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Entry Level Ophthalmology information

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$79

How much do entry level ophthalmology jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level ophthalmology in the United States is $26.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Ophthalmology professional, and why are they important?

To succeed in an entry-level ophthalmology role, you typically need a background in health sciences or completion of an ophthalmic technician/assistant program, along with basic knowledge of eye anatomy and common ocular conditions. Familiarity with ophthalmic instruments (like slit lamps, tonometers, and autorefractors), electronic medical records (EMRs), and possibly COA (Certified Ophthalmic Assistant) certification is commonly required. Strong attention to detail, excellent communication, and the ability to work well with patients and clinical staff are valuable soft skills. These competencies are crucial for supporting accurate diagnostics, ensuring patient safety, and assisting ophthalmologists effectively in a clinical setting.

What opportunities for mentorship and learning can entry-level professionals expect in an ophthalmology practice?

Entry-level ophthalmology professionals often benefit from strong mentorship, as practices typically pair new team members with experienced ophthalmologists or senior staff for hands-on training. You can expect to observe procedures, assist with patient exams, and gradually take on more responsibilities as your skills grow. Many practices also encourage participation in continuing education and offer regular feedback to help you advance. Collaboration with optometrists, nurses, and administrative staff is common, fostering a team-based learning environment.

What is an entry level ophthalmology job?

An entry level ophthalmology job typically refers to positions for recent graduates or those new to the field of eye care, such as ophthalmic assistants, technicians, or residents starting their medical training in ophthalmology. These roles involve supporting ophthalmologists with patient care, conducting basic eye exams, administering tests, and learning to use specialized equipment. Entry level positions are crucial for gaining hands-on experience and foundational knowledge in eye health and vision care, often serving as a stepping stone to more advanced roles in ophthalmology.

What is the difference between Entry Level Ophthalmology vs Ophthalmic Technician?

AspectEntry Level OphthalmologyOphthalmic Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentClinics, hospitals, outpatient settingsEye clinics, hospitals, private practices
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting ophthalmologists, basic patient carePerforming diagnostic tests, patient prep
Industry UsageCommon entry point for ophthalmology careersSpecialized role supporting ophthalmologists

Entry Level Ophthalmology roles typically involve assisting ophthalmologists with patient care and basic tasks, often requiring minimal formal certification. Ophthalmic Technicians usually perform diagnostic tests and patient assessments, often with certification. Both roles are found in similar healthcare settings and serve as entry points into the ophthalmology field, but Ophthalmic Technicians tend to have more specialized responsibilities.

More about Entry Level Ophthalmology jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Ophthalmology jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Ophthalmology job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Ophthalmology jobs? The most popular types of Ophthalmology jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Ophthalmology jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Ophthalmology jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Ophthalmology jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Ophthalmology jobs are:
Entry Level Ophthalmology jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Ophthalmology job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,594 per year, or $26.7 per hour.

Entry Level- Ophthalmic Assistant

Clay Eye Physicians & Surgeons

Orange Park, FL • On-site

$14.75 - $19.25/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 hours ago

Job description

Description

Position: Ophthalmic Assistant - Entry Level

Come grow with us!


Clay Eye is growing and we are looking to train those that are motivated and have the drive to become an Ophthalmic Technician.

As a technician with Clay Eye, you will be part of our world- renowned medical team using state-of-the-art technology to provide the highest quality care to our patients. We are a busy Multi-Specialty Ophthalmology practice with 16 doctors and 5 locations providing quality healthcare for over 47 yrs.


You will be the first person who sees our patients, completing their medical work up and performing various diagnostic testing.


Come allow us to train you for your new career in Healthcare!


Our ideal trainee:

Candidates with a strong customer service focus

A desire for growth in a successful medical practice

Career minded individuals looking for a plan for longevity

Full-time and part time opportunities


Benefits of working for Clay Eye:

Paid training and the chance to work with and learn from excellent doctors and staff

Medical, Dental, Life Insurance, 401(k) ,STD, LTD, Paid Time Off, and Holiday Pay

Opportunity to build a career with a longstanding, reputable organization

Leadership and Career Advancement opportunities

Advancement to paid ophthalmology certifications (COA, COT, COMT)

Employee assistance program


Schedule:

Day shift

Monday - Friday 7:45 am - 5pm and some Saturdays


Qualifications

High School graduate/GED equivalent

Proficient in computer programs and navigating a computer effectively

The use of kindness, empathy and patience when dealing with our patient population

Attention to detail

Ability to multi-task

Ability to work as a team member

Great punctuality and attendance

Adjustment to change, resetting of priorities, time management skills, resourcefulness, initiative.


Awesome CEO, great benefits, and lots of room for growth!

Requirements

Make introductions and establish rapport with patients. Initiate patient evaluation, documenting the chief complaint, history of present illness, review of systems, and all pertinent ocular findings accurately and in accordance with compliance guidelines.

Perform pre-exam testing to include visual acuity assessment, including pinhole and glare testing, confrontational visual field testing, assess extraocular muscles, pupillary evaluation, tonometry, assess angles, pupillary dilation, and all other patient services as requested by the physician including special tests such as color vision screening, stereopsis, and dry eye testing.

Perform lensometry and specialized testing such as visual fields, keratometry, A/B scans, and

ophthalmic photography optical coherence tomography (OCT), Optical Biometry (IOL Master and Lensstar), Pentacam, OPTOS.

Perform retinoscopy and refractometry.

Assist with minor surgical procedures or laser treatments in the office.

Complete requests for prescription refills as authorized by physician, with full documentation in patient chart, initiate and complete prior authorizations (PA) as needed. Educate patients regarding administration of medications and pre- and post-operative instructions as directed by physician.

Assist with fitting contact lenses and instruct patients in care and insertion of lenses.

Conduct inventory of ophthalmic supplies, including pharmaceuticals and instruments on a

regular basis.

Assist with maintenance of clinical examination equipment.

Clean surgical instruments in preparation for sterile processing.

Inspect instruments periodically for damage, send for repair, and request a replacement, as

necessary.

Check expiration date and inventory of culture plates, media, etc., kept in refrigerator and replace, as necessary.

Open and close exam lanes daily, ensuring that equipment is wiped down in an appropriate

manner, battery powered instruments are seated properly in re-charge wells, slit lamps and

projectors are switched off under covers including diagnostic equipment and laser room.

Follow all safety procedures as per guidelines. 

Be ambassador for the practice. 

Assist other areas of the practice as needed.

Apply