Ophthalmic Assistant

Ophthalmic assistant operates ophthalmic testing and measuring instruments to aid ophthalmologists in assessing patients’ vision. They record test results, administer eye drops, ointments and medications as directed by ophthalmologists. They can also assist ophthalmologists in office surgery. They are also responsible for the maintenance and cleaning of the instruments and equipment used during examinations and office surgery. They receive patients at the clinics and take their general medical and ophthalmic history. They perform various administrative duties.

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Average Hourly

$18.50

Range Hourly

$11.39 – $31.31

Average Yearly

$36,075

Range Yearly

$22,201 – $61,047

NOC Code

Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment (3237)

Alias Job Titles

Ophthalmic assistant

Ophthalmic medical assistant

Ophthalmic medical technician

Ophthalmic medical technologist

Ophthalmic technician

Ophthalmic technician (except retail)

Ophthalmic technologist

Ophthalmologist assistant

Qualifications Required

Ophthalmic medical assistants require completion of a one- to two-year college program or a two-year hospital-based training program in ophthalmic medical technology or a minimum of one year of supervised practical training under an ophthalmologist and completion of an approved ophthalmic assistant home study program.

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Salary Range

Average hourly	Range hourly	Average yearly	Range yearly
$18.50	$11.39 - $31.31	$36,075	$22,201 - $61,047

Job Demand

High

Employment outlook is mostly good across provinces. More information is available here.

Growth Opportunity

Different levels of Ophthalmologist assistant position can be obtained based on further training and skills acquired:

Three primary tiers:

-Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA)

-Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT)

-Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT)

Other levels with specified skills acquired:

-Ophthalmic Surgical Assisting (OSA)

-Registered Ophthalmic Ultrasound Biometrist (ROUB)

-Certified Diagnostic Ophthalmic Sonographer (CDOS)

-Corporate Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (CCOA)

-Ophthalmic Scribe Certification (OSC)

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Years' Experience Required

0-1 year

Training Options (if available)

An ophthalmic assistant program can be a start.

Examples:

Ophthalmic and Optometric Assisting certificate at SAIT

Ophthalmic Medical Personnel Program at Centennial College

Honors Bachelor of Science in Ophthalmic Medical Technology at University of Ottawa Eye Institute (TG) (with conditions limited candidates can directly enroll into 3^rd year)

Personal Qualities

Customer service, the ability to study and interpret customer issues, the ability to focus on details, patience and perseverance, organizational, interpersonal and communications skills, multitasking, analytical skills, ability to interpret scientific data, teamwork

Notes/Other Information

They usually work on day shifts. But evening, night, and weekend shifts might be needed if they work in hospital settings.

Licensing is generally not mandatory, but JCAHPO certification maybe preferred

Steps towards capacity building to become competitive for this job

Finding an opportunity through networking in an optometrist/ophthalmologist/optician’s office can be a start. This way by on-the-job training gradually getting certification for COA, COT, COMT is possible but difficult.
Enrolling into an ophthalmologic assistant program and then work all the way up can be a suitable option.
There is an option to get JCAHPO certification without getting further training for IMGs with ophthalmology background. They can ask for special consideration pathway for being eligible for JCAHPO certification exams. More information can be available here.

References

i. Alberta Learning Information Service

ii. Job Bank Canada

iii. National Occupation Classification ESDC

iv. Neuvoo

v. Indeed