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Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Jobs in Rochester, MN

Stryker Corporation

Oculoplastic Surgeon

Rochester, MN · On-site

$300 - $400/hr

Mayo Clinic's Department of Ophthalmology in Rochester, MN is seeking a board-certified, fellowship ... Reimbursement account to assist with eligible medical expenses. * Continuing Medical Education (CME ...

Asoprs

Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon

Rochester, MN · On-site

$300 - $450/hr

Mayo Clinic's Department of Ophthalmology in Rochester, MN is seeking a board-certified, fellowship ... Reimbursement account to assist with eligible medical expenses. * Continuing Medical Education (CME ...

All JobsCertified Ophthalmic JobsCertified Ophthalmic Assistant JobsCertified Ophthalmic Assistant Jobs in Rochester, MN

Certified Ophthalmic Assistant information

See Rochester, MN salary details

$16

$27

$36

How much do certified ophthalmic assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for certified ophthalmic assistant in Rochester, MN is $27.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.21 and $31.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is being a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant worth it?

Being a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant offers job stability, competitive entry-level salaries, and opportunities for career advancement in eye care. Certification enhances employability and demonstrates specialized skills in patient care, diagnostic testing, and assisting ophthalmologists. The role typically involves working in clinical settings with regular schedules and requires knowledge of ophthalmic equipment and procedures.

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 during procedures, and maintaining patient records. They often use specialized equipment and must follow safety and privacy protocols as part of their role.

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 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 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?

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.
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Certified Ophthalmic Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Certified Ophthalmic Assistant job openings in Rochester, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,933 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

Certified Ophthalmic Assistant - Supplemental

Mayo Clinic

Rochester, MN • On-site

$25.87 - $38.05/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago

Mayo Clinic rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 699 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

130th of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Why Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic is top-ranked in more specialties than any other care provider according to U.S. News & World Report. As we work together to put the needs of the patient first, we are also dedicated to our employees, investing in competitive compensation and comprehensive benefit plans - to take care of you and your family, now and in the future. And with continuing education and advancement opportunities at every turn, you can build a long, successful career with Mayo Clinic.

Benefits Highlights
  • Medical: Multiple plan options.
  • Dental: Delta Dental or reimbursement account for flexible coverage.
  • Vision: Affordable plan with national network.
  • Pre-Tax Savings: HSA and FSAs for eligible expenses.
  • Retirement: Competitive retirement package to secure your future.

Responsibilities

The Ophthalmic Assistant is accountable for a broad range of duties related to the delivery of direct patient care within the Department of Ophthalmology. Patient care includes, but is not limited to, visual acuity measurements, ocular motility measurements, retinoscopy, refractometry, lensometry, tonometry, pupil function, anterior chamber depth, color vision, visual field, keratometry and contact lens fit, ocular examination with slit-lamp biomicroscopy, medical history, patient education, medication administration, ancillary testing and assisting with procedures. The Ophthalmic Assistant must determine testing methods most suitable for each patient. Accuracy and applicability of data is the responsibility of the Ophthalmic Assistant.


Qualifications

High school degree or equivalent and Certified as an Ophthalmic Assistant or Ophthalmic Technician through JCAHPO or a Graduate of an accredited school of Ophthalmic Technology with an Associate's degree in Ophthalmic Technology. Strong refractometry skills are required. Job Specifications: Strong communication and organization skills, maturity and the ability to function in a high-paced, multi-specialty Ophthalmology Department. Basic computer knowledge is required. 
JCAHPO (Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology) certification as a Certified Ophthalmic Association (COA), Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT), Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT), Certified Retinal Angiographer(CRA) or AOA (American Optometric Association) Certified Paraoptometric Assistant (CPOA) and Certified Paraoptometric Technician (CPOT) level. Current CPR Certification.


Exemption Status
Nonexempt
Compensation Detail
Education, experience and tenure may be considered along with internal equity when job offers are extended.; $25.87 - 38.05 / hour;
Benefits Eligible
No
Schedule
Full Time
Hours/Pay Period
8
Schedule Details
Supplemental Monday - Friday 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Weekend Schedule
Not applicable
International Assignment
No
Site Description
Just as our reputation has spread beyond our Minnesota roots, so have our locations. Today, our employees are located at our three major campuses in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, Jacksonville, Florida, Rochester, Minnesota, and at Mayo Clinic Health System campuses throughout Midwestern communities, and at our international locations. Each Mayo Clinic location is a special place where our employees thrive in both their work and personal lives. Learn more about what each unique Mayo Clinic campus has to offer, and where your best fit is. 

Equal Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status or disability status. Learn more about the 'EOE is the Law'.  Mayo Clinic participates in E-Verify and may provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

Recruiter
Tricia HardingQualifications:

High school degree or equivalent and Certified as an Ophthalmic Assistant or Ophthalmic Technician through JCAHPO or a Graduate of an accredited school of Ophthalmic Technology with an Associate's degree in Ophthalmic Technology. Strong refractometry skills are required. Job Specifications: Strong communication and organization skills, maturity and the ability to function in a high-paced, multi-specialty Ophthalmology Department. Basic computer knowledge is required. 
JCAHPO (Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology) certification as a Certified Ophthalmic Association (COA), Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT), Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT), Certified Retinal Angiographer(CRA) or AOA (American Optometric Association) Certified Paraoptometric Assistant (CPOA) and Certified Paraoptometric Technician (CPOT) level. Current CPR Certification.

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About Mayo Clinic

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Mayo Clinic is the largest integrated, not-for-profit medical group practice in the world. We're building the future, one where the best possible care is available to everyone — and more people can heal at home. Our relentless research turns into earlier diagnoses and new cures. That's how we inspire hope in those who need it most. At Mayo Clinic, experts work together to solve the most challenging unmet needs of patients. Our history of innovation dates back almost 150 years, when brothers Will and Charlie Mayo pioneered an integrated, team-based approach to medicine. Today, that trailblazing spirit drives innovations like Mayo Clinic Platform — which powers new technologies to change how care is delivered to all.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Rochester, MN, US

Year founded

1919

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