Sales Associate

Optical Outlets; Sarasota (FL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Optical Outlets in Sarasota, FL is seeking a customer-focused associate to assist patients and support the Doctor and Office Manager. You will greet customers, explain the process, help select frames and lenses, and handle transactions with accuracy.

Ideal candidates bring 1–2 years of related experience, strong communication skills, and a knack for problem-solving. Florida license is preferred. This is a full-time on-site role with opportunities for growth.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of related experience.
• Working knowledge of MS Office.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong verbal communication and active listening.
• Strong written communication and documentation.
• Excellent interpersonal and rapport-building skills.
• Able to identify customer needs through targeted questioning.
• Proven problem-solving, negotiation, and decision-making abilities.

Responsibilities

• Attract and retain customers by providing unsurpassed customer service.
• Greet customers and explain the process clearly.
• Assist patients with merchandise selection, fittings, and dispensing eyewear.
• Solve visual problems or challenges for customers.
• Manage customer transactions at time of purchase.
• Serve as a center of excellence for others with focus on First Time right.
• Assist in selecting frames and lenses suited for vision, lifestyle, and budget.
• Support other staff with complex customer needs and prescriptions.
• Record measurements and ensure precise eyewear adjustments.
• Inform Office Manager of any office problems noted by staff, doctors, or patients.

Skills

MS Office

Verbal communication

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Multitasking

Active listening

Customer service

Problem-solving

Questioning to identify needs

Negotiation

Education

Florida Optician License (preferred)

Tools

MS Office

Job description

The primary function of this role is assisting patients of Optical Outlets while supporting the Doctor and Office Manager.

Essential Functions

• Attract and retain customers by providing unsurpassed customer service
• Greet customers and explain the process in a transparent way
• Assist patients with merchandise selection, fitting frames, and dispensing eyewear
• Solve visual problems or challenges for customers
• Managing customer transactions at time of purchase
• Serve as a center of excellence for others with a focus on Right the First Time providing outstanding patient satisfaction from the first interaction
• Assist customers in selecting frames and lenses that are best suited for their vision, lifestyle, and budgetary needs. Suggest improvements and recommend solutions to problems
• Assist other retail associates with difficult and complex areas of customer product needs and prescriptions
• Handle tasks such as taking and recording measurements, adjusting, or fitting eyewear carefully and correctly, ensuring details are thorough and exact
• Inform Office Manager of any office problems noted by staff, doctors, or patients
• Perform all tasks assigned by Office Manager

Requirements

Job Specifications

Typically has the following skills or abilities:

• One to two years of experience in related field
• Working knowledge of MS Office package
• Demonstrated ability to successfully perform multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Effective verbal communication skills to prioritize multiple tasks and to be available for incoming calls and inquiries
• Effective written communication skills to clearly document customer situations, as well as prepare letters to confirm agreements made
• Excellent interpersonal and rapport‑building skills
• Ability to ask appropriate and relevant questions to identify customer needs
• Proven problem‑solving, negotiations, and decision‑making skills
• Ability to use appropriate discretion and judgment in applying customer/call handling guidelines
• Ability to listen, process transactions and interact with customers simultaneously in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Skills

• Experience as an Optician with an active Florida License
• Bilingual English and Spanish

Working Conditions

The working environment is generally favorable. Lighting and temperature are adequate, and there are no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by noise, dust etc.

The above information on this description had been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job grade.

VSP Vision is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to age, gender, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We maintain a drug‑free workplace and perform pre‑employment substance abuse testing.

The compensation range for the role is listed below. Applicable salary ranges may differ across markets. Actual pay will be determined based on experience and other job‑related factors permitted by law. As a part of the compensation package, this role may include eligible bonuses and commissions. For more information regarding Optical Outlets benefits, please visit opticaloutlets.com/careers