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Ophthalmic Assistant Jobs in Renton, WA (NOW HIRING)

Under general supervision, provides assistance to Ophthalmologists, Optometrists and nursing staff ... Eligible for Washington State Medical Assistant (MA-R) registration * Ability to obtain BLS ...

Under general supervision, provides assistance to Ophthalmologists, Optometrists and nursing staff ... Eligible for Washington State Medical Assistant (MA-R) registration * Ability to obtain BLS ...

Under general supervision, provides assistance to Ophthalmologists, Optometrists and nursing staff ... Eligible for Washington State Medical Assistant (MA-R) registration * Ability to obtain BLS ...

Ophthalmic Assistant

Seattle, WA · On-site

$20.38 - $36.44/hr

Under general supervision, provides assistance to Ophthalmologists, Optometrists and nursing staff ... Eligible for Washington State Medical Assistant (MA-R) registration * Ability to obtain BLS ...

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Ophthalmic Assistant information

See Renton, WA salary details

$14

$22

$30

How much do ophthalmic assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for ophthalmic assistant in Renton, WA is $22.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.28 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is an ophthalmic assistant a good career?

An ophthalmic assistant is a valuable healthcare professional who supports ophthalmologists by performing patient exams, assisting with procedures, and managing patient records. The role offers steady employment, opportunities for certification, and a clear career path in eye care, often requiring technical skills and attention to detail.

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.

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

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.

Do you have to be certified to be an ophthalmic assistant?

Certification is not always required to become an ophthalmic assistant, but many employers prefer or require certification from organizations like the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO). Obtaining certification can improve job prospects and demonstrate competence in skills such as eye measurements, patient care, and use of ophthalmic instruments. Requirements vary by employer and state regulations, so some assistants may start with on-the-job training while others pursue certification beforehand.

How much does a non-certified ophthalmic assistant make?

Non-certified ophthalmic assistants typically earn between $12 and $16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer. Certification can lead to higher wages and more job opportunities, but entry-level positions may not require certification.

What do you do as an ophthalmic assistant?

An ophthalmic assistant supports eye care professionals by preparing patients for exams, taking medical histories, performing basic eye tests, and assisting with diagnostic procedures. They often operate specialized equipment and must follow safety and hygiene protocols, typically working in clinical or optical settings. Certification or training in ophthalmic assisting is usually required.

What are ophthalmic assistants?

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.
More about Ophthalmic Assistant jobs
What are popular job titles related to Ophthalmic Assistant jobs in Renton, WA? For Ophthalmic Assistant jobs in Renton, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Ophthalmic Assistant jobs in Renton, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Ophthalmic Assistant jobs in Renton, WA are:
What cities near Renton, WA are hiring for Ophthalmic Assistant jobs? Cities near Renton, WA with the most Ophthalmic Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Ophthalmic Assistant job openings in Renton, WA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 82% Full Time, and 12% Part Time. Highlights an 88% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,081 per year, or $22.6 per hour.
Certified Ophthalmic Assistant

$26.51 - $43.73/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 1 hour ago


Seattle Children's rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 61 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

63rd of 999 rated hospitals


Job description

The Ophthalmic Assistant provides ophthalmic assistant services for evaluation and care of pediatric patients under ophthalmologist and optometrist supervision at all applicable practice locations. This includes developmentally appropriate basic clinical testing and documentation of visual function in children of all ages, multiple specialized technical testing procedures and assessments for selected patients, and patient education, in addition to assisting providers with minor procedures.
The Certified Ophthalmic Assistant facilitates safe and efficient flow for clinic visits across all practice locations by providing multiple technical ophthalmic testing procedures under the ophthalmologists or optometrists supervision, including assisting these providers with minor procedures. The Certified Ophthalmic Assistant also coordinates communication between care team members both within and outside of Seattle Children's Hospital, triages incoming referrals as well as patient and parent concerns and is able to provide patient education to families. The Certified Ophthalmic Assistant is proficient with ocular imaging and supplemental testing techniques.

Certified Ophthalmic Assistant:

Required Education and Experience
High school diploma or equivalent experience.
Minimum of one (1) year experience in an ophthalmology practice or related setting.
Required Credentials
Medical Assistant – Registered or Certified designation by Washington Department of Health (DOH) must be obtained within 3 months of employment.
Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA)- International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Opthalmology (JCAHPO).
BLS for Healthcare providers.
Preferred
Completed COA certificate program.

Ophthalmic Assistant:

Required Education and Experience
High school diploma or equivalent experience.
Required Credentials
Medical Assistant – Registered or Certified designation by Washington Department of Health (DOH) must be obtained within 3 months of employment.
BLS for Healthcare providers.

Compensation Range

$26.51 - $43.73 per hour

Salary Information

This compensation range was calculated based on full-time employment (2080 hours worked per calendar year). Offers are determined by multiple factors including equity, skills, experience, and expertise, and may vary within the range provided.

Disclaimer for Out of State Applicants

This compensation range is specific to Seattle, positions located outside of Seattle may be compensated differently depending on various factors.

Benefits Information

Seattle Children’s offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 403(b), life insurance, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.  Additional details on our benefits can be found on our website www.seattlechildrens.org/careers/benefits.

About Us

Hope. Care. Cure. These three simple words capture what we do at Seattle Children’s – to help every child live the healthiest and most fulfilling life possible.  Are you ready to engage with a mission-driven organization that is life-changing to many, and touches the hearts of all? #HOPECARECURE

Our founding promise to the community is as valid today as it was over a century ago: we will care for all children in our region, regardless of the families’ ability to pay. Together, we deliver superior patient care, advance new discoveries and treatments through pediatric research, and serve as the pediatric and adolescent, academic medical center for Washington, Alaska, Montana and Idaho – the largest region of any children’s hospital in the country.
U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks Seattle Children’s among the nation’s best children’s hospitals. For more than a decade, Seattle Children’s has been nationally recognized in key specialty areas. We are honored to be one of the nation’s very best places to care for children and the top-ranked pediatric hospital in Washington and the Pacific Northwest.

As a Magnet designated institution, we recognize the importance of hiring and developing great talent to provide best-in-class care to the patients and families we serve. Our organizational DNA takes form in our core values: Compassion, Excellence, Integrity, Collaboration, Equity and Innovation. Whether it’s delivering frontline care to our patients in a kind and caring manner, practicing the highest standards of quality and safety, or being relentlessly curious as we work towards eradicating childhood diseases, these values are the fabric of our culture and community. The future starts here.

Our Commitment

Seattle Children’s welcomes people of all experiences, backgrounds, and thoughts as this is what drives our spirit of inquiry and allows us to better connect with our patients and families. Our organization recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes based on merit without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

The people who work at Seattle Children’s are members of a community that seeks to respect and celebrate all the qualities that make each of us unique. Each of us is empowered to be ourselves.

Seattle Children’s is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Workplace and Affirmative Action Employer.


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About Seattle Children's

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Based in Seattle, Washington, Seattle Children’s comprises a leading pediatric hospital, research institute, and foundation dedicated to the care and cure of childhood illness. The system is internationally recognized for cutting‑edge clinical care in cardiology, oncology, genetics, and rare disease, alongside world-class translational research in areas such as immunology, neuroscience, and infectious disease.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US

Year founded

1907