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Refractive Surgeon Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$17 - $22.75/hr

ERP International is seeking a full time Ophthalmology Technician to support the Refractive Surgery Center at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX! Apply online today and discover more about this ...

$305K - $381K/yr

Assistant or Associate Professor, Cornea, External Disease, & Refractive Surgery Specialist New England Eye Center at Tufts Medical Center Boston, Massachusetts The New England Eye Center(NEEC) in ...

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Refractive Surgeon information

See salary details

$29K

$179.4K

$400K

How much do refractive surgeon jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for refractive surgeon in the United States is $179,386.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,500.00 and $350,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a refractive surgeon?

A refractive surgeon is a medical doctor, typically an ophthalmologist, who specializes in performing surgical procedures to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. These surgeons use advanced techniques like LASIK, PRK, and other laser eye surgeries to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. Refractive surgeons evaluate patients, determine their suitability for surgery, and provide pre- and post-operative care to ensure the best possible visual outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Refractive Surgeon, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Refractive Surgeon, you need advanced surgical skills, in-depth ophthalmic knowledge, and a medical degree with completion of ophthalmology residency and fellowship training in refractive surgery. Familiarity with excimer and femtosecond lasers, corneal topography systems, and relevant certifications such as board certification in ophthalmology are crucial. Exceptional hand-eye coordination, attention to detail, and strong patient communication skills set outstanding refractive surgeons apart. These competencies ensure precise surgical outcomes, patient safety, and high satisfaction in a rapidly evolving, technology-driven field.

What are some common challenges faced by refractive surgeons in their daily practice?

Refractive surgeons often encounter challenges such as managing patient expectations, dealing with complex or borderline cases, and staying updated with rapidly evolving technologies. It's essential to communicate clearly about potential outcomes and risks, as patients may have high hopes for perfect vision post-surgery. Additionally, refractive surgeons regularly collaborate with optometrists and support staff to ensure thorough pre-operative evaluations and post-operative care, all while maintaining a high standard of safety and quality. Continuous education and adaptability are key to success in this dynamic field.

What is the difference between Refractive Surgeon vs Cataract Surgeon?

AspectRefractive SurgeonCataract Surgeon
CredentialsOphthalmology degree, specialized training in refractive proceduresOphthalmology degree, specialized training in cataract surgery
Work EnvironmentEye clinics, surgical centers, hospitalsEye clinics, surgical centers, hospitals
Common ProceduresLASIK, PRK, SMILECataract extraction, intraocular lens implantation
Industry UsageFocus on vision correction and refractive errorsFocus on cataract removal and lens replacement

Refractive Surgeons and Cataract Surgeons both require ophthalmology training, but Refractive Surgeons specialize in vision correction procedures like LASIK, while Cataract Surgeons focus on removing cataracts and replacing lenses. Their work environments overlap, but their procedures and patient goals differ significantly.

More about Refractive Surgeon jobs
What states have the most Refractive Surgeon jobs? States with the most job openings for Refractive Surgeon jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Refractive Surgeon jobs? For Refractive Surgeon jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Refractive Surgeon job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 98% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $179,386 per year, or $86.2 per hour.
Ophthalmology Tech - Refractive Research

Ophthalmology Tech - Refractive Research

Erp International

San Antonio, TX • On-site

$17 - $22.75/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Overview
ERP International is seeking a full time Ophthalmology Technician to support the Refractive Surgery Center at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX! Apply online today and discover more about this exceptional employment opportunity. www.erpinternational.com
Be the Best! Join our team of exceptional health care professionals across the nation. Come discover the immense pride and job satisfaction ERP Employees have in caring for our Military Members, their Families and Retired Military Veterans!
Be the Best! Join our team of exceptional health care professionals across the nation. Come discover the immense pride and job satisfaction ERP Employees experience in providing care for our Military Members, their Families and Retired Military Veterans! ERP International is honored to be named a 2026 Top Workplace by WTOP News! 7 Years Running.
* Excellent Compensation & Exceptional Comprehensive Benefits!
* Paid Vacation, Paid Sick Time, Plus 11 Paid Federal Holidays!
* Medical/Dental/Vision insurance available!
* Annual CME Stipend and License/Certification Reimbursement!
* 401K plan available!
About ERP International, LLC: ERP is a nationally respected provider of health, science, and technology solutions supporting clients in the government and commercial sectors. We provide comprehensive enterprise information technology, strategic sourcing, and management solutions to DoD and federal civilian agencies in 40 states. Founded in 2006, ERP is headquartered in Laurel, MD and maintains satellite offices in Montgomery, AL and San Antonio, TX - plus project locations nationwide. ERP is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Disability and Veteran.
Responsibilities
Work Schedule:
Monday - Friday, 9 hour shift between 5:30am and 6:0pm, including aone-hour lunch.
Refractive Research Technician Specific Duties: The duties include, but are not limited to the following;
• Perform initial medical screening of patients including history, distance and near visual acuity with and without correction or pinhole, pupillary light reflex, and application tonometry; assist with all aspects of patient care.
• Evaluate triage patients needing immediate attention.
• Answer or refer patient questions and chaperone patient exams, as needed.
• Establish a sterile field and assists with minor surgical procedures including PRK and LASIK and other refractive surgical procedures.
• Perform ophthalmic studies including auto refraction, keratometry, tonometry, visual field testing, pachymetry, specular microscopy, ophthalmic photography, potential acuity, brightness acuity, and other studies.
• Use and maintain an autorefractor, phoropter, auto and manual keratometer, tonopen, Humphrey and Goldman visual field machines, corneal topographer, A-scan machine, pachymeter, specular microscope, ophthalmic photography equipment, slit lamp, potential acuity meter, brightness acuity test, color vision plates, stereo vision test, and personal computers.
• Assist, educate, and train PRK staff, Ophthalmology Clinic residents, and other technicians in day-to-day clinic activities including organizing and maintaining exam room stocks.
• Assist with clinical training activities to include laser certification wet labs, optometrist comanager certification courses, and resident educational activities.
• Perform Excimer laser responsibilities to include equipment and instrument inventory and upkeep.
• Assist with clinical research protocols to include consenting subjects, assisting with completion of required study documentation, verification and auditing of study documents, data extraction, and handling of animals in research.
• Be able to quickly learn new and unfamiliar technology, test equipment, and procedures being trialed for the Warfighter Refractive Surgery Program.
• Assist in administrative/clinical duties such as filing and answering phones.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
* Education: Minimum HS Diploma or equivalent
* Experience: Minimum 3 years' experience in an Ophthalmology or similar department performing evaluations of PRK patients.
* Required Knowledge: 1) Knowledge of all aspects of refractive surgery and the pre-operative and post-operative management of refractive surgery patients. 2) Knowledge of clinic regulations, policies, and procedures to receive visitors and patients, screen phone calls, and answer or refer questions. 3) Knowledge of the internal organization of patient records in order to search the record to extract medical information and data relevant to patient care. 4) Knowledge required requisitioning equipment, supplies, and services.
* Clinical Certification: Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) or higher certification from JCAHPO
* Life Support Certification: Possess and maintain a current American Heart Association BLS Healthcare Provider certification.
* Security: Must possess ability to pass a Government background check/security clearance.