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Optometrist Assistant Jobs in Rochester, MN (NOW HIRING)

Essilor

LensCrafters - Optometric Technician

Rochester, MN

$17.25 - $21.50/hr

Perform a variety of tasks to assist the optometrist in eye examinations. Tasks include privately obtaining medical history and preparation of patient for examination. Think out loud, asking open ...

Shopko Optical

Optical Sales Associate

Rochester, MN · On-site

$18 - $25.20/hr

... Assist Optometrist with case histories and screenings BUSINESS AND OPERATIONAL STANDARDS · Maintain a complete knowledge of third-party plans and claims · Explain promotions and special lens ...

All JobsOptometrist Assistant JobsOptometrist Assistant Jobs in Rochester, MN

Optometrist Assistant information

See Rochester, MN salary details

$15

$18

$27

How much do optometrist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for optometrist assistant in Rochester, MN is $18.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.39 and $18.32 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 job categories do people searching Optometrist Assistant jobs in Rochester, MN look for? The top searched job categories for Optometrist Assistant jobs in Rochester, MN are:
What cities near Rochester, MN are hiring for Optometrist Assistant jobs? Cities near Rochester, MN with the most Optometrist Assistant job openings:
Optometrist Assistant jobs near you

LensCrafters - Optometric Technician

EssilorLuxottica Group

Rochester, MN

$16.50 - $20.50/hr

Part-time

Medical, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

EssilorLuxottica rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 282 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 39 rated optical retailers

Job description

Requisition ID: 929314 
Store #: 000836 LensCrafters 
Position:Part-Time
Total Rewards: Benefits/Incentive Information

LensCrafters is a place for visionaries. We’ve got a vision for pairing state-of-the-art technology with a truly personal approach to eye care. 
Everything we do is centered around sight. Because quality care helps us see the joy in life. Because learning from the best, makes us all better. Because continuing our legacy of the highest optical standards helps us innovate the future in optical care. 

At LensCrafters, we want every person who enters our doors to feel our passion for care. And that's why we’re committed to taking care of you, so you can bring the best quality experience to our patients and customers. 

LensCrafters is part of EssilorLuxottica, a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of world-class vision care products, including iconic eyewear, advanced lens technology and cutting-edge digital solutions. Join our global community of over 200,000 dedicated employees around the world in driving the transformation of the eyewear and eyecare industry. Discover more by following us on LinkedIn!
 

GENERAL FUNCTION

The Optometric Technician creates exceptional value in the lives of our patients by delivering the LensCrafters Experience. Ensure all patients receive the highest quality Optometric care. Deliver the store’s key performance indicators by ensuring flawless execution of the patient experience/behaviors during and after the exam process and seamlessly link the doctor and retail functions together.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

  • Display a professional image, greet patients promptly with a smile
  • Promptly answer the telephone in a friendly and courteous manner
  • Perform a variety of tasks to assist the optometrist in eye examinations. Tasks include privately obtaining medical history and preparation of patient for examination. Think out loud, asking open ended questions around the what, why and relevance to patient. Perform tests to aid the optometrist in accurate diagnosis and treatment for the patient in appropriate time frame
  • Attentive to details; review prescriptions and/or patient information carefully; identify special needs; consult with Optician, Managing Doctor or Retail Management when necessary
  • Show patience and courtesy to indecisive or difficult customers/patients
  • Perform work accurately and thoroughly despite time pressure and patient volume
  • Identify situations involving unsatisfied patients and act quickly for effective resolution
  • Demonstrate knowledge of appointment book/scheduling procedures and computer operation/procedures
  • Handle and file all patient records in an organized and efficient manner in accordance with HIPAA
  • Support retention and cultivation of exams including making NEE calls, 24 hour confirmation calls and no show call-backs
  • Place contact lens trial orders, ensure no expired contacts and maintain the contact lens room in a neat, orderly and free of clutter.
  • Utilize the CIAO system for inputting customer/patient data, insurance information and eye care services with appropriate fees. Enter prescription information with accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Maintain safe working environment for all associates, customers and patients
  • Support compliance of visual merchandising in the exam lanes, assesment room and contact lens area.
  • Ability to adapt to various examination scenarios and be personable with patients and staff
  • Perform all pre-examination testing with accuracy and attention to detail; take initiative to explain all measurements and answer any questions the patient may have
  • Utilize clinical and product knowledge, provide coaching and guidance to patients on care and handling of contact lenses
  • Responsible for maintenance and disinfection of equipment; provide clinical support to the optometrist as needed.
  • Monitor and maintain inventory of supplies and contact lenses in exam rooms
  • Support retail as capacity and patient demand allows

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

  • High School graduate or equivalent
  • Minimum of one year strong customer service skills (internal/external)
  • Leadership skills
  • Strong communicator and listener
  • Problem solving ability
  • Organization skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Ability to assess priorities, address multiple tasks and deadlines in fast-paced environment
  • Ability to work autonomously
  • Knowledge of office environment
  • Strong basic math skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience in retail and/or optical
  • Experience in healthcare

Pay Range: 18.88  - 26.88 

This posting is for an existing vacancy within our business. Employee pay is determined by multiple factors, including geography, experience, qualifications, skills and local minimum wage requirements. In addition, you may also be offered a competitive bonus and/or commission plan, which complements a first-class total rewards package. Benefits may include health care, retirement savings, paid time off/vacation, and various employee discounts.

EssilorLuxottica complies with all applicable laws related to the application and hiring process. If you would like to provide feedback regarding an active job posting, or if you are an individual with a disability who would like to request a reasonable accommodation, please call the EssilorLuxottica SpeakUp Hotline at 844-303-0229 (be sure to provide your name, job id number, and contact information so that we may follow up in a timely manner) or email HRCompliance@luxotticaretail.com.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, national origin, social origin, social condition, being perceived as a victim of domestic violence, sexual aggression or stalking, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship, ancestry, veteran or military status, marital status, pregnancy (including unlawful discrimination on the basis of a legally protected pregnancy or maternity leave), genetic information or any other characteristics protected by law. Native Americans in the US receive preference in accordance with Tribal Law.

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