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Optometrist Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Envision Eye Care

Optometric Medical Assistant

Marion, VA · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Optometric Medical Assistant Join our dynamic team at Envision Eye Care in Marion, VA, and experience the excitement of making a difference in patients' lives! As a Full-Time Optometric Medical ...

Envision Eye Care

Optometric Medical Assistant

Marion, VA · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

As a Full-Time Optometric Medical Assistant, you'll work onsite in a professional, high-performance environment where your contributions truly matter. You'll interact with patients daily, utilizing ...

Envision Eye Care

Optometric Medical Assistant

Marion, VA · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

As a Full-Time Optometric Medical Assistant, you'll work onsite in a professional, high-performance environment where your contributions truly matter. You'll interact with patients daily, utilizing ...

Virginia Eye Institute

Optometrist

Richmond, VA · On-site

This position may assist with pre-op and post-operative care. Optometrists perform eye exams and provide superior vision care to our patients. Duties and Responsibilities * Exam patients having a ...

Envision Eye Care

Optometric Medical Assistant

Marion, VA · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

As a Full-Time Optometric Medical Assistant, you'll work onsite in a professional, high-performance environment where your contributions truly matter. You'll interact with patients daily, utilizing ...

esr

Optometrist

Richmond, VA · On-site

This position may assist with pre-op and post-operative care. Optometrists perform eye exams and provide superior vision care to our patients. Duties and Responsibilities * Exam patients having a ...

esr

Optometrist

Richmond, VA · On-site

This position may assist with pre-op and post-operative care. Optometrists perform eye exams and provide superior vision care to our patients. Duties and Responsibilities * Exam patients having a ...

Virginia Eye Institute

Optometrist

Richmond, VA · On-site

This position may assist with pre-op and post-operative care. Optometrists perform eye exams and provide superior vision care to our patients. Duties and Responsibilities * Exam patients having a ...

360care

Optometrist

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

360care Optometrist Opportunity Make a difference every day at 360care At 360care, we are in ... Trained vision tech to assist * State of the art portable equipment and supplies including auto ...

360care

Optometrist

Fredericksburg, VA · On-site

360care Optometrist Opportunity Make a difference every day at 360care At 360care, we are in ... Trained vision tech to assist * State of the art portable equipment and supplies including auto ...

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All JobsOptometrist JobsOptometrist Assistant JobsOptometrist Assistant Jobs in Virginia

Optometrist Assistant information

See Virginia salary details

$14

$17

$26

How much do optometrist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for optometrist assistant in Virginia is $17.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.96 and $17.88 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 Virginia?

The most popular types of Optometrist jobs in Virginia are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Optometrist Assistant jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Optometrist Assistant job openings:

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

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

Optometrist Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optometrist Assistant job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,939 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Optometric Assistant, Falls Church

Kaiser Permanente

Falls Church, VA • On-site

$26.45 - $38.92/hr

Other

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
Performs initial work-up and specialized tests for optometry patients. Assists optometrists with clinical tasks as directed by the optometrist. Essential Responsibilities:
  • Greets patients, enters data into medical records, and escorts patients to examination room.
  • Interviews each patient to obtain information about symptoms and documents information provided by patient in medical record.
  • Uses specialized equipment to test patients vision and condition.
  • Provides test results to provider and brings attention to abnormal results.
  • Assists optometrist to conduct examinations as directed.
  • Assists patients to understand spectacle and contact lens options following diagnosis by optometrist.
  • Cleans and maintains specialized equipment and work areas.
  • Performs other related duties as directed.
Supports all NOVA Centers with Optometry Clinics.
Support Saturday Clinics per business need.
Works late days based on business needs.
Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri, (Sat Per Business Need)
Basic Qualifications:
Experience
  • Minimum one (1) year experience doing patient work-ups to include visual acuities, manual and automated lensometry, auto-refraction, non-contact tonometry and knowledge of contact lenses including the teaching of insertion and removal classes or completion of inter-departmental training program emphasizing above skills developed by the Optometry department.
Education
  • High School Diploma OR General Education Development (GED) required.
License, Certification, Registration
  • Certified Ophthalmic Assistant within 6 months of hire from International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology OR Paraoptometric Technician Certificate within 6 months of hire from American Optometric Association OR Paraoptometric Assistant Certificate within 6 months of hire from American Optometric Association OR Paraoptometric Certificate within 6 months of hire from American Optometric Association
Additional Requirements:
  • Successfully demonstrated proficiency on initial skills assessment during the interview process.
  • Proficiency in the use of applicable computer software.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • BLS Certification preferred.
  • Must pass a practical skills evaluation.
  • Must obtain Para-Optometric Certification within 6 months of hire date.

Primary Location: Virginia,Falls Church,Falls Church Medical Center
Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40
Shift: Day
Workdays: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Working Hours Start: 08:15 AM
Working Hours End: 04:45 PM
Job Schedule: Full-time
Job Type: Standard
Worker Location: Onsite
Employee Status: Regular
Employee Group/Union Affiliation: M40|OPEIU|Local 2
Job Level: Individual Contributor
Department: Falls Church Medical Center - Optometry - 1808
Pay Range: $26.45 - $38.92 / hour Kaiser Permanente strives to offer a market competitive total rewards package and is committed to pay equity and transparency. The posted pay range is based on possible base salaries for the role and does not reflect the full value of our total rewards package. Actual base pay determined at offer will be based on labor market data, internal alignment, and a candidate's years of relevant work experience, education, certifications, skills, and geographic location.
Travel: Yes, 75 % of the Time
On-site: Work location is on-site (KP designated office, medical office building or hospital). Worker location must align with Kaiser Permanente's Authorized States policy. Kaiser Permanente is an equal opportunity employer committed to fair, respectful, and inclusive workplaces. Applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic or status.

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