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Optometry Assistant Jobs in Petal, MS (NOW HIRING)

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Optometry Assistant information

See Petal, MS salary details

$11

$17

$22

How much do optometry assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for optometry assistant in Petal, MS is $17.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.00 and $18.61 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 cities near Petal, MS are hiring for Optometry Assistant jobs?

Cities near Petal, MS with the most Optometry Assistant job openings:

Optometry Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optometry Assistant job openings in Petal, MS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,505 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Optometrist Sublease - Hattiesburg, MS

Hattiesburg, MS • On-site

VSP Vision
Health Care and Social Assistance • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about VSP Visionexternal

Other

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Opportunity

This sublease opportunity gives you the freedom to operate your own optometric practice while benefiting from the support, visibility, and resources of a leading national eye care company. With low overhead, minimal upfront costs, high-quality equipment, and an established retail setting, you can focus on comprehensive patient care while building your business with confidence. Whether you're an experienced optometrist or ready to step into practice ownership, this opportunity offers the independence to lead your own practice with the support to help it thrive.

Life in Hattiesburg, Mississippi offers the chance to enjoy a welcoming Southern community with a lower cost of living, convenient access to shopping, dining, and outdoor recreation, and the energy of a growing college town. Known as "The Hub City," Hattiesburg is home to the University of Southern Mississippi and William Carey University, giving the area a vibrant mix of local culture, education, and community events. With affordable housing options, a manageable pace of life, and easy access to larger Gulf Coast cities, Hattiesburg is a great place for optometrists looking to build a successful practice and enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle.

Why Us? The practice is supported by a leading national eye care company at the intersection of healthcare and retail, giving sublease optometrists the opportunity to be their own boss without the added complexity of managing a private practice alone. With a strong support team in place, doctors can focus on delivering patient care while benefiting from resources designed to help the practice run smoothly. Services include comprehensive eye examinations, retinal imaging, and contact lens fittings, with access and availability expected five days a week, including Saturdays. Optometrists also have access to advanced diagnostic technology, including Topcon Maestro, support for electronic health records, technicians or clinical specialists to assist with patient workups and contact lens care, and a practice model built around high foot traffic, quality equipment, brand recognition, marketing support, and full onboarding support.

What You'll Do: In this full-time sublease opportunity, you'll provide comprehensive eye care to patients of all ages and support a wide range of visual and medical needs, including glasses examinations, contact lens examinations, retinal imaging, patient evaluations, vision-enhancing recommendations, and urgent eye care needs. This role requires availability five days a week, including Saturdays, with hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and an annual average of 10 or more patients per day. The ideal optometrist will be licensed in Mississippi, comfortable fitting soft contact lenses including spherical, astigmatism, multifocal, and monovision lenses, and familiar with EHR software and basic insurance coding. You'll also bring strong clinical judgment, excellent relationship-building skills, and the ability to explain diagnoses and treatment plans clearly and compassionately while collaborating with support staff to deliver a high level of patient care. We're looking for an optometrist with an entrepreneurial spirit, a long-term interest in growing the business, and a genuine commitment to helping patients achieve optimal eye health and vision for a lifetime.

The practice is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Regarding all employment practices, we do not discriminate based on race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, sexual orientation, disability, veteran or current military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, and local law. We strive to employ and promote only those applicants and employees who are best suited for open positions and who possess the necessary skills, education, and qualifications for the job.

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