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Eye Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nationwide Children's Hospital

$17.25 - $22.75/hr

Supports the patient care functions of the Eye Clinic, performing tests and assisting procedures ... Certified Ophthalmic Assistant within one year of hire, required. Skills: Excellent communication ...

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$9

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$56

How much do eye assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for eye assistant in the United States is $21.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $22.36 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.
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Eye Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Eye Assistant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,681 per year, or $22 per hour.
Eye Care Assistant - Full time - Troy

Eye Care Assistant - Full time - Troy

Henry Ford Health System

Troy, MI • On-site

$16.75 - $22/hr

Full-time

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

Henry Ford Health rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 551 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

416th of 886 rated healthcare providers

Job description

GENERAL SUMMARY:
Eye Care Assistants perform administrative and clinical duties that vary by subspecialty. They work under direction or supervision of a physician who is licensed to practice medicine and surgery and is qualified in ophthalmology. In general, they take medical histories, measure visual acuity and intraocular pressure, record vital signs, assist in patient education/compliance, prepare patients for examination by the physician, and assist the physician during the examination and/or surgery. Ophthalmic allied health professionals are not independent practitioners and do not diagnose or treat eye disorders, nor do they prescribe medications.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Medical History Taking: Obtain and accurately record patient's medical and ocular history including chief complaint, medications, allergies, and review of systems in accordance with compliance guidelines. Select and complete appropriate forms and protocol as required by the supervising ophthalmologist and/or sub-specialist. Use approved medical abbreviations. May scribe for the physician.
  • Visual Acuity Testing: Perform visual acuity testing to determine the basic ability of a person to see both near and far, with and without correction. Conduct pinhole acuity test, glare test, and potential acuity test( e.g. BAT, PAM)
  • Lensometry: Apply basic optics necessary to measure the power of corrective lenses using automated or manual lensometers.
  • Visual Field Testing: Perform confrontation visual field and screening tests using automated and/or Frequency Doubling perimetry. Detect central field abnormalities with an Amsler grid.
  • Tonometry: Demonstrate proper aseptic technique and measure intraocular pressure with non-contact, digital and/or Goldmann applanation tonometers. Calibrate TonoPen.
  • Instrument maintenance and repair: Care for, maintain, and perform minor servicing of exam room equipment. Maintain records, equipment manuals, and repair logs. Restock supplies as rooms are opened; protect and properly store instruments as rooms are closed. Replace light bulbs and fuses as needed.
  • Other Specialized Tests: Perform color vision testing with color plates. Measure pupil size and detect abnormalities in pupil reaction. Estimate anterior chamber depth with pen light. Obtain measurements using automated refractors and/or keratometers.
  • Other Patient Services: Coordinate patient flow and appointments. Apply and remove eye dressings and shields. Instill drops and ointment into patient's eye as directed for completion of diagnostic evaluation of patient by ophthalmologist. Recognize the symptoms of allergic reactions to medications. Follow department protocol on prescription refill processing. Measure and record vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, respiration). Provide patient education on tests - why done, when results are expected.
  • Contact Lens Assisting: Take history from the patient on contact lens wear and identify problems. Perform visual acuity with contacts. Instruct patients on insertion, removal, care, and solutions for all types of lenses. Insert trial contact lenses. Order contact lenses for patients per doctor specifications and initiate purchase orders. Maintain contact lens stock and patient files.
  • Refractometry: Enter spectacle data into a Phoropter for the supervising physician or technician.
  • Surgical Assisting: Set up and assist in non-refractive laser surgery (argon, YAG, etc.) and minor surgery. Prepare instrument tray for minor surgical procedures. Disinfect lenses and instruments that make contact with the eye. Maintain surgical instruments in accordance with OSHA standards.
  • Utilize HFHS communication and patient information systems (phone, computer, fax, pagers, email, and interoffice mail) as needed. Locate and prepare charts for daily schedule per physician protocol. Respond to phone calls, fax messages, email promptly and effectively. Document messages accurately. Notify supervising physician on care management issues.
  • Perform other related duties as required.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
  • High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.
  • Position requires a high level of initiative and the flexibility to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Visual/hearing/verbal requirements: The ability to see details of objects at a close range (within a few feet of the observer). The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand during test procedures, in taking patient histories, and in performing tests on patients.
  • The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects Manual dexterity is required to operate various equipment in the performance of duties. Attention to detail necessary due to the exacting nature of the position. Ability to find information and identify essential information in managing patient information.

CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSURES REQUIRED:
  • Must meet or exceed core customer service responsibilities, standards and behaviors as outlined in the HFHS' Customer Service Policy
  • Must practice the customer skills as provided through on-going training and in-services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS:
Works in a patient care environment with possible exposure to infectious diseases.

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About Henry Ford Health

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Henry Ford Health provides a full continuum of services from Primary and Preventative care, to Complex and Cpecialty care, Health Insurance, a full suite of home health offerings, Virtual care, Pharmacy, Eye care and other Healthcare retail. It is one of the Nation’s leading Academic Medical Centers, recognized for Clinical excellence in Cancer care, Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Orthopedics and Sports medicine, and Multi organ transplants. Consistently ranked among the top five NIH funded institutions in Michigan, Henry Ford Health engages in more than 2,000 research projects annually. Equally committed to educating the next generation of Health Professionals, Henry Ford Health trains more than 4,000 Medical students, Residents and fellows every year across 50+ accredited programs. With more than 33,000 valued team members, Henry Ford Health is also among Michigan’s largest and most Diverse employers, including nearly 6,000 physicians and researchers from the Henry Ford Medical Group, Henry Ford Physician Network and Jackson Health Network.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Detroit, MI, US

Year founded

1915

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