Ophthalmic Assistant

BY: KALEY DEAN

HEALTH LEARNING STRATEGIES

MS. KANE

MARCH 4, 2015

What is an Ophthalmic Assistant?

▪ Ophthalmic Assistants are communicative, smart, and important. The Ophthalmic Assistant’s job is to get patients prepared to see the Ophthalmologist (Eye Doctor). Ophthalmic assistants can usually complete the beginning of appointment without the guidance of the Eye Doctor by taking basic eye tests and measurements. Afterward, the Ophthalmologist comes in and together, the assistant and Ophthalmologist gather information while observing the patient’s performance to create a diagnosis. Being an Ophthalmic Assistant is a fun and easy job because it pays well and requires very little education. Certified Ophthalmic Assistants with the experience range of 1-4 years made a years salary of 41 thousand!!

Education requirements - Ophthalmic Assistant

- To become an Ophthalmic Assistant, there is no education needed past a high school diploma or GED.

- Basic Skills required in science, math, and computers. The individual must want to help people, and also must have good quality vision & hearing.

- There is on the job training available for this position.

- There are also optional training programs and certifications that can be applied towards meeting the standards of an entry – level Assistant

- There is an Ophthalmic Assistant Certificate program right here at Northern Essex Community College

Why is the Ophthalmic Assistant important?

Duties and Responsibilities

▪ Taking down patient information & medical records

▪ Taking eye measurements

▪ Handing out or gathering medications for the patient

▪ Providing eye care information including information about contact lens to the patient

▪ Maintaining and cleaning instruments used during examination

▪ Assisting the Ophthalmologist when directed

Sources Cited

1) Allied Health Profession. (2007, November 1). Retrieved March 3, 2015, from http://www.healthpronet.org/ahp_month/11_07.html

2) Certified Ophthalmic Assistant: Job Description, Duties and Salary. (n.d.). Retrieved March 3, 2015, from http://education-portal.com/articles/Certified_Ophthalmic_Assistant_Job_Description_Duties_and_Salary.html

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