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Ophthalmic Surgical Assisting information

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$12

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$34

How much do ophthalmic surgical assisting jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for ophthalmic surgical assisting in the United States is $22.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is ophthalmic surgical assisting?

Ophthalmic surgical assisting involves supporting ophthalmologists during eye surgeries and procedures. Ophthalmic surgical assistants prepare the operating room, sterilize instruments, help position patients, and may assist directly during surgery by handing instruments and maintaining a sterile environment. They also help with preoperative and postoperative care, ensuring patient safety and efficiency throughout the surgical process. This role requires specialized training in ophthalmic procedures and a strong attention to detail.

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 ophthalmic procedures, sterile techniques, and patient care, typically supported by a diploma or certification in ophthalmic assisting. Familiarity with surgical instruments, ophthalmic imaging systems, and electronic health records is crucial. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and effective communication help ensure smooth surgical workflows and patient safety. These skills and qualities are vital for minimizing risks, supporting surgeons efficiently, and providing optimal patient outcomes in a surgical setting.

What are some common challenges faced by ophthalmic surgical assistants during procedures, and how can they be managed?

Ophthalmic Surgical Assistants often encounter challenges such as maintaining a sterile field in confined operating rooms, swiftly handling delicate instruments, and anticipating the surgeon’s needs during rapidly progressing procedures. Effective communication with the surgical team and staying organized are key to managing these challenges. Regular training and thorough preparation before each surgery also help assistants adapt to varying procedures and contribute to a smooth surgical workflow.

What is the difference between Ophthalmic Surgical Assisting vs Ophthalmic Technicians?

AspectOphthalmic Surgical AssistingOphthalmic Technicians
CertificationsCertified Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant (COSA) often preferredCertified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) or Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT)
Work EnvironmentAssist in surgeries, sterile environments, operating roomsPerform diagnostic tests, patient exams, and assist in clinics
Job FocusSupporting surgical procedures and pre/post-op careConducting diagnostic tests and patient assessments
Industry UsagePrimarily in surgical settings and ophthalmic clinicsIn clinics, hospitals, and outpatient facilities

While both roles support eye care, Ophthalmic Surgical Assisting focuses on assisting during surgeries, requiring sterile skills and surgical support, whereas Ophthalmic Technicians primarily perform diagnostic tests and patient assessments in clinical settings.

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. Relevant skills include knowledge of eye anatomy, surgical procedures, and proficiency with ophthalmic instruments; some roles may require certification from organizations like the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO). On-the-job training is common, and strong attention to detail and communication skills are essential in this role.

How much do ophthalmic surgical assistants make in the US?

Ophthalmic surgical assistants in the US typically earn between $35,000 and $55,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. They often work in ophthalmology clinics or surgical centers, assisting with eye surgeries and patient care.

Is being an ophthalmic surgical assistant worth it?

Ophthalmic surgical assisting is a rewarding career for those interested in eye care, offering opportunities to work closely with ophthalmologists during surgeries and patient exams. The role typically requires certification and involves working in a fast-paced medical environment, with job stability and growth potential in the healthcare industry.

What does an ophthalmic surgical assistant do?

An ophthalmic surgical assistant supports eye surgeons during procedures by preparing surgical instruments, maintaining a sterile environment, and assisting with patient positioning. They may also handle patient education, sterilization of equipment, and ensure the smooth operation of surgical workflows, often working in ophthalmology clinics or surgical centers.

What cities are hiring for Ophthalmic Surgical Assisting jobs?

Cities with the most Ophthalmic Surgical Assisting job openings:

What states have the most Ophthalmic Surgical Assisting jobs?

States with the most job openings for Ophthalmic Surgical Assisting jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Ophthalmic Surgical Assisting jobs?

For Ophthalmic Surgical Assisting jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Ophthalmic Surgical Assisting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ophthalmic Surgical Assisting job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,920 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

Health Technician (Ophthalmology)

Madison, WI • On-site

SD Department of Veterans Affairs
Public Administration • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about SD Department of Veterans Affairsexternal

$55K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Ophthalmology Technicians in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) support Ophthalmologists in diagnosis, treatment, prevention, follow-up care and patient counseling.Qualifications:Basic Requirements:
Experience: One year of experience in a health care field, such as but not limited to nursing, medical assistant, or health technician.
OR
Education: Two years above high school with a minimum of six semester hours directly related to a health care field or associate's degree in a health care related degree.
OR
Experience/Education Combination: Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying. Examples are listed below:
(a) Six months of experience in the health care field; and one year above high school
(b) Six months of experience in the health care field and successful completion of a course for health care technicians, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or ophthalmology technicians given by the U.S. Armed Forces
(c) Six months of experience in the health care field and completion of an independent study course in Ophthalmic Medical Assisting.
AND
Certification: All applicants must be certified as a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) with the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO). The COA certification is JCAHPO's entry-level certification examination for a Health Technician ( Ophthalmology). Note: you MUST provide a copy of your certification with your application package
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
Grade Determinations:
GS-08: Must possess one year of experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level. Examples of GS-07 level equivalent experience would include: triages patient phone calls or requests; ensures exam rooms are stocked with adequate supplies; instructs patients on administration of eye drops and post-operative instructions; accurately measures, compares, and evaluates pupillary responses; administers eye drops to dilate pupils; performs basic color vision screening; performs visual field testing (using Amsler grid or automated equipment): performs basic imaging testing such as corneal topography; external photography; performs basic ocular testing such as pachymetry, tear production with test strips, glare testing, stereo acuity, contrast sensitivity, potential acuity meter, measuring spectacles using both automated and manual lensometry and transposing cylinders: assists the ophthalmologist during minor ophthalmic surgical procedures and is adept at applying sterile technique and infection control procedures; performs autorefractor to determine spectacle prescription.
AND
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
  • Ability to perform advanced tonometry and pupil evaluation
  • Ability to perform calculations for selection of intraocular lens
  • Knowledge of clinic based ophthalmic surgical assisting
  • Knowledge of eye anatomy and physiology
  • Knowledge of medication effects and proper instillation in the eye
  • Knowledge of optics
  • Knowledge of proper cleaning and maintenance of clinic equipment.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
Education:Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER

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