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Optometry Assistant Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN (NOW HIRING)

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Optometric Assistant/Unlicensed Optician

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

Miller Eye Care & Optical is seeking individuals for Optometric assistant, front desk, and ... Company Description Miller Eye Care & Optical is a private, one doctor Optometry practice located ...

Optometric Assistant Part Time

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$10.64 - $14.10/hr

A Visionworks OD Tech/Optometric Assistant is the very face of our Exam Practice and is dedicated to ensuring the best possible journey for every patient. This person is trained and knowledgeable ...

Optometric Assistant Part Time

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$10.64 - $14.10/hr

A Visionworks OD Tech/Optometric Assistant is the very face of our Exam Practice and is dedicated to ensuring the best possible journey for every patient. This person is trained and knowledgeable ...

Pharmacy Technician

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$16.75 - $20.25/hr

We provide integrated primary medical, behavioral, dental, optometry, and clinical pharmacy ... Greet and assist patients in a professional and courteous manner. * Maintain accurate inventory ...

Dental Hygienist

Alcoa, TN · On-site

$33 - $43.50/hr

We provide integrated primary medical, behavioral, dental, optometry, and clinical pharmacy ... Educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques, including brushing and flossing. * Assist in ...

Optometry Assistant information

See Oak Ridge, TN salary details

$10

$16

$22

How much do optometry assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for optometry assistant in Oak Ridge, TN is $16.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $17.93 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 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 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 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.

What job categories do people searching Optometry Assistant jobs in Oak Ridge, TN look for? The top searched job categories for Optometry Assistant jobs in Oak Ridge, TN are:
What cities near Oak Ridge, TN are hiring for Optometry Assistant jobs? Cities near Oak Ridge, TN with the most Optometry Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Optometry Assistant job openings in Oak Ridge, TN as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, and 45% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,243 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Optometric Assistant Part Time

Visionworks of America

Knoxville, TN • On-site

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Visionworks rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 215 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 39 rated optical retailers


Job description

Visionworks Od Tech/Optometric Assistant

Want to bring the "care" back to the vision care industry? We're looking for charismatic types who are ready to be the heart of our brand. Whether it's a friendly voice over the phone, or a welcoming smile when a patient walks into your store, we need individuals who are passionate about helping customers look great and see great.

The role: A Visionworks OD Tech/Optometric Assistant is the very face of our Exam Practice and is dedicated to ensuring the best possible journey for every patient. This person is trained and knowledgeable about eye health and preliminary testing, optics, our products/services and managed vision care. The OD Tech personally takes the patient through the first steps of the Visionworks experience ensuring their eye exam needs are met in a simple, human and bold way.

Responsibilities:

  • Maintain complete and accurate patient records before conducting preliminary testing
  • Introduce patient to OD and provide OD with important patient information
  • Transition patient from doctor to sales floor and provide associates necessary information to educate and recommend products and services that meet their eye care needs
  • Execute day-to-day operational activities to support the store's exam lane maintenance and patient experience goals including: restocking inventory, cleaning equipment, and answering phones to meet additional patient needs
  • Will open/close the store/office to support business as needed

Qualifications:

  • Related customer or patient experience preferred, but not necessary
  • HS diploma, GED or equivalent related job experience

What we offer:

At Visionworks, we offer a generous, competitive benefits package (for our part timers, too!) and exclusive employee discounts —including but not limited to:

  • Vision Coverage
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Bereavement Leave
  • 401 (k) Savings Plan
  • Paid Time off
  • Milestone anniversary awards
  • Medical, Dental for Full Timers
  • And more!

Everyone has a story that makes them who they are. At Visionworks, we're looking for charismatic people who can lead authentically and with their own unique voice. We are actively committed to fostering an environment where all are seen and heard equally as we embrace Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I).

For roles that are remote (i.e., Work From Home (WFM)) or hybrid (i.e., partial onsite at a VSP location and WFM), must demonstrate a high level of engagement in virtual environments, including maintaining camera presence during meetings to support effective communication and team alignment.

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, disability or protected veteran status. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing. Compensation range for the roles is above. Applicable salary ranges may differ across markets. Actual pay will be determined based on experience and other job-related factors permitted by law. As a part of the compensation package, this role may include eligible bonuses, equity, and commissions.


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