ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Optometrist Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Dr Bryant Vo An Optometric Corporat

Optician

Irvine, CA · On-site

$22/hr

... optometrist's office. Responsibilities * Meet and talk with patients to learn their needs for eyewear * Make suggestions on frames, and assist patients in choosing the best option for them * Take ...

Dr Bryant Vo An Optometric Corporat

Optician

Irvine, CA · On-site

$22/hr

... optometrist's office. Responsibilities * Meet and talk with patients to learn their needs for eyewear * Make suggestions on frames, and assist patients in choosing the best option for them * Take ...

Acuity Eye Group

OD/Referring Provider Liaison

Orange, CA

$62K - $82K/yr

Develop and maintain strong relationships with community optometrists and referring providers ... Work with practices to ensure referral pathways are efficient and patient access is timely * Assist ...

Penn Tran OD Inc

Optician

Riverside, CA

$19/hr

... optometrist's office. Responsibilities * Meet and talk with patients to learn their needs for eyewear * Make suggestions on frames, and assist patients in choosing the best option for them * Take ...

Penn Tran OD Inc

Optician

Riverside, CA · On-site

$19/hr

... optometrist's office. Responsibilities * Meet and talk with patients to learn their needs for eyewear * Make suggestions on frames, and assist patients in choosing the best option for them * Take ...

Penn Tran OD Inc

Optician

Riverside, CA · On-site

$19/hr

... optometrists office. Responsibilities * Meet and talk with patients to learn their needs for eyewear * Make suggestions on frames, and assist patients in choosing the best option for them * Take ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsOptometrist JobsOptometrist Assistant JobsOptometrist Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA

Optometrist Assistant information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$15

$18

$28

How much do optometrist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for optometrist assistant in Riverside, CA is $18.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $18.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do I become an optometrist assistant?

To become an optometrist assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Relevant skills include good communication, attention to detail, and basic knowledge of eye care; some positions may require on-the-job training or certification in medical assisting or ophthalmic assisting. No formal licensing is usually required, but familiarity with optometry equipment and patient care procedures is beneficial.

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 qualifications do you need to be an optical assistant?

Optical assistants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may pursue certification or training in optical or healthcare support. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with optical equipment are important for the role.

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.

Is it hard to be an optometrist assistant?

Being an optometrist assistant generally involves performing administrative tasks, assisting with patient care, and operating equipment, which requires good communication skills and attention to detail. The role typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, and on-the-job training is common; the job can be physically demanding and fast-paced depending on the clinic's volume.

What are Optometrist Assistants?

Optometrist Assistants are healthcare professionals who support optometrists in providing eye care services. Their responsibilities typically include assisting with eye exams, performing preliminary vision tests, maintaining patient records, and helping patients select eyeglasses or contact lenses. They also handle administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments and managing inventory. Optometrist Assistants play a vital role in ensuring that the optometry office runs smoothly and that patients receive efficient and effective care.

Can an optometrist manage glaucoma?

An optometrist can diagnose and manage certain cases of glaucoma, including prescribing medications and monitoring intraocular pressure. However, advanced or surgical treatment of glaucoma is typically performed by an ophthalmologist, a medical doctor specialized in eye surgery and complex eye conditions. Optometrists often work closely with ophthalmologists to provide comprehensive glaucoma care.
More about Optometrist Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Optometrist jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Optometrist jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Optometrist Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA? For Optometrist Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optometrist Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Optometrist Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Optometrist Assistant jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Optometrist Assistant job openings:
Optometrist Assistant jobs near you
Full-Time Optician | Inland Empire

Full-Time Optician | Inland Empire

Comprehensive Mobile Care

Fontana, CA

$25 - $27/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Locations: Riverside, San Bernardino, Murrieta, & La Quinta

Schedule: 4 days per week (Full Time)

Compensation: $25-$27 per hour & mileage reimbursement

About The Opportunity

Comprehensive Mobile Care (CMC) is seeking a Full-Time Optician to join our team serving primarily in senior outpatient clinics in Riverside and San Bernardino, CA. This role will also involve occasional travel to Murrieta and La Quinta, CA. If you're dependable, compassionate, and ready for a change from the traditional retail setting, this could be the perfect fit.

Why This Role Is Different

Looking for a role where your work truly makes a difference? As an Optician at CMC, you'll bring quality vision care directly to senior citizens who often have limited access to optometry. It's hands-on, meaningful work — and you'll have opportunity to cross-train in other clinical fields like audiology and podiatry. This is not a high-volume model. We emphasize quality over volume because we are a mission-driven healthcare company.

What You'll Do

  • Assist the optometrist with patient intake, visual screenings, and basic diagnostic testing
  • Assist with eyewear selection, adjustments, and fittings for patients
  • Set up, break down, and maintain portable optometry equipment
  • Follow strict sterilization and infection control protocols
  • Ensure patients feel comfortable, supported, and informed
  • Complete basic documentation, charting and administrative tasks
  • Represent CMC with professionalism, compassion, and reliability

Qualifications

  • 2+ years of experience as an Optician or Optometric Assistant preferred
  • Bilingual in Spanish is a plus
  • Experience serving geriatric patients preferred
  • Strong understanding of OSHA & infection control
  • Reliable Transportation and Valid Driver's License
  • Able to lift/transport equipment (25–50 lbs)
  • Must pass federal background check + drug screening
  • Professional, punctual, and able to work independently
  • A heart for serving seniors and underserved communities

What You'll Get

  • $25-$27 / hour + mileage reimbursement
  • Consistent schedule — no nights or weekends
  • A supportive, mission-driven team
  • Independence, flexibility, and the chance to make a real impact
  • The fulfillment of bringing essential care to those who need it most

If you're a committed Optician ready to be part of something meaningful, we'd love to connect.

Apply today and help bring high-quality eye care directly to seniors!