1

Ophthalmic Medical Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Licensed Practical Nurse, LPN, CMA, Certified Medical Assistant, Medical Assistant, Ophthalmic Assistant, Ophthalmic Tech, Ophthalmic Tech/Assistant, Ophthalmic Medical Assistant, Ophthalmology ...

Licensed Practical Nurse, LPN, CMA, Certified Medical Assistant, Medical Assistant, Ophthalmic Assistant, Ophthalmic Tech, Ophthalmic Tech/Assistant, Ophthalmic Medical Assistant, Ophthalmology ...

Showing results 41-60

Ophthalmic Medical Assistant information

See salary details

$12

$19

$25

How much do ophthalmic medical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for ophthalmic medical assistant in the United States is $19.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $22.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Ophthalmic Medical Assistant, you need a solid understanding of eye anatomy, visual testing procedures, and basic patient care, typically gained through a specialized certificate or associate degree program. Proficiency with ophthalmic instruments, electronic health record (EHR) systems, and diagnostic equipment like tonometers is expected. Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to reassure patients are crucial for delivering excellent care and ensuring accurate data collection. These skills and qualities are vital for supporting ophthalmologists, maintaining efficient clinical operations, and providing a positive patient experience.

What is an ophthalmic medical assistant?

Ophthalmic Medical Assistants are healthcare professionals who work alongside ophthalmologists to provide patient care related to eye health. Their duties include taking patient histories, performing basic eye exams, administering eye medications, and assisting with diagnostic tests and procedures. They also help with patient education and may handle administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments. Ophthalmic Medical Assistants play a vital role in ensuring an efficient and effective eye care practice.

How much do ophthalmic medical assistants make?

Ophthalmic medical assistants in Houston typically earn an average annual salary of around $35,000 to $45,000, depending on experience, certifications, and work setting. Salaries can vary based on the employer and the complexity of procedures involved, with some earning higher with specialized skills or additional certifications.

Is being an ophthalmic medical assistant worth it?

Ophthalmic medical assistants perform clinical and administrative tasks in eye care settings, often requiring certification and technical skills. The role offers steady employment, opportunities for specialization, and a median salary that is competitive within healthcare support positions.

What does an ophthalmic medical assistant do?

As an ophthalmic medical assistant, your primary responsibilities are obtaining information for medical records and helping an ophthalmologist with procedures and patient care. Your duties are gathering patient history, current symptoms, and complaints, and preparing the patient for the examination with standard tests and measurements. You are in charge of checking eye pressure and vision, and recording measurements. You also take down anatomical and functional information and may assist in administering or preparing medications for a physician. You offer resources and educate patients on eye health and contact lens care.

What are some of the typical challenges ophthalmic medical assistants encounter when supporting ophthalmologists during patient examinations?

Ophthalmic Medical Assistants often manage a fast-paced environment, juggling multiple patient appointments while ensuring accurate documentation and testing. They must be detail-oriented to correctly perform vision tests, gather patient histories, and assist with minor procedures. Communication is key, as they frequently explain complex instructions to patients and coordinate with physicians and other clinical staff. Adapting to rapidly changing technology and maintaining patient comfort during exams are also common challenges in this dynamic role.

What is the difference between Ophthalmic Medical Assistant vs Ophthalmic Technician?

AspectOphthalmic Medical AssistantOphthalmic Technician
CertificationsUsually certified or trained in ophthalmic assisting programsOften certified as an ophthalmic technician (COA or COT)
Work EnvironmentOptometry and ophthalmology clinics, outpatient settingsSpecialized ophthalmic clinics, hospitals, surgical centers
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist with patient exams, take medical histories, perform basic testsPerform diagnostic tests, measure visual acuity, assist in procedures

Ophthalmic Medical Assistants and Ophthalmic Technicians share similar work environments and require related certifications. However, Ophthalmic Technicians typically perform more advanced diagnostic tests and have specialized training, making them more involved in clinical assessments. Both roles are essential in eye care teams, but the Technician role often requires additional certification and technical skills.

What cities are hiring for Ophthalmic Medical Assistant jobs?

Cities with the most Ophthalmic Medical Assistant job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Ophthalmic Medical Assistant jobs?

The top employers for Ophthalmic Medical Assistant jobs are:

What states have the most Ophthalmic Medical Assistant jobs?

States with the most job openings for Ophthalmic Medical Assistant jobs include:

Infographic showing various Ophthalmic Medical Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,971 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

$20 - $26.75/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Oregon Health & Science University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

162nd of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department Overview

OHSU Casey Eye Institute is a premier academic medical center providing eye care for adults and children in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. We treat eye conditions from the most straightforward to the most complex and offer expert care in all ophthalmology specialties.

Since 1945, OHSU Casey Eye Institute doctors and vision scientists have worked side by side to discover the causes of eye disease and find new treatments. Bringing research and patient care together helps us turn possibilities into realities OHSU Casey Eye Institute is a "High Performing" eye hospital, which means we are ranked in the top 10 percent nationally by U.S. News & World Report.

The purpose of this position is to provide ophthalmic care assistance for the Casey Eye Institute Community Outreach Program, as they travel to various communities throughout the state as part of the program's mobile and telehealth vision screening services. The position will provide ancillary screening and testing as necessary.

This is a part time, 0.40 FTE position (16 hours/week) mostly weekends

Function/Duties of Position

Screen participants for and obtain/record chief complaint, take accurate history of illnesses/surgeries (Ophthalmic and General), past ocular history, family history, drug allergies, and medications.  Perform ophthalmic testing as appropriate per participant, including OCT.  This includes but is not limited to checking/documenting distance and near vision in adults and children with and without correction, clearly determining from participant history if the participant is needing new glasses on any given visit.  Pupillary assessment to rule out afferent defect and to check pupil size (rule out asymmetry), corneal curvature, corneal pachymetry, corneal topography, color vision testing, must be proficient in performing lensometry including reading lenses with multifocal and progressive adds, power of sphere, axis of cylinder and cylinder power, and orientation of prism and measurement of interpupillary distance.  Perform applanation tonometry, and utilize Tonopen (noncontact tonometry) to check intraocular pressure.  Perform confrontation visual fields.  Must be proficient in refractometry and auto refraction, fogging with astigmatic dials, cross cylinder refinement and measurement of accommodation.   Must be able to perform cover/uncover test, alternate cover test and quantify strabismus.  Must be able to document ocular motility, presence of strabismus or nystagmus.  Must be able to perform Worth 4-dot test and Stereopsis test.  Must be able to test near point of convergence, ductions, versions and vergences.  Must be able to perform Potential Acuity Meter testing, Glare Testing.  Instill dilating and other ophthalmic drops per physician's instructions.

Perform calibration of automated and non-automated perimeters.  Maintain a working  knowledge of computerized visual field programs, and be able to perform Amsler Grid testing.  Maintain a working knowledge of disease processes that may affect the visual pathway and resultant changes in the visual field due to these disease processes.  Perform SITA and Standard Humphrey (automated) (central and peripheral)

Assist doctors during examination as needed.  Apply eye dressings, protective shields and dispense medications as directed by the physician.  Provide participant instruction, education and assistance as required.  Always be willing to assist participants.  Per standard guidelines, clean exam areas and clinical equipment.

Customer Service:  Provides high quality customer service to participants, OHSU faculty and referring providers, to include PCPs and their office staff, insurance providers in requesting referrals, and co-workers and staff as well as setting an example in training new employees.  Maintains a high standard of participant interactions skills and is exemplary in addressing participant complaints when necessary.

Skills Maintenance:  Participate in continuing education courses and activities.  Have knowledge of and be able to practice JCAHO clinical guidelines.  Demonstrate competence in all required skills during yearly skills evaluation.

Certification:  Participate in continuing education courses and activities, maintain current JCAHPO certification.  Have knowledge of and be able to practice JCAHO clinical guidelines.  Demonstrate competence in all required skills during yearly skills evaluation

Required Qualifications
  • Completion of an accredited training program such as Ophthalmic Technician Program, Ophthalmic Medical Personnel Training Program, Eye Care Assistant Program,  Ophthalmic Assistant Program, Ophthalmic Clinical Assistant Program, Ophthalmic Medical Assistant Program, Ophthalmic Medical Technology; OR
  •  AA in Ophthalmic Technology from an accredited school; OR 
  • Current certification as a certified ophthalmic technician (COA) or higher; OR
  • BA/BS or in Health Care, Science or Research related field AND 1 year of clinical/lab experience conducting preliminary screening/vision testing to include specialized tests and visual fields; OR 
  • 2 years of clinical/lab experience conducting preliminary screening/vision testing to include specialized tests and visual fields

BLS certification through American Heart Association (AHA), provider level is required. New hires will be enrolled and required to complete during orientation.

Must be able to perform ophthalmic tests and exams as specified above.  Demonstrated ability to use clinical diagnostic equipment.  Proficiency with computer applications such as Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, and related computer applications. Must be detail oriented and possess excellent interpersonal skills.  Ability to multi-task and delegate workload is essential.  Strong skills and background with clinic operations including scheduling systems, and inventory control.  Excellent communication skills, professional demeanor, excellent organizational skills.  Exceptional advocacy skills - evaluate participant concerns for timely resolution.  Sensitivity to participant needs.  Ability to work independently as well as in a teamwork model.  Willingness to serve as a positive and professional role model.  Must have demonstrated record of reliable attendance, punctuality and proven successful performance in past and present. 

Preferred Qualifications

Previous experience in community outreach and working with diverse communities and serving understated populations. Administrative/medical office experience preferred. COA or COT certification.

Additional Details

This position requires travel, and works primarily on weekends.

Why apply to OHSU?We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.eduEmployment Type: PART_TIME

What Oregon Health & Science University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Oregon Health & Science University logo

About Oregon Health & Science University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is a distinguished institution under the industry of higher education and healthcare, specifically in the field of medical science. Based in Portland, Oregon, US, it maintains a reputation for promoting research, teaching, patient care, and outreach. Established in 1887, OHSU has continually sought to redefine the parameters of healthcare delivery and biomedical discovery through its expansive catalog of programs and initiatives. A galvanizing mission drives OHSU: to improve the health and quality of life for all Oregonians through excellence, innovation, and leadership in health care, education, and research.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1887