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Optometrist Assistant Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Southwest Eye Care is hiring for a full-time (1.0 FTE) Optometric Assistant in our Glencoe location! Who we are: We are ambassadors of integrity, who are committed to individualized care using ...

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

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Optometrist

Morris, MN · On-site

$145K - $155K/yr

Optometrist Position Overview Are you looking for a role where you can do meaningful work, grow ... Additional programs to assist with educational commitments. * Comprehensive Benefits: A full ...

Provides optometric examinations including but not limited to pupillary reflexes, tonometry ... Become familiar with Federal and State Health Care programs requirements and assist in carrying out ...

Provides optometric examinations including but not limited to pupillary reflexes, tonometry ... Become familiar with Federal and State Health Care programs requirements and assist in carrying out ...

Optometrist Position Overview Are you looking for a role where you can do meaningful work, grow ... Additional programs to assist with educational commitments. * Comprehensive Benefits: A full ...

Optometrist

Red Wing, MN · On-site

$145K - $155K/yr

Optometrist Position Overview Are you looking for a role where you can do meaningful work, grow ... Additional programs to assist with educational commitments. * Comprehensive Benefits: A full ...

Full Time and part-time Optometrist positions available (Elk River) For full time no weekend hours ... Our technicians assist with pre-testing, OCT, Optos, fundus photos, visual fields and Icare ...

Optometrist

Elk River, MN · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

Full Time and part-time Optometrist positions available (Elk River) For full time no weekend hours ... Our technicians assist with pre-testing, OCT, Optos, fundus photos, visual fields and Icare ...

Full Time and part-time Optometrist positions available (Elk River) For full time no weekend hours ... Our technicians assist with pre-testing, OCT, Optos, fundus photos, visual fields and Icare ...

Optometrist

Elk River, MN · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

Full Time and part-time Optometrist positions available (Elk River) For full time no weekend hours ... Our technicians assist with pre-testing, OCT, Optos, fundus photos, visual fields and Icare ...

Prescription of aides to assist in the improvement of visual acuity including eyeglasses and contact lenses. Skills and Experience: Required: * Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree from an accredited ...

Full Time and part-time Optometrist positions available (Elk River) $10,000 SIGNING BONUS for ... Our technicians assist with pre-testing, OCT, Optos, fundus photos, visual fields, Icare tonometry ...

Full Time and part-time Optometrist positions available (Elk River) $10,000 SIGNING BONUS for ... Our technicians assist with pre-testing, OCT, Optos, fundus photos, visual fields, Icare tonometry ...

Prescription of aides to assist in the improvement of visual acuity including eyeglasses and contact lenses. Skills and Experience: Required: * Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree from an accredited ...

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Optometrist Assistant information

See Minnesota salary details

$14

$17

$26

How much do optometrist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for optometrist assistant in Minnesota is $17.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.77 and $17.64 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.

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

The most popular types of Optometrist jobs in Minnesota are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Optometrist Assistant jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Optometrist Assistant job openings:

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

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

Infographic showing various Optometrist Assistant job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,492 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Optometric Assistant

Glencoe, MN

Southwest Eye Care
Outpatient Health Care • 51 - 200 employees

$19 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Southwest Eye Care is hiring for a full-time (1.0 FTE) Optometric Assistant in our Glencoe location!

Who we are:

We are ambassadors of integrity, who are committed to individualized care using remarkable technology, to create an exceptional patient experience. We are dedicated to creating work/life harmony in an efficient and enjoyable environment for everyone who enters our clinics. Starting pay is $19.00-20.00/hour.

This opportunity is for you if:

  • You are professional, caring, and able to multi-task
  • You like the hustle and bustle of the healthcare industry
  • You are an adaptable and strong team player
  • You can work independently and demonstrate critical thinking skills
  • You have a passion for growth and desire to continue learning
  • You can work flexible hours, one night and one Saturday a month

About the Optometric Assistant role:

  • Focuses on the Patient: Seeks to understand patient needs to create value
  • Demonstrates a Positive Attitude and Resilience: Adapts positively to pressure, setbacks, challenges, and change to achieve and sustain peak effectiveness.
  • Drives for Success: Delivers excellent performance by seizing opportunities and proactively taking concrete actions that adhere to Southwest Eye Care policies and procedures. Goes the extra-mile and persistently overcomes obstacles.
  • Assist doctors during clinic times by taking patient health histories, visual acuities, and perform pretests requested by the doctors. Prep exam rooms for clinic and close down rooms after clinic.
  • Perform front desk duties included but not limited to answering phones, greeting patients, checking in patients, prepping charts, filing, verifying insurance, billing professional fees, and scheduling appointments.
  • Optical duties as assigned including but not limited to frame selections, ophthalmic lens ordering, frame ordering, glasses adjustments, dispensing glasses, dispensing contacts, repairing glasses, verifying glasses and frame orders, and notifying patients when product is available.
  • Contact lens responsibilities including patient contact lens orders, verifying contact lens orders, ordering contact lens trials, and I amp; R classes.
  • Responsible for ordering medical supplies, eye drops used during patient visits, and sample prescription drops.
  • Other administrative duties including but not limited to reconciling monthly statements with invoices, ordering office supplies, and cleaning the office.
  • Travel to other offices required.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits
  • Health Insurance (medical, dental, vision, HSA)
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Holiday Pay
  • 401K Retirement Savings Plan
  • Other Benefits: Accident, Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness, Life/AD amp;D, Disability, Commuter, Dependent Care, Adoption amp; Surrogate, Pet Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Employee Discounts

You meet these requirements:

  • High school diploma or GED required
  • Three years related optical experience or customer service experience preferred
  • ABO, NCLE, CPO, CPOA, COA certifications preferred

Job Type: Full-time

Schedule:

  • 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person

Unifeye Vision Partners provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.