Licensed Optician Jobs for OPT Students
Licensed Optician jobs on OPT require hands-on clinical work authorization, which your F-1 OPT EAD covers fully. Most roles fall under STEM-adjacent healthcare, and some employers will sponsor H-1B after OPT. Your 12-month standard OPT window starts from your EAD start date, so begin applying early.
See All Licensed Optician JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 206+ Licensed Optician jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 206+ Licensed Optician jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Licensed Optician roles.
Get Access To All JobsCompany Description
At Eyeglass World, we are more than just an optical retailer, we are a fashion-forward destination where style meets service and quality eye care. With 100+ locations nationwide, we bring customers the hottest eyewear trends, designer looks, and same-day service at prices they love. If you love fashion, thrive on helping people, and want to be part of a team that makes a difference every day, Eyeglass World is the place for you! Working at Eyeglass World also means you are a part of a larger family of brands at National Vision. At National Vision, we believe everyone deserves to see their best to live their best. That’s why we make quality eye care and eyewear more affordable and accessible for all. How would you like Sundays off? Yes, every Sunday we’re closed!
Job Description
What You’ll Do
- Assist customers with eyeglass and contact lens dispensing, including contact lens insertion and removal training and product education.
- Deliver exceptional customer service while meeting sales goals and company objectives.
- Maintain accurate patient records and manage order follow-up, including customer notifications and weekly outreach.
- Support quality and operational excellence by reducing remakes, following safety standards, and adhering to company policies.
- Maintain inventory control, merchandising standards, and a clean, organized work environment.
- Mentor Apprentice Opticians as permitted by law.
Qualifications
- Fluent in reading and speaking both English and Spanish.
- Hold an active dispensing license as required by the state.
- 3+ years related experience or training (required).
- Previous retail experience (preferred).
- Strong customer service and clear communication abilities.
- Confident selling skills with the ability to meet store goals.
- Organized, detail-minded, and able to multitask in a busy setting.
- Professional, friendly, and comfortable working with a variety of people.
Additional Information
At National Vision, we reward hard work with competitive pay, bonus opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package to support you and your family now and in the future.
Our Benefits Include
- Health & Dental Insurance
- 401k Retirement Savings
- Flex Spending Account
- Generous Paid Time Off & Company Holidays
- Parental Leave
- Employee Eyewear Discount
Focus On Professional Growth And Career Fulfillment
- Training Programs: Develop your skills and knowledge with our comprehensive training offerings.
- Educational Courses: Gain access to courses that support both your personal and professional development.
- Internal Promotions: We emphasize career advancement from within, so you’ll have opportunities to grow with us long-term.
At National Vision, you’ll enjoy more than just a job – you’ll have the chance to thrive in a rewarding career, surrounded by a supportive team and endless opportunities for growth. Join us today and see your future clearly!
We are an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.
Company Description
At Eyeglass World, we are more than just an optical retailer, we are a fashion-forward destination where style meets service and quality eye care. With 100+ locations nationwide, we bring customers the hottest eyewear trends, designer looks, and same-day service at prices they love. If you love fashion, thrive on helping people, and want to be part of a team that makes a difference every day, Eyeglass World is the place for you! Working at Eyeglass World also means you are a part of a larger family of brands at National Vision. At National Vision, we believe everyone deserves to see their best to live their best. That’s why we make quality eye care and eyewear more affordable and accessible for all. How would you like Sundays off? Yes, every Sunday we’re closed!
Job Description
What You’ll Do
- Assist customers with eyeglass and contact lens dispensing, including contact lens insertion and removal training and product education.
- Deliver exceptional customer service while meeting sales goals and company objectives.
- Maintain accurate patient records and manage order follow-up, including customer notifications and weekly outreach.
- Support quality and operational excellence by reducing remakes, following safety standards, and adhering to company policies.
- Maintain inventory control, merchandising standards, and a clean, organized work environment.
- Mentor Apprentice Opticians as permitted by law.
Qualifications
- Fluent in reading and speaking both English and Spanish.
- Hold an active dispensing license as required by the state.
- 3+ years related experience or training (required).
- Previous retail experience (preferred).
- Strong customer service and clear communication abilities.
- Confident selling skills with the ability to meet store goals.
- Organized, detail-minded, and able to multitask in a busy setting.
- Professional, friendly, and comfortable working with a variety of people.
Additional Information
At National Vision, we reward hard work with competitive pay, bonus opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package to support you and your family now and in the future.
Our Benefits Include
- Health & Dental Insurance
- 401k Retirement Savings
- Flex Spending Account
- Generous Paid Time Off & Company Holidays
- Parental Leave
- Employee Eyewear Discount
Focus On Professional Growth And Career Fulfillment
- Training Programs: Develop your skills and knowledge with our comprehensive training offerings.
- Educational Courses: Gain access to courses that support both your personal and professional development.
- Internal Promotions: We emphasize career advancement from within, so you’ll have opportunities to grow with us long-term.
At National Vision, you’ll enjoy more than just a job – you’ll have the chance to thrive in a rewarding career, surrounded by a supportive team and endless opportunities for growth. Join us today and see your future clearly!
We are an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Licensed Optician
Target independent optical practices and retail chains
Large optical retailers and private practices hire licensed opticians regularly. Independent practices often offer more flexibility with OPT candidates than hospital systems, which may have stricter HR compliance requirements around work authorization documentation.
Confirm your state licensure is valid before applying
Licensed Optician requirements vary by state. Some states require a separate license exam, while others use the ABO-NCLE credential. Confirm your license is active and transferable to the state where you plan to work before submitting applications.
Lead with your EAD, not your visa status
When contacting employers, present your Employment Authorization Document as proof you can work immediately. Avoid leading with 'I need sponsorship' upfront. Demonstrate your credential and availability first, then address future visa needs if the role progresses.
Ask explicitly about H-1B sponsorship during interviews
Many optical employers have never sponsored a visa before. Ask whether they work with an immigration attorney or HR consultant. Small practices may be willing to sponsor but simply need guidance on the process and what it requires from them.
Track your OPT end date and apply for STEM OPT early if eligible
Optician roles typically do not qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm this with your DSO early. If your role is tied to a STEM-qualifying employer, verify eligibility before counting on the extension in your job search timeline.
Document your clinical hours and specializations clearly
Contact lens fitting, low vision, and dispensing specializations strengthen your application. Employers sponsoring H-1B will need to demonstrate specialty occupation status, so a clearly documented skill set supports both your hire and any future petition.
Licensed Optician jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Licensed Optician JobsSee all 206+ Licensed Optician jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Licensed Optician roles.
Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Licensed Optician on F-1 OPT?
Yes. Your F-1 OPT EAD authorizes you to work as a Licensed Optician in the United States, provided your role is directly related to your field of study. Optometry-adjacent or vision science degree holders generally meet this requirement. You must have your EAD in hand before your start date, and your employer must verify it through I-9 employment eligibility verification.
Does a Licensed Optician role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
In most cases, no. Licensed Optician positions are typically classified under SOC codes that do not appear on the official STEM OPT designated degree list. If your degree is in a STEM-qualifying field but your job title is Licensed Optician, consult your DSO before assuming you qualify. Do not rely on a STEM extension in your planning without confirming eligibility with your international student office.
How do I find Licensed Optician employers open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate lists Licensed Optician jobs from employers familiar with OPT and visa sponsorship. Many optical employers have hired international candidates before but may not advertise it publicly. Searching on Migrate Mate lets you focus on employers with a demonstrated sponsorship history, which saves time compared to applying broadly and asking about authorization case by case.
Will my employer need to do anything extra because I am on OPT?
Your employer must complete Form I-9 and record your EAD details, including the expiration date. They are required to re-verify your work authorization before your EAD expires. Some employers also need to report your employment to your university's SEVIS record. This reporting obligation falls on you and your DSO, not the employer, but it helps to inform your HR contact so they understand the process.
Can a small optical practice sponsor my H-1B after OPT?
Yes, employer size does not determine H-1B eligibility. A single-location optical practice can file an H-1B petition on your behalf. The more important question is whether your Licensed Optician role qualifies as a specialty occupation under USCIS standards, which requires a specific degree in a directly related field. This can be a gray area for optician roles, so working with an immigration attorney before the H-1B cap season opens is worth the time.
See which Licensed Optician employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search Licensed Optician Jobs