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Optometrist Assistant Jobs in Springfield, VA (NOW HIRING)

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Optometrist

Washington, DC · On-site

Diagnose and assist in the treatment of ocular disease * Prescribe corrective lenses * Provide pre- and post-operative care to surgical patients * Promote healthy vision by counseling and educating ...

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Optometrist Assistant information

See Springfield, VA salary details

$15

$18

$28

How much do optometrist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for optometrist assistant in Springfield, VA is $18.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $18.85 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 Springfield, VA?

The most popular types of Optometrist jobs in Springfield, VA are:

What job categories do people searching Optometrist Assistant jobs in Springfield, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Optometrist Assistant jobs in Springfield, VA are:

What cities near Springfield, VA are hiring for Optometrist Assistant jobs?

Cities near Springfield, VA with the most Optometrist Assistant job openings:

Optometrist Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optometrist Assistant job openings in Springfield, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,918 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

Optometric Assistant, Kensington

Silver Spring, MD • On-site

Kaiser Permanente
See more jobs at Kaiser Permanenteexternal

$15.50 - $20/hr

Other

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Optometric Assistant

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.

Basic Qualifications:

  • 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.

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