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Optometrist Assistant Jobs in Appleton, WI (NOW HIRING)

Partner with the Managing Doctor (OD) to ensure all patients receive the highest quality Optometric ... Coach and model how to present annual supplies of contacts to patients * Assist in recruiting ...

Partner with the Managing Doctor (OD) to ensure all patients receive the highest quality Optometric ... Coach and model how to present annual supplies of contacts to patients * Assist in recruiting ...

Partner with the Managing Doctor (OD) to ensure all patients receive the highest quality Optometric ... Coach and model how to present annual supplies of contacts to patients * Assist in recruiting ...

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Optometrist Assistant information

See Appleton, WI salary details

$14

$17

$26

How much do optometrist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for optometrist assistant in Appleton, WI is $17.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $17.60 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 job categories do people searching Optometrist Assistant jobs in Appleton, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Optometrist Assistant jobs in Appleton, WI are:

What cities near Appleton, WI are hiring for Optometrist Assistant jobs?

Cities near Appleton, WI with the most Optometrist Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Optometrist Assistant job openings in Appleton, WI 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 $36,354 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Optical Retail Sales Associate PT Appleton, WI #001

Eyemart Express

Appleton, WI • On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Part-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


Eyemart Express rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 80 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 40 rated optical retailers


Job description

Optical Retail Sales Associate Part Time

30 years ago Dr. Barnes founded Eyemart Express to deliver everything a patient needs. It started with one friendly shop in Appleton, WI, and has since expanded to over 245 stores in 42 states. Today, Eyemart Express is celebrated for promptly delivering quality eyewear at great prices, while maintaining great relationships with optometrists and local communities. Were not like everyone elsewith local labs in stores, eye exams, and same-day delivery on glassesour customers never miss a moment. Now, you can join one of the nations top optical retailers and help improve lives by helping people see better.

Earning Potential: The earning potential for this role is competitive, inclusive of base pay and incentives.

The Retail Sales Associate, also known as a Retail Optician, will primarily assist patients in selecting the eyeglass frames, lenses, and lens coatings that best suit their needs. The Retail Associate will also be responsible for ensuring the lab technicians have accurate measurements and prescription information for grinding, coating, and fitting lenses to the frames. Once the glasses are complete, the Retail Associate is responsible for dispensing the glasses to the patient.

Responsibilities:

  • Customer Service: Provide exceptional customer service to all patients.

  • Sales and Promotions: Maintain knowledge of current sales and promotions as well as policies regarding payment, returns, and exchanges.

  • Transaction Processing: Compute and process payment transactions/refunds using the in-house Point of Sale system.

  • Insurance Claims: Process insurance claims efficiently.

  • Product Knowledge: Maintain up-to-date knowledge of products.

  • Patient Files: Create and maintain patient files, following company and HIPAA policies regarding confidentiality.

  • Patient Assessment: Assess and interpret patients needs/wants based upon prescription requirements, facial features, lifestyle, and occupation, and suggest the most appropriate products (i.e., frames, lens type, coatings).

  • Measurements: Take necessary measurements (i.e., measuring the patients pupillary distance).

  • Work Orders: Prepare work orders for the lab ensuring all pertinent information is listed (i.e., patient information, prescription, lens size/type, measurements, special tinting or coating, etc.).

  • Lens Selection: Pull correct lenses according to work order specifications.

  • Product Inspection: Inspect the final product for accuracy; adjust completed glasses to fit the patient using pliers, hands, and heat if necessary to bend frames accordingly.

  • Adjustments and Repairs: Adjust/repair damaged frames, replace nose pads, and missing screws.

  • Merchandise Management: Price, stock, and straighten merchandise.

Requirements:

  • High School Diploma or GED.

  • Experience working in retail, customer service, or sales.

  • Experience working in the optical industry is preferred but not required. We are willing to train.

At Eyemart Express, we're dedicated to excellence in everything we do. We understand the importance of work-life balance and strive to be as flexible as possible with scheduling needs to ensure our team members can achieve harmony between work and personal life.

If you're ready to join a company that values excellence, invests in your future, and respects your need for balance, submit your resume today! Eyemart Express is where your career takes off.

This posting provides an overview of the role. A full job description will be provided upon hire.

VSP Vision is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to age, gender, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability or protected veteran status. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.


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