Optical Assistant Jobs in California

A Optical Assistant, also known as an Optometrist Assistant, plays a critical role in the optometry industry. They provide support to Optometrists by performing various tasks such as preparing patients for eye exams, explaining eye examination processes to patients, maintaining and organizing patient records, and assisting in the selection and fitting of eyeglasses or contact lenses. Optical Assistants may also perform basic vision tests, take eye pressure measurements, and administer eye medications under the direction of the Optometrist. They let the Optometrist focus more heavily on diagnosing and treating eye conditions.

Important skills for an Optical Assistant include strong communication, excellent attention to detail, and good manual dexterity. They should also have a basic understanding of optics and be able to operate optical equipment. Certification is not always required, but some employers may prefer candidates with a Certified Paraoptometric (CPO) certification or a similar credential. Prior to becoming an Optical Assistant, a person may have roles such as Receptionist in an Optometry office, Customer Service Representative in a vision care center, or a Sales Associate in an optical goods store.

1-15 of 109 Jobs

Staff Optometrist

  • La Jolla, CA
  • 1 day ago
  • La Jolla, CA
  • 1 day ago

Daily Responsibilities: Conduct comprehensive eye exams and vision tests Diagnose and treat various eye conditions and diseases Prescribe and fit contact lenses Perform visual field testing and pre-testing...

SUMMARY: A Practice Manager is responsible for the daily operations of a medical office or clinic, from managing staff to handling patient interactions. Duties include assisting with the...

Instruct clients in how to wear and care for eyeglasses and contact lenses....

Instruct clients in how to wear and care for eyeglasses and contact lenses....

Ophthalmic Assistant - Beverly Hills

  • Modesto, CA
  • 1 day ago
  • Modesto, CA
  • 1 day ago

, Non Subjective Autorefractometry/Keratometry, Ocular Coherence Tomography (Posterior and Anterior Segments), Pupil Assessments, Motility Assessments, Visual Field Testing (confrontation/Amsler grids...

Lying just inland between the State's coastal mountain ranges and the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Adventist Health Reedley has been serving the Central Valley since 2011. We are comprised of a 49-bed...

Centered in the heart of San Joaquin County, Adventist Health Lodi Memorial has been one of the area's leading healthcare providers since 1952. We are comprised of a 190-bed hospital, 17 medical...

Medical Assistant (Outpatient), Clinic Overhead, Variable Shift, Per Diem

  • Tehachapi, CA
  • 6 hours ago
  • Tehachapi, CA
  • 6 hours ago

Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley has been providing high-quality healthcare services since 1934. We are comprised of a 25-bed hospital, wide range of outpatient services, emergency department,...

Medical Assistant - Full Time - Day Shift

  • Marysville, CA
  • 6 hours ago
  • Marysville, CA
  • 6 hours ago

Centered in the heart of Yuba-Sutter County, Adventist Health and Rideout has been one of the area's leading healthcare providers since 1907. We are comprised of a 221-bed hospital, 21 physician...

Nestled in the "Gateway to the Redwoods", Adventist Health Howard Memorial takes pride in its legacy of providing exceptional, high-quality care since 1928. We are comprised of a state-of-the-art...

Nestled in the "Gateway to the Redwoods", Adventist Health Howard Memorial takes pride in its legacy of providing exceptional, high-quality care since 1928. We are comprised of a state-of-the-art...

Optometric Assistant/Receptionist Wanted

  • Palmdale, CA
  • 7 hours ago
  • Palmdale, CA
  • 7 hours ago

Responsibilities include greeting patients, answering phones, scheduling appointments, patient check-in and pre-testing, contact lens training, insurance verification and billing, cleaning and sanitizing...

Optometric Assistant

  • Baldwin Park, CA
  • 7 hours ago
  • Baldwin Park, CA
  • 7 hours ago

Pre-screens patients for vision examination and contact lens visits....

Patient Coordinator (Sacramento Optometric Group)

  • Sacramento, CA
  • 7 hours ago
  • Sacramento, CA
  • 7 hours ago

Compensation range for the role is listed above. Applicable salary ranges may differ across markets. Actual pay will be determined based on experience and other job-related factors permitted by...

Medical Assistant Podiatry

  • Apple Valley, CA
  • 18 hours ago
  • Apple Valley, CA
  • 18 hours ago

Location Address: 14655 Galaxie AveMain DoorApple Valley, MN 55124-8597 Date Posted: July 17, 2025 Department: 62832500 Podiatry and Foot Ankle Shift: Day (United States of America) Shift Length:...

Demographic Data for California

Moving to California? Find some basic demographic data about California below.


Local
National
39,536,271
996,598

Optical Assistant Online Courses and Training Opportunities

iHireOptometry curates thousands of courses in order to recommend the best ones to help further your career. If you register for a course using the links on our site, we may receive a small commission.
Optical Engineering
This course concerns the theory and practice of optical methods in engineering and system design, with an emphasis on diffraction, statistical optics, holography, and imaging. It provides the...
Atomic and Optical Physics II
This is the second of a two-semester subject sequence beginning with Atomic and Optical Physics I (8.421) that provides the foundations for contemporary research in selected areas of atomic and...
Quantum Optical Communication
_6.453 Quantum Optical Communication_ is one of a collection of MIT classes that deals with aspects of an emerging field known as quantum information science. This course covers Quantum Optics,...

Title Synonyms

Users interested in this job title also searched for the following job titles


Salary for Optical Assistant Jobs in California

Estimated salary range based on data from US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and iHireOptometry research efforts.

Licensing / Certification

Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Optical Assistant positions.



Highest Education Level

Optical Assistants in California offer the following education background
High School or GED
28.6%
Bachelor's Degree
25.2%
Associate's Degree
16.9%
Vocational Degree or Certification
15.9%
Doctorate Degree
5.1%
Master's Degree
3.9%
Some College
3.3%
Some High School
1.0%

Average Work Experience
Here's a breakdown of the number of years' experience offered by Optical Assistants in California
Less than 1 year
61.2%
None
20.2%
2-4 years
17.7%
1-2 years
0.9%



Optical Assistant Related Career Advice Articles

ihireoptometry picture collage
It’s Not a Mirage: iHireOptometry is New and Improved!

Looking for a better way to find your next eye care job or employee? Check out the new and improved list of job titles on iHireOptometry.

Read article »
Read about the optometry industry trends we're watching for 2018 and beyond.
Optometry Industry Trends to Keep an Eye on in 2018 & Beyond

Myopic Millennials and online marketing are just two optometry industry trends we’re watching for 2018. Read about more in this optometry market analysis.

Read article »
Optician standing in front of shelves with frames
How to Become an Optician: Education, Training & More

Want to know how to become an optician? Learn more about the training and education requirements you’ll need to get your optician license.

Read article »