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Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Ophthalmic Technician will contribute to a stable workforce tasked with providing quality ... Provide intra-operative support to the surgeon as a surgical assistant and scrubs assistant ...

$19 - $27.50/hr

The Ophthalmic Technician will contribute to a stable workforce tasked with providing quality ... Provide intra-operative support to the surgeon as a surgical assistant and scrubs assistant ...

The Ophthalmic Technician will contribute to a stable workforce tasked with providing quality ... Provide intra-operative support to the surgeon as a surgical assistant and scrubs assistant ...

Ophthalmic Technician

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$19 - $27.50/hr

The Ophthalmic Technician will contribute to a stable workforce tasked with providing quality ... Provide intra-operative support to the surgeon as a surgical assistant and scrubs assistant ...

The Ophthalmic Technician will contribute to a stable workforce tasked with providing quality ... Provide intra-operative support to the surgeon as a surgical assistant and scrubs assistant ...

The Ophthalmic Technician will contribute to a stable workforce tasked with providing quality ... Provide intra-operative support to the surgeon as a surgical assistant and scrubs assistant ...

Vision Surgical Scheduler-Tech

Dixon, IL · On-site

$19.75 - $29.63/hr

Provides advanced vision care to patients and schedules ophthalmic surgical procedures under the ... Must have JCAHPO Certified Ophthalmic Assistant certification within 18 months of position hire ...

SightMD is a rapidly growing integrated ophthalmic provider group, extending the reach of ... Intraoperative * Assist surgeons by passing instruments and supplies during procedures. * Maintain ...

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Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant information

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$26

How much do ophthalmic surgical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for ophthalmic surgical assistant in the United States is $20.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Ophthalmic Surgical Assistants during surgical procedures?

Ophthalmic Surgical Assistants often encounter challenges such as maintaining a sterile field in a fast-paced environment, anticipating the needs of surgeons during delicate eye surgeries, and managing multiple instruments efficiently. Additionally, they must stay calm and focused, especially during unexpected complications or emergencies. Effective teamwork, strong attention to detail, and excellent communication skills are essential for overcoming these challenges and ensuring patient safety.

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

To thrive as an Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant, you need a strong understanding of ocular anatomy, aseptic technique, and surgical procedures, typically supported by a certificate or associate degree in ophthalmic assisting. Familiarity with surgical instruments, sterilization equipment, and electronic medical record (EMR) systems is crucial. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and effective communication skills help you anticipate surgeon needs and support patient care. These abilities are vital for ensuring safe, efficient surgeries and high-quality patient outcomes in ophthalmic settings.

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

AspectOphthalmic Surgical AssistantOphthalmic Technician
CredentialsCertified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) or similar certificationCOA or Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT)
Work EnvironmentAssist in surgical procedures, prepare instruments, support surgeonsPerform diagnostic tests, patient exams, and assist in clinical settings
Employer & IndustryOphthalmic surgical centers, hospitals, clinicsOptometry and ophthalmology clinics, hospitals

While both roles support eye care professionals, Ophthalmic Surgical Assistants focus on assisting during surgeries and preparing for procedures, whereas Ophthalmic Technicians primarily perform diagnostic tests and patient assessments. Both roles require similar certifications and work in clinical or surgical environments within the eye care industry.

What is the highest paid surgical assistant?

The highest paid surgical assistants are often those working in specialized fields such as ophthalmic surgery, with salaries exceeding $70,000 annually. Factors influencing pay include experience, certifications, geographic location, and the complexity of procedures performed.

Is an ophthalmic assistant a good career?

An ophthalmic surgical assistant is a valuable healthcare professional who supports ophthalmologists during eye surgeries and patient exams. The role typically requires certification, attention to detail, and good communication skills, with job prospects often stable due to ongoing demand for eye care services.

What does an ophthalmic surgical assistant do?

An ophthalmic surgical assistant supports ophthalmologists during eye surgeries by preparing the operating room, sterilizing instruments, and assisting with patient positioning. They may also handle equipment, monitor patient vitals, and ensure a sterile environment to facilitate smooth surgical procedures.

How to become an ophthalmic surgical assistant?

To become an ophthalmic surgical assistant, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training or certification in ophthalmic assisting. Many employers prefer candidates with certification from organizations like the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO). Relevant skills include knowledge of ophthalmic instruments, patient care, and sterile techniques, often gained through on-the-job training or formal education programs.

What are Ophthalmic Surgical Assistants?

Ophthalmic Surgical Assistants are specialized healthcare professionals who support ophthalmologists during eye surgeries and related procedures. Their responsibilities include preparing the operating room, sterilizing instruments, assisting during surgery, and ensuring patient safety. They also help with pre- and post-operative care, maintain surgical equipment, and may assist in minor office procedures. Their role is vital for the smooth functioning of ophthalmic surgical teams and for ensuring high standards of patient care.
More about Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant job openings:
What states have the most Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant jobs include:
Infographic showing various Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,693 per year, or $20 per hour.
Ophthalmic Surgical Technologist - Ophthalmology - Colony Park North / Lakeland

Ophthalmic Surgical Technologist - Ophthalmology - Colony Park North / Lakeland

University of Mississippi Medical Center

Reading, PA

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


University Of Mississippi Medical Center rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

345th of 1,051 rated hospitals


Job description

Hello,

Thank you for your interest in career opportunities with the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Please review the following instructions prior to submitting your job application:

  • Provide all of your employment history, education, and licenses/certifications/registrations. You will be unable to modify your application after you have submitted it.
  • You must meet all of the job requirements at the time of submitting the application.
  • You can only apply one time to a job requisition.
  • Once you start the application process you cannot save your work. Please ensure you have all required attachment(s) available to complete your application before you begin the process.
  • Applications must be submitted prior to the close of the recruitment. Once recruitment has closed, applications will no longer be accepted.

After you apply, we will review your qualifications and contact you if your application is among the most highly qualified. Due to the large volume of applications, we are unable to individually respond to all applicants. You may check the status of your application via your Candidate Profile.

Thank you,

Human Resources

Important Applications Instructions:

Please complete this application in entirety by providing all of your work experience, education and certifications/

license.  You will be unable to edit/add/change your application once it is submitted.

Job Requisition ID:R00048555Job Category:Allied HealthOrganization:Ophth - Eye Sight StaffLocation/s:Colony Park North, Main Campus JacksonJob Title:Ophthalmic Surgical Technologist - Ophthalmology - Colony Park North / LakelandJob Summary:To prepare the operating room for ophthalmic surgical procedures to ensure surgical equipment and instruments are properly functioning during surgical procedures. To provide the ophthalmologist with basic surgical assistance, ensuring patient comfort and providing quality patient care. To ensure surgical equipment and instruments are sterilized in accordance with UMMC infection control and regulatory standards.Education & Experience

Graduate of an accredited Surgical Technology program or has obtained Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant certification (OSA).
Certifications, Licenses or Registration required: Prefer Certified Surgical Technologist (CST).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Surgical techniques and equipment knowledge. UMMC infection control and regulatory sterilization standards understanding. Verbal and written communication skills. Interpersonal skills including effective interaction with surgical team members. Ocular anatomy, ophthalmic pharmacology,ocular motility and diseases of the eye. Knowledge of diagnosis and treatment procedures.
Responsibilities

  • Maintains inventory of clean and sterilized surgical equipment, instruments, and supplies in accordance with UMMC and regulatory standards.
  • Provides basic surgical support including room set up, sterile field management, handling of specimen and instruments, and room turnover.
  • Assesses the equipment, instrument, and supply needs for surgical procedures and ensures availability.
  • Ensures the proper functioning of surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies during surgical procedures.
  • Follows infection control policies, AORN recommendation practices, OSHA guidelines, and other regulatory requirements in the daily practice in order to assure a safe work environment for self, coworkers, and patients.
  • Demonstrates core standards of exceptional customer service.
  • Performs administrative duties such as scheduling patient appointments and surgeries, takes patient histories, answers phones and handles correspondence.
  • Maintains inventory of surgical equipment, instruments and supplies.
  • Takes anatomical and functional ocular measurements, tests ocular functions including visual acuity, visual fields, lensometry, tonometry, keratometry readings, corneal topography, strabismus measurements, retinoscopy and sensorimotor functions.
  • Administers topical ophthalmic medications as directed by the ophthalmologist. Provides patient education.
  • The duties listed are general in nature and are examples of the duties and responsibilities performed and are not meant to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Management retains the right to add or change duties at any time.

Physical and Environmental Demands
Requires occasional exposure to unpleasant or disagreeable physical environment such as high noise level and exposure to heat and cold, constant handling or working with potentially dangerous equipment, frequent exposure to biohazardous conditions such as risk of radiation exposure, blood borne pathogens, fumes or airborne particles, and/or toxic or caustic chemicals which mandate attention to safety considerations, occasional working hours significantly beyond regularly scheduled hours, occasional travelling to offsite locations, occasional activities subject to significant volume changes of a seasonal/clinical nature, constant work produced subject to precise measures of quantity and quality, frequent bending, occasional lifting and carrying more than 100 pounds, occasional climbing, occasional crawling, occasional crouching/stooping, occasional driving, occasional kneeling, occasional pushing/pulling, constant reaching, occasional sitting, constant standing, frequent twisting, and frequent walking. (occasional-up to 20%, frequent-from 21% to 50%, constant-51% or more)

Time Type:Full timeFLSA Designation/Job Exempt:NoPay Class:HourlyFTE %:100Work Shift:DayBenefits Eligibility:Grant Funded:NoJob Posting Date:03/26/2026Job Closing Date (open until filled if no date specified):

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About University of Mississippi Medical Center

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) is the state's sole academic medical center, focused on enhancing the lives of Mississippi residents through education, research, and healthcare. UMMC houses seven health science schools with over 3,000 enrolled students, and its researchers are renowned for their contributions to areas like heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and cancer treatment. Their efforts not only improve health outcomes but also drive economic growth and job opportunities in the state.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Jackson, MS, US

Year founded

1955