How to hire a dispensing optician

How to hire a dispensing optician, step by step

Here's a step-by-step dispensing optician hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a dispensing optician job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new dispensing optician
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The dispensing optician hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

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   A dispensing optician's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, dispensing opticians from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list presents dispensing optician salaries for various positions.

   Type of Dispensing Optician	Description	Hourly rate
   Dispensing Optician	Dispensing opticians help fit eyeglasses and contact lenses, following prescriptions from ophthalmologists and optometrists. They also help customers decide which eyeglass frames or contact lenses to buy.	$15-29
   Optical Manager	An Optical Manager oversees the daily operations taking place in an optometrist's office. In general, Optical Managers oversee various eye care and administrative tasks... Show more	$5-62
   Optician Apprentice	An optician apprentice is an assistant to a certified optician whose responsibilities include designing, measuring, and fitting lenses and frames for clients. Optician apprentices assist clients with picking out frames of their choice and within their budgets, measuring customer size for fitting, and ensuring a good face- eyeglass match... Show more	$13-23

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Patients
   • Patient Care
   • Customer Service
   • Insurance Eligibility
   • Appointment Scheduling
   • Eye Exams
   • Optical Prescriptions
   • Optical Laboratories
   • Insurance Claims
   • RX
   • Front Desk
   • VSP
   • Eye Measurements
   • Insurance Benefits

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Communicate information and provide customer service to patients, families and visitors.
   • Fax Rx to proper lab.
   • Scan documents and abide by all HIPAA regulations.
   • Read and understand the different refractive errors as well as the Rx.
   • Work with VSP and eye med insurances, and all relate duties.
   • Order verification, working with insurance companies including VSP, NBN, and DSHS.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your dispensing optician job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A dispensing optician can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, dispensing opticians' average salary in oklahoma is 45% less than in oregon.
   • Seniority. Entry-level dispensing opticians 47% less than senior-level dispensing opticians.
   • Certifications. A dispensing optician with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a dispensing optician's salary.

   Average dispensing optician salary

   $45,679yearly

   $21.96 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level dispensing optician salary

   $33,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 17, 2025

4. Writing a dispensing optician job description

   A good dispensing optician job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a dispensing optician job description:

   Dispensing optician job description example

   To provide direct service to members of the Kaiser Foundation Health Plan in the form of comprehensive, high quality optical dispensing and contact lens dispensing services.
   
   Optical Dispensing includes: preparation of orders for prescription eyewear, fitting and adjusting glasses and other vision appliances, life-style dispensing and instructing patients for selection of attractive eyeglass frames. Contact Lens Dispensing includes: assisting and supporting the doctors of optometry and providing optimum care to Contact Lens patients; ensuring that all prescriptions are ordered, received, and dispensed as prescribed; instructing patients on proper use and maintenance of contact lenses; assisting contact lens optometrists in managing and coordinating schedules, charting, and patient flow; maintaining inventory of contact lenses and supplies; answering telephones, evaluating calls received, responding to patient inquiries, and routing calls as needed.
   Essential Responsibilities:
   
   Provide ophthalmic eyewear services, including: the design, ordering, dispensing, fitting, adjusting, and repairing of eyeglasses and low vision devices. Services are accomplished in direct interaction with the patient utilizing a doctor's prescription, taking and recording various anatomical measurements and obtaining information supplied by the patient. Subsequent visits by the patient involve dispensing and maintenance of ophthalmic eyewear.
   
   Interpret written optometric prescriptions and analyze the various alternatives by which it can be filled in order to make recommendations to the patient. Measure and calculate fitting and fabrication specifications. Advise the patient concerning available ophthalmic materials. Recommend the most favorable combination of the above factors for each eyeglass order to meet the clinical requirements and the patient's personal preferences. Prepare fabrication specifications accordingly.
   
   Interview patient to ascertain occupational, lifestyle, and cosmetic needs. Advise patient regarding comfort, cosmetic and safety options, including; frame shape, frame material, color, lens styles, materials, colors, tints and other accessories and treatments.
   
   Accurately measure and shape lenses and adjust frames utilizing ophthalmic equipment including hand edgers, lensometer, pupilometer, soldering machines, and precision hand tools. Operate Point-of-Sale computer terminal to enter prescription and sales information into the automated processing and information system.
   
   Insure that members receive quality ophthalmic products and courteous, professional service. Product quality assurance includes accurate and precise lens fabrication meeting provider's and optician's specifications and conforming to ANSI and other applicable regulatory requirements. Service involves resolving issues common in optical practice, including: member concerns, perceived patient vision needs, optical lab fabrication limitations, and patient to provider communication. Maintain relevant documentation.
   
   Promote competence and professionalism by maintaining proficiency in contemporary dispensing skills, updating product knowledge through regular participation in continuing education programs and affiliation with professional associations. Project a positive image of Kaiser Permanente Eye Care Services at all times.
   
   Responsibly manage and protect and account for all program assets, including: inventory, funds, tools, sundry sales merchandise.
   
   Support the activities of program doctors and fellow staff members in enhancing member service and achieving departmental goals. Display a positive team spirit by participating in cross-training, sharing duties with others and assisting Optical Manager in special projects.
   
   Provide specific instructions to individual patients and groups on correct handling and care of contact lenses. Teach patients correct application and removal of contact lenses, proper hygiene, how to clean lenses, warning signs of developing problems, and the importance of all of these factors as they relate to maintaining good eye health and clear vision.
   
   Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of fees and benefits for contact lens services and effectively explain them to patients. Following all departmental policies, procedures, behavior guidelines, and standards for the treatment of members: Receive and manage phone calls from patients. Based on information elicited from patient, independently assess the nature of the situation, determine type of service or appointment needed, and triage accordingly. Schedule appointment if need is urgent or direct call to Appointment Center to schedule routine appointment. Respond to member inquiries and complaints and resolve or forward to the manager.
   
   Demonstrate ability to accurately fill patients' Contact Lens prescriptions. Order patients' lenses from the appropriate outside vendor. Inspect lenses using appropriate instrumentation to verify that prescription and lens parameters are as specified in approved accuracy tables. Notify patient when lenses are ready to be picked up and schedule appointment to dispense lenses.
   
   Maintain accurate records and reports for the Contact Lens Department. Update all patient clinical records in a neat and accurate manner. Prepare charts for daily appointments. Ensure that the patient fully understands fees involved. Verify and update each patient's Vision Care Benefits and utilization history in Common Membership System (CMS). Telephone patient to confirm appointment times and ensure that the patient fully understands fees involved. Verify and update each patient's Vision Care Benefits and utilization history in CMS System.
   
   Prepare, analyze, update, and maintain all daily and month-end business reports and invoices. Check invoices for accuracy and submit to manager for approval and payment. Coordinate ordering of multiple forms and supplies for appropriate clinics.
   
   Collaborate and coordinate with Optical Dispensing, Optometry, Membership Services, Ophthalmology, and other Kaiser Permanente departments to deliver optimum patient care. Participate in training of appointment clerks to schedule and screen for contact lens appointments. This requires a total understanding of Kaiser policies and procedures and essential knowledge of Vision Care Benefits.
   
   Maintain instruments and equipment in the Contact Lens Department to ensure accuracy. Clean equipment and instruments on a routine basis. Assess and arrange for repairs and calibration, when necessary.
   
   Perform other duties as requested.
   
   Basic Qualifications:
   
   Experience
   
   * Minimum three (3) years experience as a dispensing or fabricating optician.
   * Minimum two (2) years experience in optometric or optical practice where contact lenses have been dispensed or current Kaiser Permanente Contact Lens experience.
   
   Education
   
   * High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED) required.
   
   License, Certification, Registration
   
   * Must acquire ABO Certification, within 2 years of hire/transfer.
   
   Additional Requirements:
   
   * Demonstrate working knowledge of ophthalmic dispensing theory and practice.
   * Demonstrate working knowledge with contact lens equipment and instrumentation.
   * Basic mathematics.
   * Demonstrated ability to multi-task and work in fast-paced environment.
   * Familiarity with optometry and ophthalmology terminology.
   * Demonstrate thorough product knowledge, including lens materials, designs and coatings, frame structure and adjustment techniques, contact lens materials, design, and fitting process.
   * Skills/Abilities: (include equipment operation):
   * Ability to maintain a good working relationship between the reception area and Optical Dispensing, Optometry, Ophthalmology, Contact Lens Services, to ensure delivery of an effective and high quality Eye Care Services program.
   * Ability to operate dispensing equipment, including; lens hand edger, lensometer, frame warmer, pupilometer, zyl hinge repair unit, and various optical hand tools.
   * Demonstrate proficiency in use of equipment and instrumentation used in contact lens practice.
   * Operation of basic office machines (photocopier, 10-key, card imprinter, and computer keyboard).
   * Demonstrate effective customer service skills, communication skills, and interpersonal skills.
   * Demonstrate effective selling skills and tactfully influence patient choices.
   * Able to work in a high-volume department and prioritize multiple assigned tasks.
   * Able to respond effectively to requests from members/patients, providers, and other coworkers.
   
   Preferred Qualifications:
   
   * Minimum one (1) year Optical Laboratory experience or equivalent.
   * Minimum two (2) years experience in optometry or optical practice where contact lenses have been dispensed.
   * Recent contact lens dispensing experience.
   * Knowledge:
   * Thorough knowledge of Kaiser Permanente Vision Care Program, policies & procedures, behavior guidelines, and familiarity with HMO concepts.
   * Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of optical theory, ocular treatment, and product knowledge.
   * Working knowledge of Kaiser Permanente computer systems pertinent to performing the functions of this position.
   * Fitting consultation training (color and frame fashion).
   * Use and care of tools and equipment used in optical dispensing.
   * Thorough knowledge of contact lens dispensing practice.
   * Skills/Abilities: (including equipment operation)
   * Basic optical lab finishing skills.
   * Demonstrated experience with contact lens measuring and modification instruments.
   * Including: radiuscope, peak scope, diameter and thickness gauges, lensometer and contact lens modification unit.
   * Excellent interpersonal and retail optical sales skills.
   * Ability to operate electric and butane soldering units.
   * Ability to use basic computer applications (spreadsheets and word processing).
   * Ability to operate basic office machines.
   
   Notes:
   
   * Travel to Longview, Salmon Creek, Orchards, Rockwood, Central Intersate, Beaverton and North Lancaster Offices
   * Minimum one
   
   Primary Location: Oregon,Clackamas,Clackamas Eye Care & Imaging Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 Shift: Day Workdays: Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat Working Hours Start: 09:30 AM Working Hours End: 06:00 PM Job Schedule: Full-time Job Type: Standard Employee Status: Regular Employee Group/Union Affiliation: W02|AFT|Local 5017 Job Level: Individual Contributor Department: Clackamas Eye Care - Optical Dispensing - 1008 Travel: Yes, 15 % of the Time Kaiser Permanente is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, parental status, ancestry, disability, gender identity, veteran status, genetic information, other distinguishing characteristics of diversity and inclusion, or any other protected status.
   
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5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right dispensing optician for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   To find dispensing optician candidates, you can consider the following options:

   • Post your job opening on Zippia or other job search websites.
   • Use niche websites that focus on engineering and technology jobs, such as healthcarejobsite, health jobs nationwide, hospitalcareers, medreps.com.
   • Post your job on free job posting websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with dispensing optician candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new dispensing optician

   Once you've decided on a perfect dispensing optician candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new dispensing optician. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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