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Eye Assistant Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Southwest Eye Care

Optometric Assistant

Minnetonka, MN

$20 - $21/hr

Southwest Eye Care is hiring for a full-time Optometric Assistant at our Minnetonka location.. Who we are: We are ambassadors of integrity, who are committed to individualized care using remarkable ...

Southwest Eye Care

Optometric Assistant

Minnetonka, MN · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Southwest Eye Care is hiring for a full-time Optometric Assistant at our Minnetonka location.. Who we are: We are ambassadors of integrity, who are committed to individualized care using remarkable ...

HealthPartners

Optician, Eye Care

Burnsville, MN

$17.75 - $23/hr

Park Nicollet is looking to hire an Optician to join our Eye Care team! Come join us as a Partner ... Provides Opticianry skills to properly assist patients with frames and lens selection based on ...

HealthPartners

Optician, Eye Care

Burnsville, MN · On-site

$23.33 - $34.99/hr

Park Nicollet is looking to hire an Optician to join our Eye Care team! Come join us as a Partner ... Provides Opticianry skills to properly assist patients with frames and lens selection based on ...

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All JobsEye JobsEye Assistant JobsEye Assistant Jobs in Minnesota

Eye Assistant information

See Minnesota salary details

$9

$21

$55

How much do eye assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for eye assistant in Minnesota is $21.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.01 and $21.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Eye Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Eye Assistant, you need knowledge of basic ocular anatomy, experience with vision testing, and often a certificate or diploma in ophthalmic assisting. Familiarity with diagnostic equipment such as autorefractors, tonometers, and electronic medical record (EMR) systems is crucial. Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently in a team help Eye Assistants excel. These skills are vital for supporting eye care professionals, ensuring accurate patient assessments, and delivering effective patient care.

What are Eye Assistants?

Eye Assistants, also known as ophthalmic assistants or optometric assistants, are healthcare professionals who support optometrists and ophthalmologists in providing eye care services. Their duties typically include conducting preliminary eye tests, helping with patient intake, preparing examination rooms, and assisting with procedures. They may also handle administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments and managing patient records. Eye Assistants play a key role in ensuring efficient and effective eye care delivery.

How hard is it to become a certified ophthalmic assistant?

Becoming a certified ophthalmic assistant typically requires completing a post-secondary education program or on-the-job training, followed by passing a certification exam such as the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) exam. The process usually takes several months to a year, depending on the individual's prior experience and the program chosen.

How long does it take to be an ophthalmic assistant?

Becoming an ophthalmic assistant typically requires completing a post-secondary certificate or diploma program, which can take from several months up to a year. Some positions may also require on-the-job training or certification in ophthalmic assisting skills and tools.

What is the difference between Eye Assistant vs Optometric Technician?

AspectEye AssistantOptometric Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentOptical clinics, eye care centersOptometry offices, clinics
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist with patient prep, basic eye testsPerform preliminary tests, assist with exams
Industry UsageCommonly used in optical and eye care settingsMore specialized, used in optometry practices

While both roles support eye care professionals, an Eye Assistant typically handles basic patient assistance and testing, whereas an Optometric Technician performs more advanced preliminary tests and assists during eye exams. The roles often overlap but differ in certification requirements and responsibilities.

How to become an eye assistant?

To become an eye assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may pursue post-secondary training or certification in ophthalmic assisting. Relevant skills include knowledge of eye anatomy, patient care, and use of ophthalmic instruments; certification from organizations like the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) can enhance job prospects.

What are some common challenges Eye Assistants face when supporting optometrists during busy clinic hours?

Eye Assistants often need to balance multiple responsibilities, such as preparing patients for exams, performing preliminary vision tests, and managing administrative tasks like scheduling. During busy clinic hours, staying organized and maintaining clear communication with both patients and optometrists can be challenging. Time management and adaptability are essential, as priorities may shift quickly depending on patient needs and the flow of appointments. Building strong teamwork skills helps Eye Assistants ensure efficient patient care and smooth clinic operations.

What do eye assistants do?

Eye assistants support ophthalmologists and optometrists by preparing patients for exams, performing basic eye tests, and assisting with equipment and procedures. They may also handle administrative tasks, sterilize tools, and ensure patient comfort in clinical settings. Certification or training in eye care is often required for this role.
What are popular job titles related to Eye Assistant jobs in Minnesota? For Eye Assistant jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Eye Assistant jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Eye Assistant jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Eye Assistant jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Eye Assistant job openings:
Eye Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Eye Assistant job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,385 per year, or $21.3 per hour.
Ophthalmic Assistant II, Eye Care

Ophthalmic Assistant II, Eye Care

HealthPartners

Chanhassen, MN • On-site

$23.33 - $34.99/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago

HealthPartners rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 132 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

160th of 890 rated healthcare providers

Job description


Park Nicollet is looking to hire an Ophthalmic Assistant II to join our Eye Care team! Come join us as a Partner for Good and help us make an impact on the care and experience that our patients and their families receive every day.
Position Summary:
Provides basic preparation of the patient for ophthalmic tests, evaluation, or treatment ensuring quality patient services.
Work Schedule:
Fulltime 1.0 FTE. Monday - Friday, 7:30am-5:00pm.
Required Qualifications:
Licensure/ Registration/ Certification:
Certification through JCAHPO as an Ophthalmic Assistant is required within 2 years of hire date.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Demonstrates knowledge of age-related growth and development principles necessary to provide appropriate service and assure safety of patients.
Detail oriented individual with strong human relations and organizational skills.
General ophthalmology equipment including, but not limited to: phoropters, keratometers, slit lamps, tonometer's, corneal and retinal imaging, retinoscopes, lensometers, and visual fields.
General computer skills, including Microsoft Outlook, image viewing software, and EPIC medical records.
Preferred Qualifications:
Education, Experience or Equivalent Combination:
Satisfactory completion of an accredited home study course in Ophthalmic Assisting or
Satisfactory completion of an accredited Medical Assistant or Medical Office Assistant program or
Equivalent related experience.
Benefits:
Park Nicollet offers a competitive benefits package (for eligible positions) that includes medical insurance, dental insurance, a retirement program, time away from work, insurance options, tuition reimbursement, an employee assistance program, onsite clinic and much more!
About Us
At HealthPartners we believe in the power of good - good deeds and good people working together. As part of our team, you'll find an inclusive environment that encourages new ways of thinking, celebrates differences, and recognizes hard work.
We're a nonprofit, integrated health care organization, providing health insurance in six states and high-quality care at more than 90 locations, including hospitals and clinics in Minnesota and Wisconsin. We bring together research and education through HealthPartners Institute, training medical professionals across the region and conducting innovative research that improve lives around the world.
At HealthPartners, everyone is welcome, included and valued. We're working together to increase diversity and inclusion in our workplace, advance health equity in care and coverage, and partner with the community as advocates for change.
Benefits Designed to Support Your Total HealthAs a HealthPartners colleague, we're committed to nurturing your diverse talents, valuing your dedication, and supporting your work-life balance. We offer a comprehensive range of benefits to support every aspect of your life, including health, time off, retirement planning, and continuous learning opportunities. Our goal is to help you thrive physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially, so you can continue delivering exceptional care.
Join us in our mission to improve the health and well-being of our patients, members, and communities.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identify, status as a veteran and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

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