Optician Jobs in Tennessee
Optician jobs in Tennessee are concentrated in retail optical chains, private optometry practices, and ophthalmology clinics, with demand at every level from entry-level dispensing to licensed lab management. The largest hiring markets are Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville, where employers like Walmart Vision Center, LensCrafters, and Eye Care Associates of Tennessee maintain consistent openings. The most in-demand specialties include contact lens fitting, low vision dispensing, and ophthalmic lab work. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Optician JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 48+ Optician jobs
Summary
The Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) is seeking experienced and motivated Health Tech (Opticians) to support operations within VCS Optical Shops at the Knoxville, TN VA Medical Center.
This position plays a critical role in delivering exceptional service by coordinating optical operations and serving as a key liaison between VCS, eye clinic providers and prosthetics teams. Join us and help enhance the experience for our Nation's Veterans.
Learn more about this agency
This job is open to
The public
Veterans
Duties
Duties include, but are not limited to the following:
Customer Service & Patient Assistance: Greet customers and provide knowledgeable assistance with frame selection, pricing, product options, and delivery timelines. Maintain a professional, welcoming environment while supporting patients in making informed eyewear decisions.
Eyewear Fitting & Optical Measurements: Perform eyewear fittings and obtain accurate measurements using optical equipment such as digital pupilometers, lensometers, and other tools. Document patient information and measurements within the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS).
Order Processing & Sales Support: Process eyewear orders, collect payments, prepare sales documentation, and enter orders into contractor and VA systems. Promote appropriate lens options, upgrades, and additional eyewear using a consultative, no-pressure sales approach.
Coordination & Issue Resolution: Collaborate with eye clinics, laboratories, prosthetics staff, and vendors to track orders and resolve issues related to missing, damaged, or delayed eyewear. Address customer concerns professionally and escalate complex issues when necessary.
Inventory & Merchandise Management: Maintain eyewear displays in a clean, organized, and visually appealing manner. Support merchandise control, pricing, recordkeeping, and protection of inventory and fixed assets.
Requirements
Conditions of employment
- Your performance and conduct
- The needs and interests of the agency
- Whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government
- Whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service
Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Additional Conditions of Employment include:
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Subject to background/security investigation.
Qualifications
Licensure & Experience: Minimum of one (1) year of experience working as an Optician required.
Independent Work Capability: Demonstrated ability to work independently while managing responsibilities efficiently and maintaining high standards of patient service.
Prescription Interpretation & Problem Resolution: Ability to identify prescription discrepancies or anomalies and take appropriate corrective action to ensure accuracy and patient satisfaction.
Optical Verification & Quality Assurance: Skilled in identifying and resolving optical issues, including prescription verification, transitions verification, optical center alignment, segment height accuracy, and appropriate frame selection.
Technical Equipment & Tools Proficiency:
Proficient in the use of optical equipment and tools, including:
- Adjustment and bench tools
- Lensometer and lens clock
- Frame heater
- PD ruler and pupilometer
- Penlight and interpupillary measuring devices
- Frame and lens cleaning products
- Thickness caliper
- Vertex densometer
- Tolerance charts
- Visual acuity charts
Education
Education Requirement: High school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) required.
Additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.NOTE: A formal pay-setting process will be used to determine your salary. The salary may be at any point in the range listed for this vacancy. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete application package that includes:
- Resume
- Most recent SF-50
- Performance Appraisal
- Separation Notice (RIF)
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 11/03/2026 to receive consideration.
- To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
Agency contact information
1 Jefferson Barracks Drive Bldg. 25
St. Louis, MO 63125
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made. You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
Overview
- 0640 Health Aid And Technician
Summary
The Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) is seeking experienced and motivated Health Tech (Opticians) to support operations within VCS Optical Shops at the Knoxville, TN VA Medical Center.
This position plays a critical role in delivering exceptional service by coordinating optical operations and serving as a key liaison between VCS, eye clinic providers and prosthetics teams. Join us and help enhance the experience for our Nation's Veterans.
Learn more about this agency
This job is open to
The public
Veterans
Duties
Duties include, but are not limited to the following:
Customer Service & Patient Assistance: Greet customers and provide knowledgeable assistance with frame selection, pricing, product options, and delivery timelines. Maintain a professional, welcoming environment while supporting patients in making informed eyewear decisions.
Eyewear Fitting & Optical Measurements: Perform eyewear fittings and obtain accurate measurements using optical equipment such as digital pupilometers, lensometers, and other tools. Document patient information and measurements within the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS).
Order Processing & Sales Support: Process eyewear orders, collect payments, prepare sales documentation, and enter orders into contractor and VA systems. Promote appropriate lens options, upgrades, and additional eyewear using a consultative, no-pressure sales approach.
Coordination & Issue Resolution: Collaborate with eye clinics, laboratories, prosthetics staff, and vendors to track orders and resolve issues related to missing, damaged, or delayed eyewear. Address customer concerns professionally and escalate complex issues when necessary.
Inventory & Merchandise Management: Maintain eyewear displays in a clean, organized, and visually appealing manner. Support merchandise control, pricing, recordkeeping, and protection of inventory and fixed assets.
Requirements
Conditions of employment
- Your performance and conduct
- The needs and interests of the agency
- Whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government
- Whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service
Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Additional Conditions of Employment include:
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Subject to background/security investigation.
Qualifications
Licensure & Experience: Minimum of one (1) year of experience working as an Optician required.
Independent Work Capability: Demonstrated ability to work independently while managing responsibilities efficiently and maintaining high standards of patient service.
Prescription Interpretation & Problem Resolution: Ability to identify prescription discrepancies or anomalies and take appropriate corrective action to ensure accuracy and patient satisfaction.
Optical Verification & Quality Assurance: Skilled in identifying and resolving optical issues, including prescription verification, transitions verification, optical center alignment, segment height accuracy, and appropriate frame selection.
Technical Equipment & Tools Proficiency:
Proficient in the use of optical equipment and tools, including:
- Adjustment and bench tools
- Lensometer and lens clock
- Frame heater
- PD ruler and pupilometer
- Penlight and interpupillary measuring devices
- Frame and lens cleaning products
- Thickness caliper
- Vertex densometer
- Tolerance charts
- Visual acuity charts
Education
Education Requirement: High school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) required.
Additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.NOTE: A formal pay-setting process will be used to determine your salary. The salary may be at any point in the range listed for this vacancy. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete application package that includes:
- Resume
- Most recent SF-50
- Performance Appraisal
- Separation Notice (RIF)
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 11/03/2026 to receive consideration.
- To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
Agency contact information
1 Jefferson Barracks Drive Bldg. 25
St. Louis, MO 63125
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made. You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
Overview
- 0640 Health Aid And Technician
See All 48 Optician Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Optician JobsOptician Jobs by City in Tennessee
Where Tennessee roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Optician Job Market in Tennessee
A snapshot from current Tennessee openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Medical Devices
What Tennessee Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in optician jobs across Tennessee.
- Active Tennessee optician license or license eligible for Tennessee recognition
- Experience dispensing eyeglasses and contact lenses in a retail or clinical setting
- Proficiency with optical measurement tools including lensometers and pupillometers
- Ability to interpret and fill ophthalmic prescriptions accurately and efficiently
- Strong customer service skills and comfort working with diverse patient populations
- Familiarity with optical practice management or point-of-sale software systems
Optician Jobs in Tennessee: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a optician in Tennessee?
Tennessee requires opticians to hold a state license issued by the Tennessee Board of Opticianry. Candidates typically complete a two-year associate degree or apprenticeship in opticianry, then pass the American Board of Opticianry and National Contact Lens Examiners exams. After passing, you apply to the Tennessee Board of Opticianry for licensure. Some employers will hire unlicensed trainees who are actively working toward licensure, particularly in retail optical settings.
Which companies hire opticians in Tennessee?
Companies currently hiring opticians in Tennessee include AEG Vision, Sam's Club, and Warby Parker, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Tennessee's mix of large retail optical chains and independent private practices means consistent openings appear across both high-volume commercial settings and smaller patient-centered clinics throughout the state.
Which Tennessee cities have the most optician jobs?
Nashville, Franklin, and Knoxville have the most optician openings in Tennessee. Nashville leads because of its dense concentration of retail optical chains and large ophthalmology groups, while Memphis and Knoxville support strong demand through their regional medical centers and established private optometry practices that anchor the optical workforce in those metros.
Are there remote optician jobs in Tennessee?
Yes, but they're rare. About 0% of optician openings tied to Tennessee are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, which reflects how hands-on the role is by nature. The portions of the work that can shift remote are typically administrative, such as insurance verification, patient scheduling, or optical billing for practices that separate those functions from dispensing.
How can I get hired as a optician in Tennessee with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an optician trainee or optical sales associate role at a retail chain like Walmart Vision Center or LensCrafters, which regularly hire candidates without prior optical experience and provide on-the-job training toward Tennessee licensure. Lateral moves from related roles such as medical receptionist, pharmacy technician, or vision screener also open the door. Completing your associate degree in opticianry at a Tennessee community college and registering with the Tennessee Board of Opticianry as a trainee gives you a clear edge with most employers.
Where can I find and apply to optician jobs in Tennessee?
You can find and apply to optician jobs in Tennessee on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers hiring across the state. Find roles that fit your experience and location, then apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 48 Optician Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Optician Jobs