2

Entry Level Ophthalmology Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

About Our Client Our client is a multi-location specialty eye care organization providing advanced ophthalmology and retina services throughout the Austin area. This is an entry-level role with full ...

Experience Level: Entry Level * Bonuses: Up to $225K Requirements * Be a U.S. citizen by the time you commission as an Officer * Be between 21 and 42 years old * Hold an advanced degree in your ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Ophthalmology information

See Texas salary details

$13

$24

$73

How much do entry level ophthalmology jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level ophthalmology in Texas is $24.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $21.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level ophthalmology professional?

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Ophthalmology jobs in Texas? The most popular types of Ophthalmology jobs in Texas are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Ophthalmology jobs in Texas look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Ophthalmology jobs in Texas are:
What cities in Texas are hiring for Entry Level Ophthalmology jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Entry Level Ophthalmology job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Ophthalmology job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,795 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Certified Ophthalmic Assistant, Ophthalmology

UT Southwestern Medical Center

Dallas, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


UT Southwestern rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

109th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Certified Ophthalmic Assistant - Ophthalmology Department

WHY UT SOUTHWESTERN?
With over 75 years of excellence in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, UT Southwestern is committed to excellence, innovation, teamwork, and compassion. As a world-renowned medical and research center, we strive to provide the best possible care, resources, and benefits for our valued employees. Ranked as the number 1 hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth according to U.S. News & World Report, we invest in you with opportunities for career growth and development to align with your future goals. Our highly competitive benefits package offers healthcare, PTO and paid holidays, on-site childcare, wage, merit increases and so much more. We invite you to be a part of the UT Southwestern team where you'll discover a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and a rewarding career! 
JOB SUMMARY
Works under minimum supervision to provide assistance with technical procedures, gathering data, and administering treatments. Performs moderately complex tasks of a routine and standardized nature. 

BENEFITS
UT Southwestern is proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our benefits are designed to support your overall wellbeing, and include:

  • PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage
  • 100% coverage for preventive healthcare-no copay
  • Paid Time Off, available day one
  • Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
  • Paid Parental Leave Benefit
  • Wellness programs
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer
  • Learn more about these and other UTSW employee benefits!


EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
Required

  • Education
    High School Diploma High School graduation or equivalent or 
    Must complete the home study course for Joint Commission of Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology 
     
  • Experience
    1 year of work experience in Ophthalmology 
     
  • Licenses and Certifications
    CERT OPHTHALMIC ASSISTANT by JCAHPO Upon Hire 
     

Preferred

  • Education
    One (1) year of college 
     
  • Experience
    Clinical program practicum experience 
     


JOB DUTIES

  • Assists ophthalmologists in treatment and care of patients.
  • Opens, stocks, cleans, and closes patient rooms.
  • Obtains basic medical history and ocular complaints from patients.
  • Measures patients' glasses.
  • Writes and calls in prescriptions to pharmacies as directed by ophthalmologists.
  • Tests ocular functions, including visual acuity, muscle balance, and intra-ocular tension.
  • Administers eye and oral medications as directed by ophthalmologists.
  • Changes eye dressings and instructs patients and/or caregivers in home care.
  • Maintains ophthalmic instruments by sterilizing surgical instruments and cleaning exposed lenses, mirrors, and prisms and replacing bulbs and batteries.
  • May provide guidance to entry-level Ophthalmic Assistants.
  • Duties performed may include one or more of the following core functions: (a) Directly interacting with or caring for patients; (b) Directly interacting with or caring for human-subjects research participants; (c) Regularly maintaining, modifying, releasing or similarly affecting patient records (including patient financial records); or (d) Regularly maintaining, modifying, releasing or similarly affecting human-subjects research records.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

SECURITY AND EEO STATEMENT
Security
This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information.
EEO
UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.
 


What UT Southwestern employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom