Lead Optician

Gravitas; Herndon (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

401(k) with match

10 days PTO

Paid birthday off

Six paid holidays

Employee eyewear discounts

Job summary

Gravitas in Herndon, VA seeks a Lead Optician to lead the optical team and deliver exceptional eyewear care.

In this full-time role, you will guide patients, verify benefits, oversee orders, and mentor staff; opportunity for expanded responsibilities and compensation as the practice grows.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 2+ years of optical experience with lens technology and frame fitting.
• ABO certification or Virginia licensure is a plus, but not required.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.

Responsibilities

• Guide patients in frame and lens selection with empathy.
• Oversee eyewear orders from placement to dispensing.
• Verify vision benefits and help patients maximize coverage.
• Lead and mentor optical staff; manage time cards and PTO.

Skills

Optical experience

Leadership mentoring

Customer service

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Practice management systems

Optical software

Job description

Lead Optician

Location: Herndon, VA

Job Type: Full-Time (including some Saturdays, if needed)

Pay: $27/hour

Benefits: Medical insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, 401(k) with match, 10 days PTO, paid birthday off, six paid holidays, and generous employee eyewear and exam discounts

About Us

We’re a modern optometry practice built around one idea: patients and team members deserve better than corporate shortcuts. Our focus is on evidence-based care, premium products, and a patient-first experience that elevates eye health and eyewear.

We invest in our people through mentorship, growth opportunities, and a supportive culture where your input shapes how we work.

About the Role

The Lead Optician is the go-to expert in our optical and a steady point of leadership for the optical team. You’ll deliver exceptional eyewear care to patients while supporting the day-to-day needs of your teammates, including approving time off, reviewing time cards, and helping new opticians build their skills.

This role is designed for someone who wants to grow with us. As the practice expands, the Lead Optician will have the opportunity to take on additional managerial responsibilities, with pay increases that reflect that expanded scope. We’re looking for a person who is invested in the success of the practice and genuinely cares about developing the people around them.

What You’ll Do

Patient Care and Optical Operations

• Guide patients through frame and lens selection with expertise and empathy
• Measure, fit, and adjust eyewear for lasting comfort and clarity
• Verify and explain vision benefits so patients can make the most of their coverage
• Oversee the accuracy and timeliness of eyewear orders from placement through dispensing
• Keep the optical organized, well-stocked, and presentation-ready, and flag inventory needs
• Collaborate with the optometrists to ensure eyewear aligns with each patient’s treatment plan
• Stay current on lens technologies and optical products and share that knowledge with the team
• Assist at the front desk as needed, including answering calls, scheduling, and check-in/check-out

Team Leadership and Support

• Review and approve time cards and PTO requests for optical team members
• Coordinate optical coverage so the department runs smoothly across schedules
• Train and mentor opticians on technical skills, product knowledge, and patient communication
• Serve as the first point of contact for optical team questions and elevate concerns to practice leadership when appropriate
• Model professionalism, reliability, and a patient-first approach
• Share observations and ideas with practice owners to improve optical workflows and the patient experience

What We’re Looking For

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• 2+ years of optical experience, with a strong command of lens technology, frame adjustment, and optical principles
• Experience training, mentoring, or leading others (formal or informal) strongly preferred
• ABO certification or Virginia optician licensure a plus, but not required
• A growth mindset and genuine interest in developing yourself and your teammates
• Professional, approachable communicator with strong customer service skills
• Organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable balancing patient care with team responsibilities
• Dependable, punctual, and consistent, with sound judgment when handling sensitive team matters
• Proficient with practice management systems, optical software, and basic computer applications

Schedule

We keep schedules predictable, so you’ll know exactly which days you’re in the office.

• Monday 9–6
• Tuesday 10–7
• Wednesday 9–6
• Thursday 10–7
• Friday 8–5
• Saturday 9–3 (rotating)

Why Join Us

• Stable hourly pay with no commission structure, sales quotas, or corporate scripts
• A leadership role with a clear path to expanded managerial responsibility and compensation as the practice grows
• Direct access to the practice owners, whose decisions are made locally rather than by a distant corporate office
• The opportunity to shape how the optical department operates and how its team develops
• 10 days PTO, six paid holidays, and a paid birthday off each year
• Medical, dental, and life insurance, plus employee discounts on premium eyewear and lenses
• 401(k) with match