ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Optometrist Assistant Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN (NOW HIRING)

Miller Eye Care

Be Seen First

Optometric Assistant/Unlicensed Optician

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

Miller Eye Care & Optical is seeking individuals for Optometric assistant, front desk, and unlicensed Optician duties. All staff members are cross-trained within the office system, including pre ...

Visionworks

Optometric Assistant Part Time

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$10.64 - $14.10/hr

A Visionworks OD Tech/Optometric Assistant is the very face of our Exam Practice and is dedicated to ensuring the best possible journey for every patient. This person is trained and knowledgeable ...

Cherokee Health Systems

Dental Hygienist

Alcoa, TN · On-site

$33 - $43.50/hr

We provide integrated primary medical, behavioral, dental, optometry, and clinical pharmacy ... Educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques, including brushing and flossing. * Assist in ...

AEG Vision

Licensed Optician

Knoxville, TN · On-site

The Licensed Optician will assist patients in selecting eyewear and accessories that fit their ... Interprets prescriptions written by Optometrist and Ophthalmologist. * Accurately interpret ...

AEG Vision

Licensed Optician

Knoxville, TN · On-site

The Licensed Optician will assist patients in selecting eyewear and accessories that fit their ... Interprets prescriptions written by Optometrist and Ophthalmologist. * Accurately interpret ...

All JobsOptometrist JobsOptometrist Assistant JobsOptometrist Assistant Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN

Optometrist Assistant information

See Oak Ridge, TN salary details

$14

$17

$25

How much do optometrist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for optometrist assistant in Oak Ridge, TN is $17.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $17.26 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 cities near Oak Ridge, TN are hiring for Optometrist Assistant jobs?

Cities near Oak Ridge, TN with the most Optometrist Assistant job openings:

Optometrist Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optometrist Assistant job openings in Oak Ridge, TN as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 98% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,621 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Optometric Assistant/Unlicensed Optician

Miller Eye Care

Knoxville, TN • On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Be Seen First

After you apply to this job, you can share why you’re interested to jump to the top of the candidate list.

Job description

Miller Eye Care & Optical is seeking individuals for Optometric assistant, front desk, and unlicensed Optician duties. All staff members are cross-trained within the office system, including pre-testing patients, check in and check out, insurance filing, contact lens ordering/inventory, etc.

The position is full time, typically 38-40 hrs/week, Monday-Friday.

Hourly pay is determined by experience and interview.

Company Description

Miller Eye Care & Optical is a private, one doctor Optometry practice located on Northshore Drive in West Knoxville, providing routine and medical eye care, contact lens fitting and eyeglass and contact lens sales. Miller Eye Care & Optical has been in it's current location for 16+ years.