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Optometrist Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Optometric Assistant

Ames, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

Responsibilities: * Assist the Optometrist during clinic * Performing patient workups * Performing diagnostic testing such as manual-refraction, OCT's, visual fields, retinoscopy, pressure checks and ...

Back Office - Optometry Assistant

Ontario, CA

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

... assist the Optometrist. The Optometric Assistant's customer service responsibilities include greeting customers, answering questions, and assisting customers to choose frames. Clerical ...

Back Office - Optometry Assistant

Ontario, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

... assist the Optometrist. The Optometric Assistant's customer service responsibilities include greeting customers, answering questions, and assisting customers to choose frames. Clerical ...

Optometric Assistant

Ames, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

Responsibilities: * Assist the Optometrist during clinic * Performing patient workups * Performing diagnostic testing such as manual-refraction, OCT's, visual fields, retinoscopy, pressure checks and ...

About the Role: We're on the lookout for a detail-oriented and dependable Optometric Assistant to join our small, dedicated team at Optometry Care! Our clinic is located inside the Exchange at JBLM ...

Full-Time Optometric Assistant/Technician - Allen, TX Allen Eyecare Center Looking for a healthcare role that keeps you moving, learning, and making a real difference with patients every day? Join a ...

Full-Time Optometric Assistant/Technician - Allen, TX Allen Eyecare Center Looking for a healthcare role that keeps you moving, learning, and making a real difference with patients every day? Join a ...

Optometric Assistant

Andover, MN · On-site

$22.96 - $32.42/hr

Job Overview Assist Optometrist in the provision of quality patient care. Participates in the smooth and efficient operation of the department. Assists in the care, treatment and education of ...

Wellness resources Full-Time Optometric Assistant/Technician Allen, TX Allen Eyecare Center Looking for a healthcare role that keeps you moving, learning, and making a real difference with patients ...

Optometry Assistant

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Perform basic pre-testing and vision screening procedures, including visual acuity, lensometry, and other basic diagnostic procedures as directed. * Assist the Optometrist during patient visits and ...

Optometric Assistant

Andover, MN · On-site

$22.96 - $32.42/hr

Job Overview Assist Optometrist in the provision of quality patient care. Participates in the smooth and efficient operation of the department. Assists in the care, treatment and education of ...

As an Optometric Assistant, you will play an important role in creating a positive experience for our patients while supporting the doctor and ensuring the office runs smoothly. Key Responsibilities:

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Optometrist Assistant information

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$14

$17

$26

How much do optometrist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for optometrist assistant in the United States is $17.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $18.03 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.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Optometrist jobs? The most popular types of Optometrist jobs are:
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Infographic showing various Optometrist Assistant job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, and 99% Full Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,259 per year, or $17.9 per hour.
Optometric Assistant

Optometric Assistant

Wolfe Eye Clinic

Ames, IA • On-site

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assist the Optometrist during clinic.

  • Perform patient workups and diagnostic testing such as manual-refraction, OCT's, visual fields, retinoscopy, pressure checks, and tonometry.

  • Maintain electronic medical records and provide scribing and coding during exams.


Wolfe Eye Clinic rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Optometric Assistant

At Wolfe Eye clinic, we create Better Vision for a Better Life.

We have an immediate opening for a full-time, year-round Optometric Assistant based in the Ames clinic. 

The Optometric Assistant will assist the Optometrist in the overall clinic schedule to provide comprehensive care for our patients.

Responsibilities:

  • Assist the Optometrist during clinic 
  • Performing patient workups
  • Performing diagnostic testing such as manual-refraction, OCT’s, visual fields, retinoscopy, pressure checks and tonometry
  • Maintaining electronic medical records
  • Scribing and Coding during the exam. 
  • Provide Patient Education 
  • Performing other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications:

  • Detailed orientated
  • Previous experience in a medical office.
  • Previous Scribing experience 
  • Previous experience with electronic medical record or medical office software. 
  • Able to work both independently and in a team environment
  • Excellent time management skills
  • Have excellent patient service skills
  • Maintain excellent communication skills

Previous optical or ophthalmic experience preferred but willing to train the right candidate.


Some daytime travel is required. When traveling to other clinics, mileage and time on the road will be reimbursed.

If you are interested in being a part of an Eye Care Center of Excellence while receiving a competitive wage, and full-time benefits (health, dental, 401K, paid-time-off, etc.) please apply.

EOE