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Eye Assistant Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

RS Eye Care

Optometric Technician

Holly Springs, NC · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Patient first customer service * Assist optometrists in providing high-quality eye care services. * Conduct pre-testing procedures, including visual field testing, retinal imaging, and more. * Guide ...

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Eye Assistant information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$9

$21

$55

How much do eye assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for eye assistant in Raleigh, NC is $21.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.94 and $21.61 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 Raleigh, NC? For Eye Assistant jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Eye Assistant jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Eye Assistant job openings:
Eye Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Eye Assistant job openings in Raleigh, NC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 53% Full Time, 38% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,155 per year, or $21.2 per hour.
Ophthalmic Assistant, Certified - Duke Eye Center at Arringdon

Ophthalmic Assistant, Certified - Duke Eye Center at Arringdon

Duke University

Morrisville, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Duke University rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

446th of 544 rated colleges and universities

Job description

At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.
Duke Health Integrated Practice
Duke Health Integrated Practice comprises more than 110 primary and specialty outpatient clinics, extending the reach of the Duke Health mission across the state of North Carolina.
$5,000 Commitment Bonus for qualifying candidates!
JOB LOCATION
Duke Eye Center at Arringdon - 5601 Arringdon Park Dr, Morrisville, NC
JOB SUMMARY
We are seeking a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant at our eye center in Morrisville, NC to assist physicians and other technical support colleagues in performing diagnostic tests necessary for evaluation of patient eye problems.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Perform preliminary screening examinations for physician review including, but not limited to, visual acuity, history taking, tonometry, lensometry, motility, pupil assessment, visual fields, simple color vision tests.
  • Direct the flow of patients; obtain medical and personal data for patient charts; screen patients for conditions; arrange for laboratory and other tests, ophthalmic photography, outpatient studies and patient admissions and surgery as requested by physician
  • Examine the cornea, lens, and anterior chamber of the eye using a slit lamp and note variations from normal.
  • May administer dilation or anesthetic drops or assist with patient contact lens insertion and removal training.
  • Alleviate patient and family concerns by explaining diagnostic procedures and method of treatment.
  • Complete stocking and maintenance functions and maintain the physical environment of exam and procedure rooms.
  • Perform various clerical functions, including assisting with appointments and telephone call screening activities and filing test results, forms, and letters into medical records.
  • Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

JOB ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
  • Work requires an education background generally equivalent to a high school education.
  • Work requires 1 year of directly related experience in Ophthalmology or Optometry; OR, graduation from an accredited Ophthalmic Technician program.
  • Work requires certification as a certified Ophthalmic Assistant by the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO)
  • Must have BLS Certification

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Essential Physical Job Functions:
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.

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About Duke University

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Duke is regarded as one of America's leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools and hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Durham, NC, US

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