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Ophthalmic Technician Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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How much do ophthalmic technician assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 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 2% As Needed, 75% 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 Technician Assistant (Ophthalmology)

Johns Hopkins University

Columbia, MD • On-site

$17.50 - $23/hr

Other

Posted 11 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

188th of 619 rated colleges and universities


Job description

We are seeking anOphthalmic Technician Assistantwho will learn to assist the Ophthalmologist by performing ocular examination and testing and supporting clinical operations.

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. Follow this link to learn more, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/wilmer/education/clinical-training/ophthalmic_technician.html

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

  • Obtain and concisely record an accurate patient history, including chief complaint, past ocular history, family history, systemic illness, medications, allergies and drug reactions, and social history.
  • Perform basic elements of the preliminary eye exam, including visual acuity, color vision testing, lensometry, assessment of pupillary reactions, instillation of eye drops, tonometry, and basic slit lamp exam including evaluation of anterior chamber depth.
  • Perform ancillary testing including operation of various automated and non-automated ophthalmic equipment.
  • Assistant physician chairside as a scribe.

Patient Services

  • Apply proper ocular dressings and shields.
  • Properly assist physically or visually disabled patients.
  • Assist with pre- and post-op care, including possible surgical assisting with outpatient procedures.

Clinical and Instrument Maintenance

  • Perform routine instrument maintenance on all ophthalmic equipment.
  • Stock examination rooms in assigned area and ensure medication expiration dates are current.
  • Disinfect and maintain examination rooms.
  • Possess general medical knowledge, including basic microbial control, ocular anatomy and physiology, systemic diseases, ocular diseases and ocular emergencies.

Maintain current CPR certification.

  • Must complete currently required JHMI courses, and abide by relevant regulations, such as,
  • Self-learning educational packets
  • HIPAA
  • Conflict of Interest
  • Training in software such as EPIC and Forum.
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
  • Familiarity with ophthalmic and general medical terminology.

Classified Title: Ophthalmic Technician Assistant
Job Posting Title (Working Title):Ophthalmic Technician Assistant (Ophthalmology)
Role/Level/Range: ACRO40/E/02/CD
Starting Salary Range:$17.65 - $31.05 HRLY ($18.41 starting: Commensurate w/exp.)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
FLSA Status:Non-Exempt
Location: JH at Columbia Center
Department name: Columbia Practice Oph
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