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Ophthalmology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ophthalmic Assistant

Asheville, NC · On-site

$16.75 - $22/hr

Join Carolina Ophthalmology as a full-time Ophthalmic Assistant, where you'll be at the forefront of patient care in a vibrant and growing community. This is an exciting opportunity to work onsite ...

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ophthalmology information

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$12

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How much do ophthalmology jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for ophthalmology 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 ophthalmology?

Ophthalmology is a branch of medicine and surgery that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of eye disorders and diseases. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who are specially trained to provide a full spectrum of eye care, from prescribing glasses and contact lenses to performing complex eye surgeries. They manage conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Ophthalmologists also conduct regular eye exams to monitor vision and eye health, helping to detect issues early and preserve sight.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in ophthalmology, and why are they important?

To thrive in Ophthalmology, you need a medical degree, completion of an ophthalmology residency, and board certification, with strong knowledge of eye anatomy, diseases, and surgical techniques. Familiarity with diagnostic imaging tools, microsurgical instruments, and electronic medical record systems is crucial. Excellent hand-eye coordination, attention to detail, patient communication, and empathy are standout soft skills in this specialty. These competencies are vital to ensure accurate diagnoses, successful treatments, and strong patient relationships in a field where precision and trust are essential.

What are some common challenges faced by ophthalmologists during their daily practice?

Ophthalmologists often encounter challenges such as balancing a high patient volume with providing individualized care, keeping up with rapid advancements in diagnostic and surgical technology, and managing complex cases with multiple comorbidities. Additionally, they must coordinate closely with optometrists, nurses, and sometimes other specialists to ensure comprehensive eye care. Staying up-to-date with continuing education and changes in healthcare regulations is also essential for maintaining best practices in the field.

What is the difference between Ophthalmology vs Optometry?

AspectOphthalmologyOptometry
Required CredentialsMedical degree, residency in ophthalmology, medical licenseDoctor of Optometry (OD) degree, state license
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, surgical centersOptometry clinics, retail optical stores
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare providers, hospitals, specialized eye centersPrivate practices, retail optical chains, community clinics
Common Search & ComparisonEye surgery, medical eye careVision exams, glasses, contact lenses

Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who diagnose and treat eye diseases, perform surgeries, and provide comprehensive eye care. Optometrists primarily conduct eye exams, prescribe corrective lenses, and manage certain eye conditions. While both roles focus on eye health, ophthalmologists have extensive medical training and perform surgeries, whereas optometrists focus on vision correction and basic eye care.

What jobs are there in ophthalmology?

Jobs in ophthalmology include ophthalmologists, who are medical doctors diagnosing and treating eye conditions, and optometrists, who perform eye exams and prescribe corrective lenses. Other roles include ophthalmic technicians, opticians, and research scientists specializing in eye health and vision science. These positions often require relevant certifications and training in eye care and medical procedures.
More about ophthalmology jobs

What cities are hiring for Ophthalmology jobs?

Cities with the most Ophthalmology job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Ophthalmology jobs?

The most popular types of Ophthalmology jobs are:

What states have the most Ophthalmology jobs?

States with the most job openings for Ophthalmology jobs include:

Infographic showing various Ophthalmology job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 2% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% 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.

Ophthalmic Assistant, Ophthalmology

Dallas, TX • On-site

$17.50 - $23/hr

Full-time

Medical, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

WHY UT SOUTHWESTERN?
With over 75 years of excellence in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, UT Southwestern is committed to excellence, innovation, teamwork, and compassion. As a world-renowned medical and research center, we strive to provide the best possible care, resources, and benefits for our valued employees. Ranked as the number 1 hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth according to U.S. News & World Report , we invest in you with opportunities for career growth and development to align with your future goals. Our highly competitive benefits package offers healthcare, PTO and paid holidays, on-site childcare, wage, merit increases and so much more. We invite you to be a part of the UT Southwestern team where you'll discover a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and a rewarding career!
JOB SUMMARY
Works under minimum supervision to provide assistance in routine technical procedures, gathering data, and administering treatments. Performs tasks of routine and standardized nature.
BENEFITS
UT Southwestern is proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our benefits are designed to support your overall wellbeing, and include:
  • PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage
  • 100% coverage for preventive healthcare-no copay
  • Paid Time Off, available day one
  • Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
  • Paid Parental Leave Benefit
  • Wellness programs
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer
  • Learn more about these and other UTSW employee benefits!
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
Required
  • Education
    High School Diploma
  • Experience
    2 years of experience in medical or related field.
Preferred
  • Education
    Preferred completion of basic and advanced home-study courses approved by the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology within one year of the hire date.
  • Experience
    Experience in eye care is preferred.
JOB DUTIES
  • Assists ophthalmologists in treatment and care of patients.
  • Opens, stocks, cleans, and closes patient rooms.
  • Obtains basic medical history and ocular complaints from patients.
  • Measures patients' glasses.
  • Writes and calls in Rx prescriptions to pharmacies as directed by ophthalmologists.
  • Tests ocular functions, including visual acuity, muscle balance, and intra-ocular tension.
  • Administers eye and oral medications as directed by ophthalmologists.
  • Changes eye dressings and instructs patients and/or caregivers in home care.
  • Maintains ophthalmic instruments by sterilizing surgical instruments and cleaning exposed lenses, mirrors, and prisms and replacing bulbs and batteries.
  • Duties performed may include one or more of the following core functions: (a) Directly interacting with or caring for patients; (b) Directly interacting with or caring for human-subjects research participants; (c) Regularly maintaining, modifying, releasing or similarly affecting patient records (including patient financial records); or (d) Regularly maintaining, modifying, releasing or similarly affecting human-subjects research records.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
SECURITY AND EEO STATEMENT
Security
This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information.
EEO
UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.