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Entry Level Ophthalmology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nielsen Eye Center

Ophthalmic Assistant

Quincy, MA

$22 - $27/hr

No prior ophthalmology experience is required -- we are willing to train candidates who are ... Monitor clinic flow and communicate delays professionally Who This Role Is Great For * Entry-level ...

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Entry Level Ophthalmology information

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How much do entry level ophthalmology jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 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.

Is it hard to find a job as an ophthalmologist?

Finding a job as an ophthalmologist can be competitive, especially in high-demand areas, but opportunities are generally available due to the need for eye care specialists. Strong clinical skills, board certification, and networking can improve job prospects in this field.

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.

Do you need experience to be an ophthalmic assistant?

Entry-level ophthalmic assistant positions typically do not require prior experience, as on-the-job training is often provided. However, having a background in healthcare, customer service, or relevant certifications can be beneficial for employment and advancement.

Will ophthalmology be replaced by AI?

Ophthalmology as a medical field involves complex patient interactions and hands-on procedures that are unlikely to be fully replaced by AI. AI tools can assist with diagnostics and image analysis, but ophthalmologists will continue to play a vital role in patient care, treatment planning, and performing surgeries. Entry-level ophthalmology roles may incorporate AI technologies as part of their workflow, but human expertise remains essential.

Which is harder, optometry or ophthalmology?

Ophthalmology is generally considered more challenging than optometry because it requires completing medical school, a residency, and obtaining a medical license, along with training in surgical procedures. Optometry involves earning a Doctor of Optometry degree and focuses on vision care and correction, with less extensive training. Both careers require strong knowledge of eye health, but ophthalmology demands a higher level of medical training and specialization.
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.

HEALTH TECHNICIAN (OPHTHALMOLOGY)

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Fort Worth, TX • On-site

$48K/yr

Other

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until 06/16/2027. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be 06/25/2026, with subsequent cut-off dates on the 1st of each month.
Qualifications:Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
Basic Requirements:
United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
Experience and Education: Experience. One year of experience in a health care field, such as but not limited to nursing, medical assistant, or health technician. OR,
Education. Two years above high school with a minimum of six semester hours directly related to a health care field or associate's degree in a health care related degree. OR,
Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying. Examples are listed below:
  • Six months of experience in the health care field; and one year above high school; or
  • Six months of experience in the health care field and successful completion of a course for health care technicians, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or ophthalmology technicians given by the U.S. Armed Forces; or
  • Six months of experience in the health care field and completion of an independent study course in Ophthalmic Medical Assisting.
Certification. All applicants must be certified as a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) with the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO). The COA certification is JCAHPO's entry-level certification examination for a Health Technician (Ophthalmology).
Exception. Non-certified applicants who otherwise meet the minimum qualification requirements may be appointed as a graduate Health Technician (Ophthalmology) under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405(c)(2)(B). The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a Health Technician (Ophthalmology) that provides care under the supervision of an Ophthalmologist. The exception only applies below the full performance level. For grade levels at or above the full performance level the candidate must be certified. Failure to obtain COA certification during that period is justification for termination of the temporary appointment and may result in termination of employment.
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
Grade Determinations:
Health Technician (Ophthalmology), GS-5 (Entry Level)
Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements.
Assignment. Employees at this grade level serve in a Health Technician (Ophthalmology) entry level position and are trainee in nature. The entry level performs limited routine assignments under daily direct supervision. Deviations from unanticipated problems and unfamiliar situations are referred to the supervisor for a decision or help. Obtains and records vital signs including blood pressure, pulse, and glucose levels. Participates in performance of quality assurance activities such as staff meetings, mandatory educational in-services, quality control reports, systems redesign, and team and morale improvement.
Health Technician (Ophthalmology), GS-6 (Developmental Level 1)
Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the GS-5 grade level.
Assignment. The Health Technician (Ophthalmology) at this level operates and monitors commonly used equipment performing basic screening procedures. Assists ophthalmology staff by obtaining an accurate medical and ophthalmic history, measuring and recording visual acuity, administering anesthetic eye drops, performing basic tonometry, estimating the anterior chamber depth and recording a simple spectacle reading through automated lensometry. Deviations from regular procedures, unanticipated problems, complex patients and unfamiliar situations are referred to the supervisor for a decision or assistance. Some assignments at this level also include developmental duties involving more complex procedures performed under supervision.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
  • 1. Knowledge of general outpatient clinical policies and procedures in a healthcare environment
  • 2. Ability to obtain, document and record demographic and medical information from patients in order to develop an accurate medical record
  • 3. Ability to use basic ophthalmic equipment
  • 4. Knowledge of basic disinfection of non-critical reusable medical equipment.
Health Technician (Ophthalmology), GS-7 (Developmental Level 2)
Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the GS-6 grade level.
Assignment. At this level, the Health Technician (Ophthalmology) performs the following: triages patient phone calls or requests; ensures exam rooms are stocked with adequate supplies; instructs patients on administration of eye drops and post-operative instructions; accurately measures, compares, and evaluates pupillary responses; administers eye drops to dilate pupils; performs basic color vision screening; performs visual field testing (using Amsler grid or automated equipment). Performs basic imaging testing such as corneal topography; external photography; performs basic ocular testing such as pachymetry, tear production with test strips, glare testing, stereo acuity, contrast sensitivity, potential acuity meter, measuring spectacles using both automated and manual lensometry and transposing cylinders. The employee assists the ophthalmologist during minor ophthalmic surgical procedures and is adept at applying sterile technique and infection control procedures. Performs autorefractor to determine spectacle prescription.(c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
  • 1. Knowledge of anatomy and function of the eye and basic ocular pharmacology
  • 2. Knowledge of outpatient eye care policies and procedures in a health care environment
  • 3. Ability to use basic ophthalmic diagnostic equipment to perform preliminary ocular testing
  • 4. Ability to perform minor extraocular surgical assisting
  • 5. Ability to provide eye care patient education.
Health Technician (Ophthalmology), GS-8 (Full Performance Level)
Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level.
Assignment. This is considered to be the full performance level for this assignment. The Health Technician (Ophthalmology) at this level performs a range of standard, but complex, diagnostic procedures with responsibility for checking calibration of instruments prior to the procedure. Responsible for obtaining patient physical history, to include chief complaint; reason for visit; pertinent signs/symptoms; past history both ocular and general; family history both ocular and general; social history; and review of medications and allergies, including current ocular prescription and non-prescription medications. Accurately tests visual acuity at distance and near, with and without correction or with and without a pinhole. Measures eyeglass prescription using manual or automated lensometer, recording sphere, cylinder, axis, and prism in both plus and minus cylinder. Performs pupil evaluation recording pupil size, shape, symmetry, reaction to light and accommodation, and any abnormalities, including relative afferent pupillary defect. Performs basic refractometry utilizing an auto refraction or habitual glass prescription in the phoropter. Instills eye medications (i.e., drops or ointments, including anesthetic, dye, dilation, cycloplegic, or antibiotics. Responsible for measuring intraocular pressure of the eye utilizing techniques, including Goldmann applanation tonometry.
Qualifications continue in Additional Information.
Education:If you are basing any part of your qualifications on Education, you MUST submit a transcript.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
Note: If your school, has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.Employment Type: OTHER

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