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Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA

Ophthalmology Tech

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$20.25 - $27/hr

Required Qualifications Previous experience as an Ophthalmic Assistant Current Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) certification Current BLS certification required by time of hire Understanding of ...

Ophthalmic Technician

Santa Ana, CA ยท On-site

$19.50 - $26.25/hr

Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA)/Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) preferred. * Experience with an Electronic Health Record (EHR) preferred. * Experience in Medical scribing preferred.

Ophthalmic Technician

Anaheim, CA ยท On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA)/Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) preferred. * Experience with an Electronic Health Record (EHR) preferred. * Experience in Medical scribing preferred.

Ophthalmic Technician

Mission Viejo, CA ยท On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA)/Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) preferred. * Experience with an Electronic Health Record (EHR) preferred. * Experience in Medical scribing preferred.

Ophthalmic Technician

Santa Ana, CA ยท On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA)/Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) preferred. * Experience with an Electronic Health Record (EHR) preferred. * Experience in Medical scribing preferred.

Ophthalmic Technician

Eastvale, CA ยท On-site

$23 - $30/hr

Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) Certification Preferred BLS certificate SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY This position has no supervisory responsibility. JOB QUALIFICATIONS To perform the job ...

Ophthalmic Technician

Eastvale, CA ยท On-site

$23 - $30/hr

Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) Certification Preferred BLS certificate SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY This position has no supervisory responsibility. JOB QUALIFICATIONS To perform the job ...

Ophthalmic Technician

Eastvale, CA ยท On-site

$23 - $30/hr

Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) Certification Preferred BLS certificate SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY This position has no supervisory responsibility. JOB QUALIFICATIONS To perform the job ...

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Certified Ophthalmic Assistant information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$17

$28

$37

How much do certified ophthalmic assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for certified ophthalmic assistant in Riverside, CA is $28.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.84 and $32.36 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.

What job categories do people searching Certified Ophthalmic Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Certified Ophthalmic Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Certified Ophthalmic Assistant jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Certified Ophthalmic Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Certified Ophthalmic Assistant job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,459 per year, or $28.6 per hour.

PD Certified Ophthalmic Assistant - Irvine GHEI Ophthalmology - Varied

UC Irvine

Irvine, CA โ€ข On-site

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Certified Ophthalmic Assistant

UCI Health is one of California's largest academic health systems and the clinical enterprise of the University of California, Irvine. Established on July 1, 1976, UCI Health has grown into a 1,461-bed health system that includes UCI Health โ€” Orange, UCI Health โ€” Irvine, four Community Network hospitals and a growing network of ambulatory care centers across Orange and Los Angeles counties. As Orange County's only academic health systems, UCI Health is home to the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center based in the county, the region's only American College of Surgeons-verified Level I adult and Level II pediatric trauma center, American College of Emergency Physicians Gold Level 1 Geriatric Emergency Department and a nationally recognized regional burn center verified by the American Burn Association. Powered by UC Irvine, UCI Health serves 5.6 million people across Orange County, western Riverside County and southeast Los Angeles County through excellence in patient care, research and medical education.

Your Role on the Team

Position Summary

Incumbent demonstrates competency in all duties typically performed by a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant. Initiates care of the patient by performing preliminary examinations, including recording patient history, testing visual acuity, intra-ocular pressure, neutralizing current lenses with the lensometer, automated and simple manifest refractions, and screening color tests. Performs special tests based on physicians' orders including keratometer readings, visual fields, GDX, topography, and axial length measurements. Assists with patient and pharmacy telephone calls and prescription refills. Sets up, assists with and cleans up after minor surgical procedures. Properly cleans, operates and maintains ophthalmic equipment. Educates patients and provides instructions for care after treatment. Retrieves lab and radiology reports using a computer.

What It Takes to be Successful

Required Qualifications

Understanding of medical terminology, infectious control techniques and age related acuity levels Previous experience as an Ophthalmic Assistant Must possess the skill, knowledge and ability essential to the successful performance of assigned duties Must demonstrate customer service skills appropriate to the job Must be competent in collecting and interpreting data about the patient's status in order to identify each patient's age specific needs Knowledge of medical terminology, infectious control techniques and age related acuity levels Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English Current COA certification Current BLS certification required by time of hire Capable of performing all but the most specialized tests and patient work ups in order for medical staff to diagnose problem Able to evaluate and document the patient/family response to care Ability to read, write and communicate effectively in English Ability to maintain flexibility and work well in a constantly changing environment Ability to maintain a work pace appropriate to the workload Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across the Health System

Preferred Qualifications

Working knowledge of Title 22 and JCAHO standards Surgical Technician certification Bilingual skills in English and Spanish and/or Vietnamese Ability to instruct others in the use of equipment and performance of procedures

Total Rewards

We offer a wealth of benefits to make working at UCI even more rewarding. These benefits may include medical insurance, sick and vacation time, retirement savings plans, and access to a number of discounts and perks.

Conditions of Employment

The University of California, Irvine (UCI) seeks to provide a safe and healthy environment for the entire UCI community. As part of this commitment, all applicants who accept an offer of employment must comply with the following conditions of employment: Background Check and Live Scan Employment Misconduct* Legal Right to Work in the United States Vaccination Policies Smoking and Tobacco Policy Drug Free Environment *Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer. The following additional conditions may apply, some of which are dependent upon business unit or job specific requirements. California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act E-Verify Pre-Placement Health Evaluation Details of each policy may be reviewed by visiting the following page: https://hr.uci.edu/new-hire/conditions-of-employment.php

Closing Statement: The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce along with honoring unique experiences, perspectives, and identities. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming. UCI provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. For more information, please contact UCI's Employee Experience Center (EEC) at eec@uci.edu or at (949) 824-0500, Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Consideration for Work Authorization Sponsorship Must be able to provide proof of work authorization