1

Eye Assistant Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Physician Assistant

Clayton, NC · On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

General eye problems * General EKG interpretations * Emergency management skills * General GYN ... Physician Assistant Board Certification required * MSN, or higher education required * Excellent ...

Physician Assistant

Clayton, NC · On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

General dermatology, eye complaints, and GYN care * Treating patients of all ages * Emergency ... Physician Assistant certification required prior to start date * Master's degree or higher required

Physician Assistant

Smithfield, NC · On-site

$86K - $117K/yr

General dermatology, eye complaints, and GYN care * Treating patients of all ages * Emergency ... Physician Assistant certification required prior to start date * Master's degree or higher required

Physician Assistant

Clayton, NC · On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

General eye problems * General EKG interpretations * Emergency management skills * General GYN ... Physician Assistant Board Certification required * MSN, or higher education required * Excellent ...

Physician Assistant

Oxford, NC · On-site

$92K - $124K/yr

General dermatology, eye complaints, and GYN care * Treating patients of all ages * Emergency ... Physician Assistant certification required prior to start date * Master's degree or higher required

Physician Assistant

Wake Forest, NC · On-site

$85K - $116K/yr

General dermatology, eye complaints, and GYN care * Treating patients of all ages * Emergency ... Physician Assistant certification required prior to start date * Master's degree or higher required

next page

Showing results 1-20

Eye Assistant information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$9

$21

$55

How much do eye assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 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:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Eye Assistant jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Eye Assistant job openings:
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.
Physician Assistant

$85K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 16 days ago


MainStreet Family Care rating

3.5

Company rating: 3.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Floating Physician Assistant - Raleigh, NC Region
MainStreet Family Care is growing and we're looking to hire a fast, fun, and friendly Physician Assistant (PA) to work in multiple clinics in your area! You will provide patient-focused care to help our patients feel better FAST! Boom! Services provided to the public include urgent care, primary medical care, telemedicine, and occupational medicine. The ideal applicant will be flexible working with teams in different clinics and providing leadership in a high volume and fast-paced urgent care environment.
Responsibilities:
  • Minor surgery (toenail removal, foreign object removal, etc.)
  • Suturing
  • Splinting
  • General Orthopedic evaluations/management
  • Review of x-rays (to be over-read by Radiologist, too)
  • General Dermatology
  • General eye problems
  • General EKG interpretations
  • Emergency management skills
  • General GYN expertise
  • Treating children of all ages
  • Occupational medicine
  • Telemedicine

Schedule:
  • Shifts determined two months in advance
  • MainStreet Clinic Hours
    • Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
    • Saturday and Sunday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

  • KidsStreet Clinic Hours (Montgomery, AL, Pelham, AL, Mobile, AL, Tallahassee, FL, Augusta, GA, Columbus, GA, Wilmington, NC, Greenville, NC, Wake Forest, NC and Winston-Salem, NC only)
    • Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
    • Saturday and Sunday 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
  • Work hours are subject to change based on company needs, training, floaters, etc.

Qualifications:
  • Physician Assistant Board Certification required
  • MSN, or higher education required
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Experience working in EMR and Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, etc.) preferred

Compensation and Benefits:
  • Competitive hourly pay plus bonus incentives
  • Malpractice insurance
  • Starting bonus
  • $750 CME allowance per year
  • UpToDate subscription
  • Mileage pay
  • Paid orientation and training
  • 401k eligible after 90 days

MAINSTREET FAMILY CARE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
*Standard pre-employment background checks and drug screens are performed.

What MainStreet Family Care employees say

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom