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Ophthalmic Assistant Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

Assists in training of other ophthalmic assistants & Assists with patient education. * Maintains cleanliness and orderliness of exam rooms during the workday. * Complies with all practice procedures ...

Optometric Assistant

Sitka, AK

$18 - $23.25/hr

Knowledge of medical and ophthalmic terminology. * Knowledge and demonstrated use of customer ... Ability to learn and maintain optometry assistant competencies. * Ability to problem-solve and use ...

Optometric Assistant

Juneau, AK · On-site

$25 - $30.04/hr

Knowledge of medical and ophthalmic terminology. * Knowledge and demonstrated use of customer ... Ability to learn and maintain optometry assistant competencies. * Ability to problem-solve and use ...

Knowledge of medical and ophthalmic terminology. * Knowledge and demonstrated use of customer ... Ability to learn and maintain optometry assistant competencies. * Ability to problem-solve and use ...

Knowledge of medical and ophthalmic terminology. * Knowledge and demonstrated use of customer ... Ability to learn and maintain optometry assistant competencies. * Ability to problem-solve and use ...

Optometric Assistant II - 0.5 FTE

Juneau, AK · On-site

$16 - $20.50/hr

Knowledge of medical and ophthalmic terminology. * Knowledge and demonstrated use of customer ... Ability to learn and maintain optometry assistant competencies. * Ability to problem-solve and use ...

CMA

Craig, AK · On-site

$45 - $49/hr

Minimum 1 year of Medical Assistant experience * Flu vaccine required * Experience in optometry or ophthalmology preferred but not required * Must reside at least 50 miles from the facility ...

Mountain View Eye Center is a progressive, full-service ophthalmic medical and surgical practice located in beautiful Fairbanks, Alaska. Our mission is to provide compassionate, high-quality eye care ...

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Ophthalmic Assistant information

See Alaska salary details

$13

$21

$28

How much do ophthalmic assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for ophthalmic assistant in Alaska is $21.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.37 and $24.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an ophthalmic assistant?

Ophthalmic assistants are healthcare professionals who support ophthalmologists in providing eye care to patients. Their duties typically include taking patient histories, performing basic eye tests, assisting with procedures, maintaining equipment, and educating patients about eye care. They play a vital role in ensuring that eye clinics and practices run efficiently, acting as a bridge between patients and the ophthalmologist. Ophthalmic assistants may also help with administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments and managing patient records.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an ophthalmic assistant?

To thrive as an Ophthalmic Assistant, you need knowledge of ocular anatomy, basic eye care procedures, and typically a high school diploma or completion of a certified ophthalmic assistant program. Familiarity with ophthalmic instruments, visual acuity testing tools, and electronic health record (EHR) systems is important. Excellent interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to provide patient education set top candidates apart. These competencies ensure accurate patient assessments, efficient clinic operations, and a positive patient experience in eye care settings.

What are some common challenges ophthalmic assistants face when working in a fast-paced clinic setting?

Ophthalmic Assistants in busy clinics often encounter challenges such as managing multiple patient appointments simultaneously, quickly adapting to changes in the daily schedule, and maintaining attention to detail during vision tests and screenings. Balancing efficient patient flow with thorough documentation and compassionate care requires strong organizational and communication skills. Additionally, staying up-to-date with new ophthalmic technologies and procedures can be demanding but is essential for providing high-quality patient support.

What is the difference between Ophthalmic Assistant vs Ophthalmic Technician?

AspectOphthalmic AssistantOphthalmic Technician
CredentialsCertificate or diploma, often on-the-job trainingMore specialized training, often certification
Work EnvironmentOptometry and ophthalmology clinics, hospitalsSame as Ophthalmic Assistant, with more technical tasks
Job ResponsibilitiesPatient history, basic eye tests, assisting with examsPerforming diagnostic tests, operating equipment, assisting with procedures

Ophthalmic Assistants and Ophthalmic Technicians work closely in eye care settings, but Technicians typically have more advanced training and perform more technical tasks. Both roles support ophthalmologists and optometrists in providing patient care, with the Technician role often requiring certification and offering a broader scope of diagnostic responsibilities.

How much do ophthalmic assistants make in the US?

Ophthalmic assistants in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $36,000 to $45,000, depending on experience, location, and certification. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced assistants or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages. The role often requires knowledge of ophthalmic procedures and the use of diagnostic tools.

Is being an ophthalmic assistant worth it?

Ophthalmic assistants perform clinical tasks such as patient history taking, eye measurements, and assisting with eye exams, often working in ophthalmology clinics or optometry offices. The role offers steady employment, opportunities for certification, and a chance to work closely with healthcare professionals, making it a viable career choice for those interested in eye care. Salary and job growth are generally favorable for entry-level healthcare support roles.

What do you need to be an ophthalmic assistant?

To become an ophthalmic assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some employers prefer postsecondary training or certification in ophthalmic assisting. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with medical terminology and ophthalmic equipment are also important. Certification from organizations like the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) can enhance job prospects.
More about Ophthalmic Assistant jobs

What are popular job titles related to Ophthalmic Assistant jobs in Alaska?

For Ophthalmic Assistant jobs in Alaska, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Ophthalmic Assistant jobs in Alaska look for?

The top searched job categories for Ophthalmic Assistant jobs in Alaska are:

What cities in Alaska are hiring for Ophthalmic Assistant jobs?

Cities in Alaska with the most Ophthalmic Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Ophthalmic Assistant job openings in Alaska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,901 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

Ophthalmology Assistant Trainee

Anchorage, AK • On-site


Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
Health Care and Social Assistance • 1 - 5K employees

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Paid breaks


$18.25 - $23.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium is a non-profit Tribal health organization designed to meet the unique health needs of Alaska Native and American Indian people living in Alaska. In partnership with the more than 171,000 Alaska Native and American Indian people that we serve and the Tribal health organizations of the Alaska Tribal Health System, ANTHC provides world-class health services, which include comprehensive medical services at the Alaska Native Medical Center, wellness programs, disease research and prevention, rural provider training and rural water and sanitation systems construction.
ANTHC is the largest, most comprehensive Tribal health organization in the United States, and Alaska's second-largest health employer with more than 3,100 employees offering an array of health services to people around the nation's largest state.
Our vision: Alaska Native people are the healthiest people in the world.
ANTHC offers a competitive and comprehensive Benefits Package for all Benefit Eligible Employees, which includes:
  • Medical Insurance provided through the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program as a Tribal Employee, with over 20 plans and tiers.
  • Cost-Share Dental and Vision Insurances
  • Discounted Pet Insurance
  • Retirement Contributions with Pre-Tax or Roth options into a 403(b).
  • 401(a) ANTHC Retirement Plan: After one year of employment, ANTHC will begin making matching contributions of up to 5% of your eligible pay, based on your own contributions. In addition, you may be eligible for an annual discretionary contribution of up to 3% from the employer.
  • Paid Time Off starts immediately, earning up to 6 hours per pay period, with paid time off accruals increasing based on years of service.
  • Eleven Paid Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave or miscarriage/stillbirth eligibility after six months of employment
  • Basic Short/Long Term Disability premiums, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance, and Basic Life Insurance are covered 100% by ANTHC, with additional options for Short-Term Disability Buy-Up Coverage and Voluntary Life for yourself and your family members.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts for Healthcare and Dependent Care.
  • Ancillary Cash Benefits for accident, hospital indemnity, and critical illness.
  • On-Site Child Care Facility with expert-designed classrooms for early child development and preschool.
  • Employee Assistance Program with support for grief, financial counseling, mental/emotional health, and discounted legal advice.
  • Tuition Discounts for you and your eligible dependents at Alaska Pacific University.
  • On-Site Training Courses and Professional Development Opportunities.
  • License and certification reimbursements and occupational insurance for medical staff.
  • Emergency Travel Assistance
  • Education Assistance or Education leave eligibility
  • Discount program for travel, gym memberships, amusement parks, and more.

Visit us online at www.anthc.org or contact Recruitment directly at HRRecruiting@anthc.org.
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium has a hiring preference for qualified Alaska Native and American Indian applicants pursuant to P.L. 93-638 Indian Self Determination Act.
Summary:
Under close to limited supervision depending on job title, performs pre-screening exams for patients in ANMC Ophthalmology clinics and/or specialty Ophthalmology field clinics. Level I employees perform work under close supervision, may only perform simple or routine aspects or the position, and generally require a good deal of instruction and/or training. Level III employees perform high level, complex, and responsible tasks within this position, train lower-level employees, and generally work with minimum supervision and follow-up from their supervisor.
Responsibilities:
All
Performs diagnostic testing associated with ophthalmology examinations including photography and ultrasound. Locates and records internal/external elements of the eye, and identifies any anomalies indicative of disease, injury, or other medically significant condition.
Performs ophthalmic evaluations, including specialized eye tests, pre-operative history exams, visual acuity and intraocular pressure measurements. Administers appropriate medications and assists physician in surgical procedures. Instructs patients in pretest preparation, answers questions and explains procedures.
Adjusts equipment and calms patient. Monitors the patient for potentially dangerous physical and emotional changes. Recognizes abnormal signs and immediately notifies physician. Evaluates test results for clarity and accuracy; reviews tests with peers. Informs physicians of preliminary findings as requested, and according to Department procedures. Distributes completed test results to physicians and service providers.
Maintains patient charts, enters diagnosis and billing codes, logs data into patient information systems, and updates file systems for tests performed.
Cleans and sterilizes equipment and workspace. Recognizes equipment malfunctions and readjusts equipment or refers for repair.
Performs other duties as assigned or required.
Certified Ophthalmology Assistant (COA)
Trains and cross-trains other clinical staff as required.
Maintains Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology/International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO/IJCAHPO) requirements to keep COA certification current. Trains in ophthalmic surgery including cataract, strabismus, transplants and plastics preparation for becoming an ophthalmic surgical assistant.
Certified Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant (OSA):
All representative duties as listed above for Certified Ophthalmology Assistant with the addition of but not limited to: Assists in all Ophthalmic surgeries. Maintains JCAHPO requirements to keep OSA certification in an active status. Participates in an on-call technician schedule that can include weekends and/or nights.
Other information:
KNOWLEDGE and SKILLS
All
Knowledge of Medical Terminology
Skill in assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands.
Skill in operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of software applications.
Certified Ophthalmology Assistant and Certified Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant
Knowledge of diagnostic ophthalmology equipment.
Knowledge of ocular disease process. Knowledge of ophthalmic examination protocols and patient preparation for evaluation.
Knowledge of ophthalmic equipment. Skill in monitoring patient responses and operating ophthalmic equipment.
Skill in performing ophthalmic testing procedures.
MINIMUM EDUCATION QUALIFICATION
All
A high school diploma or GED equivalent.
Certified Ophthalmology Assistant
Approved independent study course such as the JCAT course or AAO Ophthalmic Medical Assisting course per current JCAHPO guidelines.
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATION
Ophthalmology Assistant Trainee
Non-supervisory - One (1) year of work experience.
Certified Ophthalmology Assistant and Certified Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant
Non-supervisory - Depending on above education qualification per the current JCAHPO guidelines.
MINIMUM CERTIFICATION QUALIFICATION
All
Certification in Basic Life Support required.
Certified Ophthalmology Assistant
Certified Ophthalmology Assistant from the JCAHPO/IJCAHPO
Certified Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant
Ophthalmic Surgical Assisting certification from the JCAHPO/IJCAHPO
PREFERRED EDUCATION QUALIFICATION
N/A
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATION
N/A
PREFERRED CERTIFICATION QUALIFICATION
N/A
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Ophthalmology Assistant Trainee
The trainee must complete a two-week orientation within the clinic with their trainer. Must meet 30-, 60-, 90-day, and 6-month Course Study Objectives within the designated time frames.
Certified Ophthalmology Assistant and Certified Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant
According to the needs of the organization, some incumbents in this job class may be required to obtain additional specific technical certifications.


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