Optometry Assistant Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Optometry assistants can secure H-1B visa sponsorship, though it requires demonstrating the role meets specialty occupation standards. Most positions need a bachelor's degree in health sciences, biology, or related field, plus specific optometric training. Success depends on job duties involving complex patient care and technical equipment operation. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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We are recruiting for Optometry Assistant's (OA) to join our team in one of our state of the art health centers. Consider joining the team to leave a lasting impact in your local community as our Optometry Assistant as you can look forward to rewarding benefits and a Monday-Friday schedule. Experienced Medical Assistants and/or new Medical Assistant graduates are welcomed!
Our Optometry Assistant's work directly with our Optometrist provider and they strive to go above and beyond, take pride in their ability to listen to our patients, and provide excellent patient care. United Health Centers is looking for someone who can communicate clearly and warmly with a diverse patient population and who has the technical skills to assist providers in their patient’s medical care. If this sounds like you, then you might be our next Optometry Assistant!
Responsibilities
Works closely with the Director of Optometry Operations and other members of the clinic management team to:
- Provide prompt medical support; promote a smooth patient flow; collect and record data accurately; maintain order of exam rooms, equipment and ophthalmic supplies
- Primary tasks are to interview patients and obtain chief compliant, ocular and medical histories, perform auto refraction, automated tonometry, lensometry, and ancillary ocular tests as directed by the Optometrist such as color vision tests (Ishiara or Farnsworth), depth perception, visual fields and retinal photos.
- The optometry OA must also document all findings in the ophthalmic template in the EHR. The OA is also responsible for helping assist patients in the optical area with the fitting, ordering and dispensing of eyeglasses or contact lenses as directed by the Optometrist.
- The OA will maintain optical boards by making sure that glasses are restocked and accounted for in the electronic program. The OA provides or facilitates the provision of information needed by both patients and clinicians.
- Provide basic education and information to patients, making sure patients' questions are answered and anxieties alleviated and interfaces with community-oriented activities and staff
- Achieve the organizational mission to provide health care access for all the members of the community as well as help make sure patients and families get the care they need when they need it.
- Consistently and openly communicate with supervisor and all staff.
- Work flexible or extended hours when necessary and requested.
- Participate in health center in-services and meeting, listening and respecting others' ideas.
- Abide by Rules of Confidentiality of patient information.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
High School graduate or GED.
LICENSE/CERTIFICATION
- Possess a valid driver's license
- Valid lifesaving certification (CPR, BLS, etc.)
PRIOR EXPERIENCE
- Minimum 1 years of recent experience in a healthcare setting, preferred.
- Optometric Assistant certification or one (1) year recent prior experience in optometry or ophthalmology field, preferred.
SKILLS
- Bilingual preferred (English/Spanish) but not required.
- Able to quickly build and maintain rapport with patients and providers of differing backgrounds; team player
- Customer-service oriented
- Strong computer skills
- Familiar with adult learning and general training techniques
- Positive professional insight
- Flexibility and dependability
- Demonstrated good problem-solving skills; sound judgment
- Effective leadership/supervisory skills
- Modern office practices and procedures including email
- Intermediate computer skills
- Attention to detail and excellent follow-through on work tasks
- Able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
Physical Requirements
Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds and push up to 50 pounds (on wheels).
Must be able to hear staff on the phone and those who are served in-person, and speak clearly in order to communicate information to patients and staff.
Must be able to read memos, computer screens, personnel forms and clinical and administrative documents.
Must have high manual dexterity.
Must be able to reach above the shoulder level to work, must be able to bend, squat and sit, stand, stoop, crouch, reach, kneel, twist/turn.
The hourly wage range that UHC reasonably expects to pay for the position upon hire starts at $21 an hour. Our salaries are dependent on knowledge, skills, and experience.
In addition, our comprehensive benefits package for regular status employees includes:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance with low premium cost
- Paid time off and paid holidays
- 401k plan with matching contribution
- Educational Assistance
- Employee discounts and more!
Overview
We are recruiting for Optometry Assistant's (OA) to join our team in one of our state of the art health centers. Consider joining the team to leave a lasting impact in your local community as our Optometry Assistant as you can look forward to rewarding benefits and a Monday-Friday schedule. Experienced Medical Assistants and/or new Medical Assistant graduates are welcomed!
Our Optometry Assistant's work directly with our Optometrist provider and they strive to go above and beyond, take pride in their ability to listen to our patients, and provide excellent patient care. United Health Centers is looking for someone who can communicate clearly and warmly with a diverse patient population and who has the technical skills to assist providers in their patient’s medical care. If this sounds like you, then you might be our next Optometry Assistant!
Responsibilities
Works closely with the Director of Optometry Operations and other members of the clinic management team to:
- Provide prompt medical support; promote a smooth patient flow; collect and record data accurately; maintain order of exam rooms, equipment and ophthalmic supplies
- Primary tasks are to interview patients and obtain chief compliant, ocular and medical histories, perform auto refraction, automated tonometry, lensometry, and ancillary ocular tests as directed by the Optometrist such as color vision tests (Ishiara or Farnsworth), depth perception, visual fields and retinal photos.
- The optometry OA must also document all findings in the ophthalmic template in the EHR. The OA is also responsible for helping assist patients in the optical area with the fitting, ordering and dispensing of eyeglasses or contact lenses as directed by the Optometrist.
- The OA will maintain optical boards by making sure that glasses are restocked and accounted for in the electronic program. The OA provides or facilitates the provision of information needed by both patients and clinicians.
- Provide basic education and information to patients, making sure patients' questions are answered and anxieties alleviated and interfaces with community-oriented activities and staff
- Achieve the organizational mission to provide health care access for all the members of the community as well as help make sure patients and families get the care they need when they need it.
- Consistently and openly communicate with supervisor and all staff.
- Work flexible or extended hours when necessary and requested.
- Participate in health center in-services and meeting, listening and respecting others' ideas.
- Abide by Rules of Confidentiality of patient information.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
High School graduate or GED.
LICENSE/CERTIFICATION
- Possess a valid driver's license
- Valid lifesaving certification (CPR, BLS, etc.)
PRIOR EXPERIENCE
- Minimum 1 years of recent experience in a healthcare setting, preferred.
- Optometric Assistant certification or one (1) year recent prior experience in optometry or ophthalmology field, preferred.
SKILLS
- Bilingual preferred (English/Spanish) but not required.
- Able to quickly build and maintain rapport with patients and providers of differing backgrounds; team player
- Customer-service oriented
- Strong computer skills
- Familiar with adult learning and general training techniques
- Positive professional insight
- Flexibility and dependability
- Demonstrated good problem-solving skills; sound judgment
- Effective leadership/supervisory skills
- Modern office practices and procedures including email
- Intermediate computer skills
- Attention to detail and excellent follow-through on work tasks
- Able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
Physical Requirements
Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds and push up to 50 pounds (on wheels).
Must be able to hear staff on the phone and those who are served in-person, and speak clearly in order to communicate information to patients and staff.
Must be able to read memos, computer screens, personnel forms and clinical and administrative documents.
Must have high manual dexterity.
Must be able to reach above the shoulder level to work, must be able to bend, squat and sit, stand, stoop, crouch, reach, kneel, twist/turn.
The hourly wage range that UHC reasonably expects to pay for the position upon hire starts at $21 an hour. Our salaries are dependent on knowledge, skills, and experience.
In addition, our comprehensive benefits package for regular status employees includes:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance with low premium cost
- Paid time off and paid holidays
- 401k plan with matching contribution
- Educational Assistance
- Employee discounts and more!
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as an Optometry Assistant
Emphasize technical expertise requirements
Highlight duties requiring specialized knowledge like operating autorefractors, retinal cameras, and OCT machines. Document how your role involves clinical data analysis and patient assessment beyond basic administrative tasks.
Target specialized ophthalmology practices
Focus on practices specializing in areas like pediatric optometry, low vision rehabilitation, or contact lens fitting. These specialized environments more easily justify the need for degree-level expertise.
Document educational requirements clearly
Ensure job descriptions specify a bachelor's degree in health sciences, biology, or related field as required, not preferred. Include any additional certifications or specialized training requirements.
Highlight patient care responsibilities
Emphasize duties involving direct patient assessment, preliminary testing, and clinical decision-making. Document how your role requires interpreting test results and making recommendations to the optometrist.
Consider larger healthcare systems
Large hospital systems and academic medical centers have more resources for visa sponsorship and often structure optometry assistant roles with more specialized, degree-requiring responsibilities.
Prepare for USCIS scrutiny
This role faces higher denial risk than traditional specialty occupations. Build a strong case with detailed job descriptions, industry standards documentation, and evidence of specialized training requirements.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do optometry assistants qualify for H-1B visas?
Yes, but approval depends on demonstrating the specific position requires a bachelor's degree and involves specialized duties beyond basic assistance. Roles involving complex patient testing, clinical data analysis, and operation of sophisticated diagnostic equipment have better chances than purely administrative positions.
What degree do I need for H-1B sponsorship as an optometry assistant?
Most successful cases require a bachelor's degree in health sciences, biology, kinesiology, or related field. Some employers accept degrees in allied health or pre-med studies. The key is showing clear connection between your education and the specialized optometric duties you'll perform.
Which employers are most likely to sponsor optometry assistants?
Large hospital systems, academic medical centers, and specialized ophthalmology practices have higher sponsorship rates. These employers often structure roles with more complex responsibilities and have dedicated HR departments familiar with visa processes. Small private practices rarely sponsor.
How can I strengthen my H-1B case as an optometry assistant?
Focus on technical specializations like pediatric optometry, low vision care, or contact lens fitting. Obtain additional certifications from organizations like JCAHPO. Ensure your job description emphasizes clinical duties, equipment operation, and patient assessment rather than basic administrative tasks.
What are common denial reasons for optometry assistant H-1B petitions?
USCIS often denies cases where duties appear too basic or administrative. Common issues include job descriptions that don't clearly require degree-level knowledge, lack of industry evidence supporting educational requirements, and positions that seem more like general healthcare support roles.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Optometry Assistant jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.
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