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Optometry Assistant Jobs in Fort Smith, AR (NOW HIRING)

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Optometry Assistant information

See Fort Smith, AR salary details

$10

$16

$22

How much do optometry assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for optometry assistant in Fort Smith, AR is $16.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.62 and $18.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an optometry assistant?

Optometry assistants are healthcare professionals who support optometrists in providing eye care services to patients. Their responsibilities typically include performing preliminary vision tests, assisting with patient scheduling, handling administrative tasks, and helping patients select eyewear. They may also maintain and clean examination equipment and ensure patient records are up to date. Optometry assistants play a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of an optometry practice and enhancing patient experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optometry assistant?

To thrive as an Optometry Assistant, you need a basic understanding of eye care practices, familiarity with medical terminology, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Knowledge of optometry-specific software (such as electronic health records), lensometers, autorefractors, and insurance billing systems is commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask help you excel in assisting both patients and optometrists. These skills are crucial for delivering efficient patient care, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring a smooth workflow in an optometric practice.

What are some common challenges faced by optometry assistants during patient pre-testing, and how can they be managed?

Optometry Assistants often face challenges such as managing anxious or uncooperative patients during pre-testing procedures and ensuring accurate data collection for the optometrist. To address these, assistants can develop strong communication skills to explain procedures clearly and help patients feel at ease. Staying organized and familiar with the latest equipment also helps minimize errors. Regular training and teamwork with optometrists and fellow staff can further enhance efficiency and confidence in managing these situations.

What is the difference between Optometry Assistant vs Optometry Technician?

AspectOptometry AssistantOptometry Technician
CredentialsUsually no formal certification required, on-the-job trainingOften requires certification or diploma in optometry assisting or related field
Work EnvironmentOptometry clinics, eye care officesSimilar clinics, may perform more technical tasks
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with patient check-in, preparing exam rooms, basic patient carePerforming preliminary tests, operating diagnostic equipment, assisting with exams
Industry UsageCommonly employed in eye care practicesLess common, more specialized technical role within optometry

Optometry Assistants primarily handle administrative tasks and basic patient care, while Optometry Technicians perform more technical testing and diagnostic procedures. Both roles are essential in eye care settings, but Technicians typically require additional training or certification.

How do I become an optometry assistant?

To become an optometry assistant, typically you need a high school diploma or equivalent and may complete on-the-job training or a certification program. Skills in customer service, basic medical knowledge, and familiarity with optical equipment are beneficial for this role.

What do optometry assistants do?

Optometry assistants support eye care professionals by preparing exam rooms, assisting with patient check-in and history collection, performing basic vision tests, and handling administrative tasks. They often use ophthalmic equipment and need good communication skills to ensure smooth clinic operations. Certification or training in eye care procedures can enhance job prospects.

What qualifications do you need to be an optometry assistant?

Optometry assistants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent; some employers prefer post-secondary coursework in health sciences. On-the-job training is common, and skills in customer service, basic computer use, and knowledge of optometry procedures are beneficial. Certification is not usually required but can enhance job prospects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optometry jobs in Fort Smith, AR?

The most popular types of Optometry jobs in Fort Smith, AR are:

What are popular job titles related to Optometry Assistant jobs in Fort Smith, AR?

For Optometry Assistant jobs in Fort Smith, AR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optometry Assistant jobs in Fort Smith, AR look for?

The top searched job categories for Optometry Assistant jobs in Fort Smith, AR are:

What cities near Fort Smith, AR are hiring for Optometry Assistant jobs?

Cities near Fort Smith, AR with the most Optometry Assistant job openings:

Optometry Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optometry Assistant job openings in Fort Smith, AR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,599 per year, or $14.7 per hour.

Apprentice Optician FT Fort Smith, AR #041

Eyemart Express

Fort Smith, AR • On-site

$16.75 - $21.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Eyemart Express rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 80 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 40 rated optical retailers

Job description

Apprentice Optician Full Time

Your path to become a Licensed Optician starts here!

30 years ago, Dr. Barnes founded Eyemart Express to deliver everything a patient needs. It started with one friendly shop in Appleton, WI, and has since expanded to over 245 in 42 states. Today, Eyemart Express is celebrated for promptly delivering quality eyewear at great prices while maintaining great relationships with optometrists and local communities. Were not like everyone else, with local labs in stores, eye exams, and same-day delivery on glasses our customers never miss a moment. Now, you can join one of the nations top optical retailers and improve lives by helping people see better.

Job Description:

The Apprentice Optician will primarily assist patients in selecting the eyeglass frames, lenses and lens coatings that best suit their needs. The Apprentice Optician will also be responsible for ensuring the lab technicians have accurate measurements and prescription information for grinding, coating and fitting lenses to the frames. Once the glasses are complete, the Apprentice Optician is responsible for dispensing the glasses to the patient.

In this specialized role, we are looking for candidates who are either already working on, or would be interested in starting, their licensure to be a certified optician.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Provide exceptional customer service
  • Maintain knowledge of current sales and promotions as well as policies regarding payment, returns, exchanges
  • Compute and process payment transactions/refunds using in-house Point of Sale system
  • Perform other administrative tasks as assigned
  • Process insurance claims
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of products
  • Create and maintain patient files, following company and HIPAA policies regarding confidentiality.
  • Input customer information into computer system
  • Assess and interpret patients needs/wants based upon prescription requirements, facial features, lifestyle, and occupation, and suggest most appropriate products (i.e. frames, lens type, coatings)
  • Take necessary measurements (i.e. measuring the patients pupillary distance)
  • Prepare work order for lab ensuring all pertinent information is listed (i.e. patient information, prescription, lens size/type, measurements, special tinting or coating, etc.)
  • Pull correct lenses according to work order specifications
  • Inspect final product for accuracy; adjust completed glasses to fit patient using pliers, hands and heat if necessary to bend frames accordingly
  • Educate patient on how best to care for their glasses
  • Adjust/repair damaged frames, replace nose pads and missing screws
  • Price, stock and straighten merchandise

Education and Experience Requirements

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Experience working in retail, customer service, or sales
  • Experience working in the optical industry is preferred

Skills and Abilities

  • Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time (up to 8 hours per day per scheduled shift)
  • Ability to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist
  • Ability to lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to approximately 25 lbs
  • Must possess excellent hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills
  • Ability to operate basic office equipment
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
  • Ability to correctly read and interpret prescription specifications and input into computer properly to ensure lenses are cut properly
  • Ability to multi-task
  • Ability to identify and solve problems, and facilitate problem solving
  • Attention to detail
  • Time management skills - ability to prioritize and work quickly and efficiently when there are multiple customers to assist
  • Ability to deal with stressful situations such as dissatisfied customers
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees

Working Environment

  • Work is performed primarily in an indoor retail store setting
  • High level of interaction with general public
  • Work is independent and with patients
  • Environment is often fast-paced and deadline oriented
  • Work with small manual tools (screwdriver, pliers, etc.) on a regular basis
  • Some exposure to dusts, fumes, glass and/or plastic lens particulates, standard chemicals found in optical lab (some of which may be allergenic), metal alloy (solid and melted), moderately high levels of noise, fluorescent lighting, cleaning agents and electrical energy in the lab

VSP Vision is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to age, gender, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability or protected veteran status. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.

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