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Sighted Guide Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Estimation Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Live out the Powerful Electrics Mission, Vision, Guiding Principles and Core Values: Mission ... Sighted, voiced, and hearing. Close, color and peripheral vision with the ability to adjust eye ...

Data Scientist

San Diego, CA · On-site

$125K - $144K/yr

We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. Objective ... guides for instructors and maintenance personnel; support installation of new training equipment ...

Data Scientist

San Diego, CA · On-site

$125K - $144K/yr

We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. Objective ... guides for instructors and maintenance personnel; support installation of new training equipment ...

We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. Objective ... guides for instructors and maintenance personnel; support installation of new training equipment ...

Sighted Guide information

What are some common challenges sighted guides face when assisting individuals with visual impairments, and how are these typically addressed on the job?

Sighted guides often encounter challenges such as navigating unfamiliar or crowded environments, maintaining clear communication, and adapting to the individual preferences of those they assist. To address these, guides receive training in effective guiding techniques, including verbal cues and tactile feedback, and learn to anticipate and respond to the needs of the person they are guiding. Team collaboration is also important, as guides frequently coordinate with mobility specialists, family members, or event organizers to ensure safe and seamless experiences.

How to be a sighted guide?

To be a sighted guide, you should develop good communication skills, demonstrate patience, and be attentive to the needs of the person you are assisting. Training in orientation and mobility techniques, as well as understanding how to navigate different environments safely, is often recommended. Being reliable, empathetic, and aware of safety protocols is essential for effective guiding.

Who is the largest employer of blind people?

The federal government is one of the largest employers of blind and visually impaired individuals, offering various jobs including roles for sighted guides and other support positions. Many organizations also employ blind people in fields such as customer service, administration, and technology, often providing accommodations and assistive tools to support their work.

What are sighted guides?

Sighted guides are individuals who assist people who are blind or visually impaired in navigating their environment safely and efficiently. They use specific techniques, such as guiding by the arm, to help direct and protect the person they are assisting. Sighted guides are trained to communicate clearly, describe surroundings, and anticipate obstacles, ensuring a comfortable experience for the person being guided. Their support can be essential in unfamiliar or busy environments, as well as in everyday activities.

What is the difference between Sighted Guide vs Orientation and Mobility Specialist?

AspectSighted GuideOrientation and Mobility Specialist
CredentialsMay include training in guiding techniques, certification variesTypically requires certification in orientation and mobility, such as COMS
Work EnvironmentAssisting individuals in public, indoor, and outdoor settingsTeaching mobility skills, assessments, and training in various environments
Industry UsageCommonly used in community and personal assistanceUsed in rehabilitation, educational, and clinical settings

While both roles support individuals with visual impairments, a Sighted Guide primarily assists by providing physical guidance during mobility, whereas an Orientation and Mobility Specialist offers comprehensive training to develop independent travel skills. The specialist's role is broader, involving assessment and instruction, while the Sighted Guide focuses on immediate assistance.

How to make money as a blind person?

A sighted guide can earn income by providing assistance to visually impaired individuals, often through personal care, navigation, or companionship services. These roles typically require good communication skills, patience, and sometimes certification or training in disability assistance. Opportunities may include working for agencies, offering private services, or through community programs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sighted Guide, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sighted Guide, you need a solid understanding of guiding techniques, awareness of mobility safety, and basic knowledge of visual impairment, which is often gained through specialized training or certification. Familiarity with orientation and mobility tools, as well as first aid certifications, is typically expected. Exceptional communication, patience, and empathy are essential soft skills to support and reassure individuals with visual impairments. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring the safety, confidence, and independence of those being guided.

What high paying jobs can blind people do?

Sighted Guide is a role that involves assisting visually impaired individuals, often offering competitive pay depending on experience and setting. Other high-paying jobs for blind or visually impaired people include roles in technology such as software development, customer service, and remote work that rely on skills, training, and accessible tools like screen readers. These positions often require specialized skills, certifications, or adaptive technologies to ensure effective performance.
What are popular job titles related to Sighted Guide jobs in California? For Sighted Guide jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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What cities in California are hiring for Sighted Guide jobs? Cities in California with the most Sighted Guide job openings:
Infographic showing various Sighted Guide job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Contact Lens Technician

Other

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Under general supervision of the Clinical Manager and guided by the policies and procedures of UCSF Medical Center, Ambulatory Services, and the Department of Ophthalmology, the Clinical Contact Lens Technician is responsible for the efficient organization and operation of all technical functions of the practice to which they are assigned. This assignment may vary from day to day and requires an individual to be flexible and well-trained. The primary responsibility of the Clinical Contact Lens Technician is patient care, work-up and patient navigation, contact lens insertion and removal training, maintaining contact lens supplies, and preliminary testing in preparation for the Provider's examination of the patient.
About UCSF

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world's leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.

Pride Values

UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence - also known as our PRIDE values.

In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity - both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available here.

Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Salary Information

The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.

Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.

To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

Required Qualifications:

  • Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) or above or willingness to acquire COA prior to hire.
  • CPR/BLS (including patient assessment, and vital signs).
  • Minimum 2 years' experience in clinical ophthalmology/optometry.
  • Advanced knowledge of ocular anatomy, physiology, and terminology.
  • Understanding of how anatomic systems and systemic disorders may affect the visual system.
  • Demonstrated experience in patient instruction/education.
  • Demonstrated ability in caring for and directing the blind or partially sighted patient.
  • Demonstrated experience in ophthalmic instrumentation cleaning and maintenance.
  • Possesses the ability to work with intermittent standing and sitting for 8-9 hours/day.
  • Good communication and organizational skills, professionalism, and motivation.
  • Demonstrated experience in responding to a patient emergency while in the clinic.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) certification