September 22, 2021
The first step toward hiring a qualified Optical Associate is creating an adequate and informative job description to attract the right applicants. To help you with the process, we created a Free Optical Associate Job Description Template with all the necessary information, from duties and responsibilities to requirements.
We definitely recommend using VIVAHR software to post the template on various hiring websites and get the best recruitment results.
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An Optical Associate is a professional responsible for assisting customers with their eyewear needs, ensuring a positive shopping experience while supporting the operational efficiency of an optical store or department. From an employer’s perspective, an Optical Associate plays a key role in customer service, helping clients choose frames and lenses that suit their prescription, style, and budget.
They are also responsible for maintaining product knowledge, assisting with minor adjustments or repairs, and handling administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments or processing payments. Employers value Optical Associates for their ability to balance technical skills with excellent communication and sales capabilities, contributing to both customer satisfaction and revenue growth.
Skill | Why it's important |
Customer Service Skills | Optical Associates must interact with customers to understand their needs, answer questions, and provide recommendations. Employers value this skill because it ensures a positive customer experience, fosters loyalty, and drives repeat business. |
Product Knowledge | A thorough understanding of eyewear products, including frames, lenses, and accessories, is essential. This knowledge helps Optical Associates guide customers to the best options for their vision and lifestyle, directly impacting sales and customer satisfaction. |
Attention to Detail | Precision is crucial when assisting with prescriptions, fitting eyewear, or processing orders. Employers prioritize this skill to ensure accuracy in delivering quality products and services, minimizing errors that could affect customer trust or satisfaction. |
Sales and Upselling Abilities | Optical Associates should be adept at identifying opportunities to upsell premium lenses, coatings, or accessories. Employers see this skill as vital for boosting revenue while meeting customer needs with tailored solutions. |
Technical Proficiency in Adjustments and Repairs | The ability to perform basic adjustments, such as aligning frames or fixing minor issues, is highly valued. Employers recognize this skill as a way to enhance service quality and reduce the need for external repairs, which can improve operational efficiency and customer convenience. |
We’re seeking a detail-oriented Optical Associate to support the optometrist with customer service, secretarial, and technical tasks. Customer service tasks for the Optical Associate include greeting clients, answering inquiries, and aiding customers with frame selection. Scheduling appointments, documenting medical histories, submitting insurance claims, and keeping inventories are all clerical tasks. Taking visual acuity measures and measuring the distance between the patient’s pupils are among the technical tasks.
You’ll need excellent organizational and communication abilities to be an effective Optical Associate. You should have excellent attention to detail and a thorough understanding of optical equipment and its applications.
The best way to find an ideal candidate for a job is to ask them questions that will allow you to gauge their ability and determine whether they are looking for a position that will push them in the right direction.
In addition, an interview gives employers the chance to establish whether the candidate has the skills needed for the position, use these sample interview questions for an Optical Associate.
Employers typically require Optical Associates to have a high school diploma or equivalent as the minimum educational qualification. While formal optical training or certification is not always mandatory, candidates with additional coursework or certifications in optical dispensing, customer service, or retail management are often preferred.
Employers value any education that demonstrates a foundational understanding of eyewear products, customer interaction skills, and basic retail operations. On-the-job training is commonly provided, but a background in relevant areas can give candidates a competitive edge during the hiring process.
Optical associates may earn between $10 and $21 hourly.
The median annual salary is $36,574, meaning $18 per hour.
These wages can depend on various factors, such as employment location, educational level, etc.
Percentile | 10% | 25% | 50% (Median) |
75% | 90% |
Hourly Wage | $10 | $15 | $18 | $19 | $21 |
Annual Wage | $20,000 | $32,000 | $36,574 | $39,500 | $44,000 |
Optical Associates are responsible for assisting customers in selecting eyewear products, conducting fittings, taking accurate measurements, and ensuring customer satisfaction.
They also handle administrative tasks such as managing inventory, scheduling appointments, and processing orders.
Essential skills for an Optical Associate include strong communication and interpersonal skills for effectively assisting customers, proficiency in using optical equipment for measurements and adjustments, attention to detail for accurate record-keeping and order processing, and basic knowledge of vision care and eyewear products.
Employers typically look for candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent. Previous experience in a retail or customer service environment is often preferred, especially if it involves sales or working with eyewear products.
Training in optical dispensing or certification as an Optician may also be advantageous.
Optical Associates play a crucial role in providing excellent customer service, which can lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Their expertise in assisting customers with selecting the right eyewear products and ensuring proper fittings can enhance the overall experience, ultimately driving sales and revenue for the business.
Additionally, their attention to detail in managing inventory and administrative tasks helps maintain efficient operations.
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