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Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Jobs in Decatur, IL

Gailey Eye Clinic

Ophthalmic Assistant

Decatur, IL · On-site

$17 - $20.90/hr

Gailey Eye Clinic has Ophthalmic Assistant positions open at our Decatur clinic. We are looking for ... Certification (COA) can be obtained around 1 year of employment. Click here to learn more about ...

Gailey Eye Clinic

Ophthalmic Assistant

Decatur, IL · On-site

$17 - $20.90/hr

Gailey Eye Clinic has Ophthalmic Assistant positions open at our Decatur clinic. We are looking for ... Certification (COA) can be obtained around 1 year of employment. Click here to learn more about ...

Gailey Eye Clinic

Ophthalmic Assistant

Decatur, IL · On-site

$17 - $20.90/hr

Gailey Eye Clinic has Ophthalmic Assistant positions open at our Decatur clinic. We are looking for ... Certification (COA) can be obtained around 1 year of employment. Click here to learn more about ...

Gailey Eye Clinic

Ophthalmic Assistant

Forsyth, IL · On-site

$17 - $20.90/hr

Gailey Eye Clinic has Ophthalmic Assistant positions open at our Forsyth clinic. We are looking for ... Certification (COA) can be obtained around 1 year of employment. Click here to learn more about ...

Gailey Eye Clinic

Ophthalmic Assistant

Forsyth, IL

$17 - $20.90/hr

Gailey Eye Clinic has Ophthalmic Assistant positions open at our Forsyth clinic. We are looking for ... Certification (COA) can be obtained around 1 year of employment. Click here to learn more about ...

Gailey Eye Clinic

Surgical Scrub Tech.

Decatur, IL · On-site

$20 - $23.22/hr

... CNA/Scrub Tech to support our ophthalmology surgery center and help deliver exceptional patient care. Position Summary The Scrub Tech plays a vital role in supporting our surgical team by providing ...

Gailey Eye Clinic

Surgical Scrub Tech.

Decatur, IL · On-site

$20 - $23.22/hr

... CNA/Scrub Tech to support our ophthalmology surgery center and help deliver exceptional patient care. Position Summary The Scrub Tech plays a vital role in supporting our surgical team by providing ...

Gailey Eye Clinic

Surgical Scrub Tech.

Decatur, IL · On-site

$20 - $23.22/hr

... CNA/Scrub Tech to support our ophthalmology surgery center and help deliver exceptional patient care. Position Summary The Scrub Tech plays a vital role in supporting our surgical team by providing ...

All JobsCertified Ophthalmic JobsCertified Ophthalmic Assistant JobsCertified Ophthalmic Assistant Jobs in Decatur, IL

Certified Ophthalmic Assistant information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$16

$26

$35

How much do certified ophthalmic assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for certified ophthalmic assistant in Decatur, IL is $26.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.20 and $30.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a certified ophthalmic assistant?

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 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.

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.

How much do certified ophthalmic assistants make in the US?

Certified ophthalmic assistants in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $36,000 to $45,000. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and certification level, with some earning higher with additional skills or in specialized settings.

Is a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant a good career?

A Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) is a valuable healthcare professional who supports ophthalmologists by performing patient exams, assisting with procedures, and managing patient records. The role offers steady employment opportunities, requires certification through organizations like the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO), and often involves working in clinical or hospital settings with regular hours. It can be a good career choice for those interested in healthcare and eye care technology.

What can a certified ophthalmic assistant do?

A certified ophthalmic assistant performs preliminary eye tests, assists ophthalmologists with patient examinations, and manages patient records. They may also instruct patients on eye care and use specialized equipment, often working in clinical or surgical settings under supervision.
More about Certified Ophthalmic Assistant jobs

What job categories do people searching Certified Ophthalmic Assistant jobs in Decatur, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Certified Ophthalmic Assistant jobs in Decatur, IL are:

What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Certified Ophthalmic Assistant jobs?

Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Certified Ophthalmic Assistant job openings:

Certified Ophthalmic Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Certified Ophthalmic Assistant job openings in Decatur, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,282 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

Ophthalmic Assistant

Gailey Eye Clinic

Decatur, IL • On-site

$17 - $20.90/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Gailey Eye Clinic rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Gailey Eye Clinic has Ophthalmic Assistant positions open at our Decatur clinic. We are looking for someone who is hard working, customer service focused, and interested in Ophthalmology. This is a great opportunity if you are interested in patient care!
NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE REQUIRED! We will train the right person!
Ophthalmic Assistant responsibilities include:
• Showing patient to the examination rooms and performing a workup prior to seeing the Dr.
• Ability to work one on one with patients
• Ability to use computer software
• Excellent communication, typing and spelling skills
• Able to work independently & effectively in a team environment
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and work with shifting priorities
• Demonstrate compassion and interest when listening and responding to the patients
• Paid travel to other Gailey offices in Central IL as needed.
Why should I choose Gailey Eye Clinic?
In addition to being part of a distinguished company with a rich 80+ year history, here are some other highlights of what we offer members of the Gailey Team.
• BCBS PPO Health Insurance plan
• Dental Insurance including orthodontic coverage
• Eyecare plan to include discounts on vision care, glasses, and contact lenses
• Short-term disability
• Paid long-term disability and life insurance
• Free Employee Assistance Program
• 7 Paid holidays per year
• Paid Time Off (PTO) accruals that increase with length of employment
• 401(k) Retirement plan with generous profit-sharing contribution
• Annual uniform allowance
• Paid continuing education and certifications
• Employer provided training and development
Pay: The starting range for this position is $17.00 - $20.90/hr, depending on skills, experience, and qualifications as well as market considerations. Once training is complete, the hourly wage will increase by $0.50. The Ophthalmic Assistant position is also eligible for a wage increase of $1.00/hour once certification is obtained. Certification (COA) can be obtained around 1 year of employment.
Click here to learn more about Gailey Eye Clinic.
Equal Opportunity Employer

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