Whether you are new to the field of Ophthalmology or have been working in it for years, regardless of your certification level, you’ll be part of a great team of clinical professionals, you’ll make a meaningful impact on your patients AND you’ll have a career and not just a job.

New to Ophthalmology, no worries! If you don’t have experience, the Dartmouth Hitchcock Workforce Readiness Institute has an outstanding training program with the opportunity to get on-the-job experience.

The ophthalmic assistant is a healthcare professional who works alongside ophthalmologists and optometrists to provide patient care in an ophthalmology setting. Working as an ophthalmic assistant can be a rewarding and fulfilling career choice for many reasons, including:

• Helping patients: As an ophthalmic assistant, you’ll play a critical role in providing patient care and helping individuals manage and maintain their eye health.
• Job security: As the population continues to age, the demand for eye care services is expected to grow. This means that there will be a continued need for ophthalmic assistants in the coming years, providing job security and stability.
• Opportunities for growth: Ophthalmic assistants can advance their careers by pursuing additional education and training, such as becoming a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA), Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) or even a Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT).
• Work-life balance: Ophthalmic assistants often work regular business hours, which can provide a good work-life balance.
• Variety in work: Ophthalmic assistants have the opportunity to work in all ophthalmic subspecialties as well as optometry, access to a wide array of technologies, including but not limited to optical, photography or biometry equipment.

Overall, working as an ophthalmic assistant can provide a fulfilling career with job security, opportunities for growth, work-life balance, and a chance to make a difference in patients’ lives.

Specific duties include:

• Assists with patient flow through the eye clinic by monitoring patient arrivals and helping patients navigate through the clinic.
• Prepare patients to see the eye care provider by performing comprehensive intake examinations. This includes (but is not limited to) collection and documentation of patient health and eye history, testing of visual acuity, visual fields, pupils, intraocular pressure, manual lensometry, manual and automated refraction (without prescribing), and administration of pharmacologic agents.
• Prepare patient, room, supplies, and equipment for exams and procedures.
• Maintain inventory, cleaning, care, and maintenance of ophthalmic supplies, equipment, and exam rooms.

Requirements include:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• Basic Life Support certification required within 60 days.