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Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Certified Ophthalmic Assistant information

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$36

How much do certified ophthalmic assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for certified ophthalmic assistant in the United States is $27.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.88 and $31.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What can a certified ophthalmic assistant do?

A certified ophthalmic assistant performs tasks such as preparing patients for eye exams, conducting basic tests, assisting ophthalmologists with procedures, and maintaining patient records. They often use specialized equipment and must follow safety and privacy protocols as part of their role in eye care settings.

Are ophthalmic assistants in demand?

Ophthalmic assistants are in demand due to the growing need for eye care services driven by an aging population and increased awareness of eye health. They typically work in ophthalmology clinics or hospitals, assisting with patient exams and using diagnostic tools, and certification can enhance job prospects. The profession is expected to grow faster than average in the coming years.

What are Certified Ophthalmic Assistants?

Certified Ophthalmic Assistants (COAs) are allied health professionals who work alongside ophthalmologists to provide eye care. They perform various clinical tasks such as taking patient histories, conducting basic eye tests, assisting with procedures, and educating patients about eye health. COAs have completed specialized training and have passed a certification exam administered by the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO). Their role is essential in ensuring efficient and high-quality eye care in clinics and surgical settings.

What are some common challenges faced by Certified Ophthalmic Assistants in a clinical setting?

Certified Ophthalmic Assistants often encounter fast-paced environments where they must efficiently manage multiple patients and tasks simultaneously. Balancing administrative duties, such as scheduling and patient documentation, with hands-on clinical responsibilities like vision testing and assisting with procedures can be demanding. Adaptability and strong communication skills are essential, as they frequently collaborate with ophthalmologists, optometrists, and other healthcare staff to provide seamless patient care. Staying updated with evolving technology and procedures is also important for continued success in this role.

How hard is it to become a certified ophthalmic assistant?

Becoming a certified ophthalmic assistant typically requires completing a post-secondary education program or on-the-job training, followed by passing a certification exam such as the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) exam. The process usually takes several months to a year, depending on the individual's prior experience and the training path chosen.

What Is a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant?

A certified ophthalmic assistant works alongside eye physicians, or ophthalmologists, offering medical and administrative support. Essential duties include administering eye exams, recording patient information, providing customer service, rooming patients, and cleaning exam rooms and equipment. Your responsibilities may also require that you give medications to patients, assist in surgical preparations, perform diagnostic tests, order medical supplies, and schedule patient appointments. Your professional certification develops your skills and allows you to work in hospitals, clinics, or private offices alongside professional eye doctors.

How much do certified ophthalmic technicians make?

Certified ophthalmic assistants typically earn between $35,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Certification and technical skills can influence salary levels in this healthcare role.

What is the difference between Certified Ophthalmic Assistant vs Ophthalmic Technician?

CriteriaCertified Ophthalmic AssistantOphthalmic Technician
CredentialsCertification (COA), high school diploma or equivalentCertification (COA or COT), some may have additional training
Work EnvironmentOptometry and ophthalmology clinics, outpatient settingsHospitals, clinics, specialized eye centers
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist with patient exams, perform basic tests, prepare patientsPerform diagnostic tests, assist with procedures, more technical tasks

Both Certified Ophthalmic Assistants and Ophthalmic Technicians work in eye care settings, often performing overlapping tasks. However, Ophthalmic Technicians typically have more advanced training and perform more technical procedures. The choice depends on the level of responsibility and specialization desired.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant, you need a solid understanding of eye anatomy, basic clinical procedures, and typically a COA certification from the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO). Familiarity with ophthalmic instruments, electronic medical records (EMR), and diagnostic testing equipment is essential. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and a compassionate demeanor are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure accurate patient assessments, efficient workflow, and quality care in ophthalmology practices.
What cities are hiring for Certified Ophthalmic Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Certified Ophthalmic Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Certified Ophthalmic jobs? The most popular types of Certified Ophthalmic jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Certified Ophthalmic Assistant jobs? The top employers for Certified Ophthalmic Assistant jobs are:
What states have the most Certified Ophthalmic Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Certified Ophthalmic Assistant jobs include:
Infographic showing various Certified Ophthalmic Assistant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,993 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

Certified Ophthalmic Assistant

Seattle Children's Hospital

Seattle, WA • On-site

$26.51 - $43.73/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


Seattle Children's rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

53rd of 1,054 rated hospitals


Job description

This position has a primary location of Seattle but may also be required to work in Bellevue and Everett as needed.
The Ophthalmic Assistant provides ophthalmic assistant services for evaluation and care of pediatric patients under ophthalmologist and optometrist supervision at all applicable practice locations. This includes developmentally appropriate basic clinical testing and documentation of visual function in children of all ages, multiple specialized technical testing procedures and assessments for selected patients, and patient education, in addition to assisting providers with minor procedures.
The Certified Ophthalmic Assistant facilitates safe and efficient flow for clinic visits across all practice locations by providing multiple technical ophthalmic testing procedures under the ophthalmologists or optometrists supervision, including assisting these providers with minor procedures. The Certified Ophthalmic Assistant also coordinates communication between care team members both within and outside of Seattle Children's Hospital, triages incoming referrals as well as patient and parent concerns and is able to provide patient education to families. The Certified Ophthalmic Assistant is proficient with ocular imaging and supplemental testing techniques.
Certified Ophthalmic Assistant:
Required Education and Experience
High school diploma or equivalent experience.
Minimum of one (1) year experience in an ophthalmology practice or related setting.
Required Credentials
Medical Assistant - Registered or Certified designation by Washington Department of Health (DOH) must be obtained within 3 months of employment.
Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA)- International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Opthalmology (JCAHPO).
BLS for Healthcare providers.
Preferred
Completed COA certificate program.
Ophthalmic Assistant:
Required Education and Experience
High school diploma or equivalent experience.
Required Credentials
Medical Assistant - Registered or Certified designation by Washington Department of Health (DOH) must be obtained within 3 months of employment.
BLS for Healthcare providers.
Compensation Range
$26.51 - $43.73 per hour
Salary Information
This compensation range was calculated based on full-time employment (2080 hours worked per calendar year). Offers are determined by multiple factors including equity, skills, experience, and expertise, and may vary within the range provided.
Disclaimer for Out of State Applicants
This compensation range is specific to Seattle, positions located outside of Seattle may be compensated differently depending on various factors
Benefits Information
Seattle Children's offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 403(b), life insurance, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more. Additional details on our benefits can be found on our website www.seattlechildrens.org/careers/benefits.
About Us
Hope. Care. Cure. These three simple words capture what we do at Seattle Children's - to help every child live the healthiest and most fulfilling life possible. Are you ready to engage with a mission-driven organization that is life-changing to many, and touches the hearts of all? #HOPECARECURE
Our founding promise to the community is as valid today as it was over a century ago: we will care for all children in our region, regardless of the families' ability to pay. Together, we deliver superior patient care, advance new discoveries and treatments through pediatric research, and serve as the pediatric and adolescent, academic medical center for Washington, Alaska, Montana and Idaho - the largest region of any children's hospital in the country.
U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks Seattle Children's among the nation's best children's hospitals. For more than a decade, Seattle Children's has been nationally recognized in key specialty areas. We are honored to be one of the nation's very best places to care for children and the top-ranked pediatric hospital in Washington and the Pacific Northwest.
As a Magnet designated institution, we recognize the importance of hiring and developing great talent to provide best-in-class care to the patients and families we serve. Our organizational DNA takes form in our core values: Compassion, Excellence, Integrity, Collaboration, Equity and Innovation. Whether it's delivering frontline care to our patients in a kind and caring manner, practicing the highest standards of quality and safety, or being relentlessly curious as we work towards eradicating childhood diseases, these values are the fabric of our culture and community. The future starts here.
Our Commitment
Seattle Children's welcomes people of all experiences, backgrounds, and thoughts as this is what drives our spirit of inquiry and allows us to better connect with our patients and families. Our organization recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes based on merit without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
The people who work at Seattle Children's are members of a community that seeks to respect and celebrate all the qualities that make each of us unique. Each of us is empowered to be ourselves.
Seattle Children's is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Workplace and Affirmative Action Employer.

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About Seattle Children's

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Based in Seattle, Washington, Seattle Children’s comprises a leading pediatric hospital, research institute, and foundation dedicated to the care and cure of childhood illness. The system is internationally recognized for cutting‑edge clinical care in cardiology, oncology, genetics, and rare disease, alongside world-class translational research in areas such as immunology, neuroscience, and infectious disease.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US

Year founded

1907