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Optometry Intern Jobs in Anaheim, CA (NOW HIRING)

Optician

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$20 - $26/hr

Provide feedback to the Optical Director on Intern performance. * Review the accuracy of work and ... MBKU is home to the Southern California College of Optometry, the School of PA Studies, College of ...

Optometry Intern information

See Anaheim, CA salary details

$9

$17

$25

How much do optometry intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for optometry intern in Anaheim, CA is $17.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.10 and $20.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an optometry intern?

Optometry interns are students or recent graduates undergoing supervised practical training in a clinical setting as part of their optometry education. They assist licensed optometrists with eye examinations, vision tests, and patient care, while gaining hands-on experience in diagnosing and managing eye conditions. This internship is a crucial step for developing clinical skills and fulfilling graduation or licensure requirements. Interns typically work in clinics, hospitals, or private practices and are closely supervised to ensure patient safety and learning. The experience helps prepare them for independent practice as optometrists after completing all educational and licensing requirements.

What does an optometry intern do?

As an optometry intern, you participate in a training or research program as a student. In this role, you may shadow an optometrist to learn more about their daily work, help make treatment recommendations to a patient, or determine how to apply the science of vision to new products. Optometry internships are available in a variety of different fields, although many associate them with clinical care. An optometry intern working with virtual reality devices may help programmers figure out how to adjust displays to account for the user's inability to wear glasses while using their device. Optometry internships often cross over with other roles, so your daily responsibilities can vary widely between programs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optometry intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optometry Intern, you need a foundational understanding of ocular anatomy, vision science, and clinical assessment techniques, typically gained through enrollment in an accredited optometry program. Familiarity with diagnostic instruments such as slit lamps, autorefractors, and electronic health record (EHR) systems is essential. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and a strong willingness to learn are important soft skills for building patient rapport and adapting to clinical feedback. These skills and qualities are crucial for providing effective patient care, developing clinical competence, and preparing for a successful optometry career.

What are the typical responsibilities and learning opportunities for an optometry intern during their rotation?

As an Optometry Intern, you can expect to assist licensed optometrists with comprehensive eye exams, conduct preliminary testing, and gain hands-on experience with diagnostic equipment. You'll often interact directly with patients, take detailed case histories, and observe or perform procedures under supervision. Interns also participate in case discussions, collaborate with other healthcare professionals, and attend educational seminars, all of which provide valuable exposure to various subspecialties and real-world clinical scenarios. This role is designed to bridge academic knowledge with practical skills, preparing you for independent practice after graduation.

What is the difference between Optometry Intern vs Optometry Technician?

AspectOptometry InternOptometry Technician
Required CredentialsEnrolled in optometry school, gaining clinical experienceHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentClinical settings, assisting in patient exams under supervisionOptometry offices, assisting with testing and equipment
Employer & Industry UsageOptometry clinics, hospitals, educational institutionsOptometry practices, retail optical stores
Common Search & ComparisonLearning role, future optometristTechnical support, assisting optometrists

Optometry Interns are students gaining hands-on experience during their education, focusing on clinical training under supervision. In contrast, Optometry Technicians are trained staff who assist with patient testing and equipment in optometry practices. Both roles support eye care services but differ in qualifications and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optometry jobs in Anaheim, CA?

The most popular types of Optometry jobs in Anaheim, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Optometry Intern jobs in Anaheim, CA?

For Optometry Intern jobs in Anaheim, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optometry Intern jobs in Anaheim, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Optometry Intern jobs in Anaheim, CA are:

What cities near Anaheim, CA are hiring for Optometry Intern jobs?

Cities near Anaheim, CA with the most Optometry Intern job openings:

Infographic showing various Optometry Intern job openings in Anaheim, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,098 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

$20 - $26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

A customer service-oriented Optician looking for an exceptional workplace. Reporting to the Director of Optical Services at Ketchum Health. The Optician will assume the lead role in the selection, fitting and education process by providing the highest quality patient care. This is achieved by ensuring individualized service with attentiveness, accuracy, prompt delivery, efficient services and patient education.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSI­­BILITIES
  • Assuming the lead responsibility in patient care, establishes a rapport with patients and other customers.
  • Responsible for ensuring optimum sales and profitability, by selling, educating and demonstrating optical products.
  • Measures and dispenses spectacles and accessories; provides follow-up services such as adjustments and repairs.
  • Provides hands-on instruction and guidance to Interns in all matters relating to frame and lens selection in accordance with the current didactic and clinical curriculum.
  • Provide feedback to the Optical Director on Intern performance.
  • Review the accuracy of work and recordings made by clinicians, including lab orders, fee slips all other Dispensing paperwork.
  • Ensure patients get excellent service in person or over the phone.
  • Assist being flexible in moving Stations when there is a absence of an optician to service patient/s and Interns.
  • Ensure that proper computer record notations are made in accordance with all Federal and State policies.
  • Review the quality of ophthalmic materials prior to patient dispensing. 
  • Provide feedback on the performance of the optical laboratories and frame companies.
  • Responsible for 3rd party and customer billing.
  • Ensure to Submit and process spectacle orders and receive jobs when arriving from Labs.
  • Regular and reliable attendance is required, adhering to university attendance policy.
  • Assist in being flexible in moving Stations when there is an absence of an optician to service patient/s and Interns
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. The r­equirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Excellent knowledge of optical devices and their applications;
  • Excellent understanding of and a proven ability to provide excellent customer service;
  • Proven ability promote and sell optical products;
  • Excellent understanding and following of procedures on insurance claims;
  • Excellent grasp of medical terminology, analyzes and interprets prescriptions;
  • Good interpersonal skills;
  • Detail oriented;
  • Good written and oral communication skills, ability to converse easily with patients;
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality;
  • Computer literate, familiar with MS Office/comfortable learning new programs;
  • Team player.
  • Regular and reliable attendance is required; adhering to university attendance policy
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
  • High School Diploma or GED;
  • ABO Certified (if not certified at present time must be within one year of hire);
  • Experience with 3rd party payors;
  • 1 yr of experience in an optical retail environment required;
  • Bilingual (Spanish) preferred;
  • First aid and CPR Certification required after hire.
SEE YOURSELF HERE

Located on a beautiful, seven-acre campus in Fullerton, California, MBKU is an independent, private, non-profit, accredited educational institution. MBKU is home to the Southern California College of Optometry, the School of PA Studies, College of Pharmacy and the Doctor of Medical Science Program (DMSc) . MBKU owns and operates three health care centers at their clinical teaching facility, Ketchum Health, providing a vision center and PA medical clinic practice in Orange County and second vision center in Los Angeles.

A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE SINCE 1904

In 1904, Marshall B. Ketchum, MD, opened the Los Angeles School of Ophthalmology and Optometry in Los Angeles. Dr. Ketchum was a visionary entrepreneur and prominent leader in the optometric profession. He made very significant and long-standing contributions in his field of care, in California and throughout the nation.

In the early ‘70s the College moved to its current home in Fullerton, CA and was renamed Southern California College of Optometry. But even the pioneering Dr. Ketchum could not have envisioned his school would grow to become Marshall B. Ketchum University, an independent, private, non-profit, accredited educational institution encompassing multiple disciplines.

BE AT THE FOREFRONT OF HEALTH CARE EDUCATION

Marshall B. Ketchum University offers career opportunities that will put you at the forefront of health care education. You will be provided with learning and advancement opportunities, as well as a culture that recognizes the importance of fun, employee appreciation and a work-life balance.

Our mission is to educate caring, inspired health care professionals who are prepared to deliver collaborative, patient-centric health care in an interprofessional environment. By joining our family, you can help us reimagine the future and inspire future health care leaders.

INTERPROFESSIONAL HEALTH CARE LEADERS

At Marshall B. Ketchum University, we have led the way in interprofessional healthcare, building on a century of experience as an optometry school. In 2012, the first Physician Assistant program in Orange County was added, followed by the College of Pharmacy program in 2014. Most recently in 2024, we expanded our offerings with the addition of the fully-online Doctor of Medical Science(DMSc) program.  Side-by-side in group discussions, community service, and clinical experience, our OD, PA, PharmD and DMSc students learn what it means to deliver patient-centered health care as a collaborative team of professionals.

BENEFITS

MBKU provides an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, and life insurance, free vision exams, short and long term disability, generous paid time off plans, a university-sponsored retirement plan. See our website under Employment for more details regarding benefits of working for MBKU (www.ketchum.edu).

MBKU is an equal opportunity employer; requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

MBKU is committed to providing an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and professionalism. In accordance with applicable federal and state laws, it is University policy to prevent the unlawful discrimination against students, applicants for admission, employees, applicants for employment and patients requesting treatment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The University also prohibits sexual harassment and harassment on any of the above bases (please refer to the Title IX page for more information).