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Ophthalmic Technician Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ophthalmic Technician

Media, PA · On-site

$18.75 - $25.25/hr

The Ophthalmic Technician assist the Ophthalmologist with direct patient care. Completes patient medical and ocular history. Responsibilities: * Completes medical and ocular history on all patients.

Ophthalmic Technician

Media, PA · On-site

$18.75 - $25.25/hr

The Ophthalmic Technician assist the Ophthalmologist with direct patient care. Completes patient medical and ocular history. Responsibilities: * Completes medical and ocular history on all patients.

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Ophthalmic Technician Assistant information

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How much do ophthalmic technician assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for ophthalmic technician 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 technician assistant?

Ophthalmic Technician Assistants are healthcare professionals who support ophthalmologists and optometrists in eye care clinics and hospitals. They help with patient preparation, conduct basic eye tests, operate specialized ophthalmic equipment, and assist in minor procedures. Their role is essential for ensuring smooth workflow and high-quality patient care in eye health settings. While they do not diagnose or treat patients, their technical and administrative support is crucial in the delivery of eye care services.

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

To thrive as an Ophthalmic Technician Assistant, you need a solid understanding of basic eye anatomy, patient care, and vision testing, typically supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training or certification. Familiarity with ophthalmic instruments, electronic health records (EHRs), and diagnostic imaging systems is commonly required. Attention to detail, excellent communication, and a compassionate demeanor are standout soft skills for this role. These abilities are crucial for ensuring accurate patient assessments, smooth clinic operations, and positive patient experiences.

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

Ophthalmic Technician Assistants often work in fast-paced clinical environments, balancing patient care with technical tasks such as performing eye tests and preparing exam rooms. A common challenge is adapting quickly to changing patient schedules while maintaining accuracy in data collection and equipment handling. Strong organizational skills, clear communication with the ophthalmology team, and ongoing training can help manage these demands effectively, ensuring both efficient workflow and high-quality patient care.

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

AspectOphthalmic Technician AssistantOphthalmic Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingCertification or training in ophthalmic technology; some states require licensure
Work EnvironmentOptometry or ophthalmology clinics, assisting with basic patient careMore advanced clinical tasks, including diagnostic testing and patient assessments
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with patient prep, basic eye measurements, and clerical tasksPerforming diagnostic tests, measuring visual acuity, and assisting ophthalmologists

Ophthalmic Technician Assistants typically support ophthalmic technicians by handling basic tasks and patient prep, requiring minimal formal certification. Ophthalmic Technicians perform more advanced diagnostic and clinical procedures, often requiring certification or specialized training. Both roles are essential in eye care settings, but the technician role involves greater technical responsibilities and expertise.

How do I become an ophthalmic technician assistant?

To become an ophthalmic technician assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may pursue postsecondary training or certification in ophthalmic assisting. Relevant skills include knowledge of eye anatomy, patient care, and use of ophthalmic instruments; some positions may require on-the-job training or certification from organizations like the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO).

How long does it take to be an ophthalmic technician assistant?

Becoming an ophthalmic technician assistant typically requires completing a post-secondary certificate or diploma program, which can take from several months up to a year. Some positions may also require on-the-job training or certification in ophthalmic assisting, which can add additional weeks or months to the process.

Is being an ophthalmic technician assistant worth it?

Ophthalmic technician assistants perform basic eye care tasks, assist with patient exams, and support ophthalmologists. The role offers opportunities for skill development, certification, and entry into the healthcare field, with typical work hours and a moderate level of responsibility. Whether it is worth it depends on personal interest in eye care and career goals in healthcare.
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Infographic showing various Ophthalmic Technician Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% 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 Technician Assistant (Ophthalmology)

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • On-site

$18.75 - $25/hr

Other

Re-posted 4 days ago


Johns Hopkins University rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 71 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

190th of 627 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Ophthalmic Technician Assistant

With close supervision and instruction, we are seeking an Ophthalmic Technician Assistant who will learn to assist the Ophthalmologist with patient care by performing ophthalmic testing as outlined below. Working with faculty, Clinic Manager and Clinic Supervisor, this position's primary role is to provide technician/clinical support to physicians. Secondary responsibilities include administrative duties such as responding to In-Basket messages from patients to answer questions, refill prescriptions after doctor verification, helps complete forms (i.e. MVA) and involves physicians as needed if patients' questions require medical advice.

The Wilmer Eye Institute of Johns Hopkins University has an exciting opportunity for exceptional candidates to train for a career as an Ophthalmic Technician, no experience required. Start your career in Ophthalmology with one of the leading organizations in delivering state-of-the art eye care, training future healthcare leaders, and conducting cutting-edge research. We have a robust training program that will provide you with a strong foundation to pursue a multitude of career paths beyond Ophthalmic Technician such as Clinic Manager, Ophthalmic Clinic Supervisor, Assistant Administrator, Orthoptist, Optometrist, Marketing, IT, and Research, to name a few. This is also an opportunity for pre-med students to gain clinical experience during their gap year or prior to applying to medical school, as well. No evening or weekend work required.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

  • Asks every single patient to state their name and date of birth before performing any of testing regardless of how many times the patient has been seen before. Compares the patient's EMRN to the number on the testing machine.
  • Records patient history including chief complaint, information on ocular history, past surgeries, medical condition, medications taken, allergies, learning assessment, falls risk and family history.
  • Checks pupil response to light by shining light into eye and watching speed with which pupils constrict; checks for afferent pupillary defect.
  • Measures and records distance and near visual acuity.
  • Measures and records intraocular pressure using applanation tonometry.
  • Performs various ophthalmic testing as ordered by the physician.
  • Screens for presence of ocular motility disorders.
  • Uses slit lamp to examine eye surface.
  • Performs basic maintenance or repair of clinical equipment.
  • Compiles and enters data for clinical studies; may participate in other clinical research projects as needed.

Assists with in office procedures.

  • Responsible for exam room supply maintenance.
  • Ensures medication expiration dates are current.
  • Responsible for maintaining and ordering instruments.
  • Disinfects and maintains examination rooms.
  • Understands and practices the fundamentals of microbial control.
  • Maintains refrigerator logs and sharps containers.
  • Is familiar with JCAHO requirements and ensures clinic practice is compliant with regulations.

Non -clinical duties

  • Processes refill requests.
  • Instills eye drops under physicians' direction.
  • Assists with obtaining prior authorizations for upcoming in office procedures.
  • Provides support to front desk staff by offering triaging help for appointment scheduling.
  • Responds to patients' questions and explains technician related concerns to front desk staff.
  • Monitors inventory and orders medications for intravitreal injections.
  • Provides input on templates/schedules to maximize patient flow and physician efficiency.
  • Maintains general medical knowledge of ocular anatomy and physiology, systemic diseases, ocular diseases and ocular emergencies.
  • Maintains required (COA) ophthalmic technician certifications.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

  • High School Diploma or graduation equivalent.
  • Must obtain Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) from Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) within 18 months of start date.
  • CPR certification also required.
  • Additional education may substitute for required experience to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Prior experience in a clinical office setting as an ophthalmic technician.

Classified Title: Ophthalmic Technician Assistant Role/Level/Range: ACRO40/E/02/CD Starting Salary Range: $17.65 - $31.05 HRLY ($18.41 starting pay; Commensurate w/exp.) Employee group: Full Time Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Location: School of Medicine Campus Department name: SOM Oph Retina Service Personnel area: School of Medicine


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About Johns Hopkins University

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Gilman believed that teaching and research go hand in hand—that success in one depends on success in the other—and that a modern university must do both well. He also believed that sharing our knowledge and discoveries would help make the world a better place. In 145 years, we haven’t strayed from that vision. This is still a destination for excellent, ambitious scholars and a world leader in teaching and research. Distinguished professors mentor students in the arts and music, humanities, social and natural sciences, engineering, international studies, education, business, and the health professions. Those same faculty members, along with their colleagues at the university’s Applied Physics Laboratory, have made us the nation’s leader in federal research and development funding every year since 1979. That’s a fitting distinction for America’s first research university, a place that has revolutionized higher education in the U.S. and continues to bring knowledge and discoveries to the world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Baltimore, MD, US

Year founded

1876