling to the non-base clinic, mileage and time on the road will be reimbursed.

If you are interested in being a part of an Eye Care Center of Excellence while receiving a competitive wage, please apply.

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