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Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sarahbush

Ophthalmic Assistant

Pine, AZ

$22.72 - $35.22/hr

Ophthalmic Assistant Ophthalmic Assistants are responsible for providing assistance to providers in ... and surgical conditions affecting the visual system. Documents data and provider directed ...

Sarahbush

Ophthalmic Assistant

Effingham, IL · On-site

$22.72 - $35.22/hr

Ophthalmic Assistant Ophthalmic Assistants are responsible for providing assistance to providers in ... and surgical conditions affecting the visual system. Documents data and provider directed ...

French Consulting

$17 - $22.75/hr

Prepare patients and perform as a surgical assistant in all types of ophthalmic surgery and/or minor surgical procedures as required. Medications, Supplies & Equipment * Order and maintain ...

TEC/MFE

Sterile processing technician PRN

Waxahachie, TX · On-site

... ophthalmic surgical team to ensure the availability of sterile instruments for each procedure. - Adhere to infection control protocols and safety standards. - Assist in inventory management and order ...

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Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant information

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How much do ophthalmic surgical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 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 is an ophthalmic surgical assistant?

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.

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

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 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 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.

Are ophthalmic surgical assistants in demand?

Ophthalmic surgical assistants are in demand due to the growing need for eye care and surgical procedures. They often work alongside ophthalmologists in surgical settings, and their skills in patient preparation and assisting during surgeries make them valuable in ophthalmology clinics and hospitals.

How do I 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.

Is being an ophthalmic surgical assistant worth it?

Ophthalmic surgical assistants perform support tasks during eye surgeries, requiring knowledge of surgical procedures and patient care. The role offers steady employment, opportunities for specialization, and typically requires certification or training, making it a valuable career for those interested in healthcare and eye surgery support.
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What states have the most Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant jobs?

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Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% 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 Assistant

Sarahbush

Pine, AZ

$22.72 - $35.22/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Internal Employees: Please ensure that you are logged into Workday and applying through the Jobs Hub before proceeding.

Ophthalmic Assistant

Job Description

Ophthalmic Assistants are responsible for providing assistance to providers in the direct and indirect care of Practice Management Ophthalmology patients. Performs patient or office related duties including but not limited to assisting in the diagnostic evaluation, management, treatment, education and care of patients with medical and surgical conditions affecting the visual system. Documents data and provider directed information in patient records, functioning clinically as support staff to provider(s).

Department: Pine Eye Center

Hours: Full time, 40 hours/week

Shift: 1st

Required: High School Diploma

Pay: Based on experience, starting at $22.72

Responsibilities

Accepts reassignment at the direction and discretion of management, as applicable to staffing levels and patient volumes., Administers medication as directed by the provider, including eye drops, ointments and irrigating solutions to the eye., Administration of pharmacological agents related to eye care procedures as prescribed and supervised by the Physician, including but not limited to topical anesthetics, fluorescein and other topical dyes, dilating agents, miotics and pressure lowering eye drops., Assisting in the performance of ophthalmic surgical activities including but not limited to: pre-operative preparation of the patient, preparation of surgical instruments and equipment, induction of ophthalmic anesthesia, surgical complications minor surgical and therapeutic procedures and post-operative education., Assists during examinations, patient treatments, interventions and minor procedures under the supervision of a licensed Ophthalmologist ., Assists providers with patient intake, collecting medical histories and preparing patients for exams., Cleans and stocks supplies in exam rooms or workspaces on an on-going basis to assure that there is an adequate supply, in adherence to regulatory and system infection control policies and procedures., Communicates and provides information about eye health, treatment plans, test results, advice and post-operative care, as directed by the Physician., Documents responses to patient history and screening questions for use by providers during assessments and examinations., Follows Universal Precautions at all times during contact with patients, equipment, instruments, and/or specimens., Handles, maintains and repairs ophthalmic equipment and instrumentation, while ensuring it is clean and functional to meet the needs of the practice., Keeps providers aware of patient requests, needs and observations made that could be of value to the provider's assessment, care and follow-up., Performs general clerical duties as required, such as scheduling appointments, managing patient records, processing insurance information, receiving and mailing patient test results, transcribing data to forms, filing and monitoring or ordering supplies., Performs preliminary diagnostic tests, imaging, evaluations and studies of the visual system including: visual acuity tests, visual field assessment, fundus photography, optical coherence tomography, measuring intraocular pressure and conducting basic refraction tests ., Relays information between provider(s) and client(s), which may include but is not limited to communications with patients, families, pharmacies, nursing homes, consultancy office staff, insurers, and facilities.

Requirements

High School (Required)BLS or CPR certification (within 90 days of hire) - Sarah Bush Lincoln, CMA-Certified Medical Assistant - Sarah Bush Lincoln, LPN - Licensed Practical Nurse - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

Compensation

Estimated Compensation Range

$22.72 - $35.22

Pay based on experience

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