Ophthalmologic Medical Assistants
Career Guide: Salary, Job Duties, and More
This page offers details on the expected salaries, day-to-day job duties, and additional insights for those exploring or considering a career as a ophthalmology medical assistant.
What is a Ophthalmologic Medical Assistant?
Ophthalmology medical assistants play a vital role supporting ophthalmologists in the clinic and operating room. They assist with pre- and post-op patient care, prepare exam rooms, administer tests, maintain instruments and supplies, document records, and handle various front and back office duties.
Though their work is often behind-the-scenes, ophthalmology assistants enable ophthalmologists, optometrists, and techs to focus on direct patient care. With training in fields like optometry, ophthalmic technology, and medical assisting, they provide compassionate service and ensure clinic workflows run smoothly.
If you’re considering training to become an ophthalmology assistant, read the sections below covering medical assistant certification, workplace environments, salary outlooks, and additional frequently asked questions.
Key Responsibilities of a Ophthalmologic Medical Assistant
With strong organizational skills and the ability to work well under pressure, ophthalmic medical assistants help ensure seamless patient flow and assist ophthalmologists in providing quality eye care.
- Preparing examination rooms by sanitizing equipment and stocking supplies
- Assisting with patient history intake and documentation
- Administering diagnostic tests like tonometry and ophthalmoscopy
- Educating patients on eye conditions and treatment plans
- Coordinating eye medication prescriptions and glasses/contacts orders
- Assisting with minor office eye procedures and treatments
- Facilitating surgery scheduling and pre-operative processes
The outlook for careers as ophthalmology medical assistants appears extremely favorable over the next decade, with job growth projected to substantially outpace average rates. Several key factors are fueling robust underlying demand. The aging population is necessitating more exams, treatments, and procedures for prevalent eye diseases like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
Lifestyle impacts on eye health are also driving expanded patient volumes. In tandem, the proliferation of specialty clinics and ambulatory surgery centers is bolstering assistant hiring. Investments in advanced technologies and new medications also support staffing growth. Assistants are seeing increased responsibilities in managing operations, diagnostics, and patient education. Their adaptability enables leveraging across both clinic and surgical settings.
The combination of rapid industry growth and rising value of specialized ophthalmic assistant skills points toward a very favorable career outlook. For those laying the proper educational and experiential foundations, there are promising prospects for career progression and advancement supporting ophthalmologists.
National Average: $55,130.00
| U.S. Regions | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| West | $57,230.00 |
| Midwest | $48,130.00 |
| Northeast | $57,140.00 |
| Southwest | $44,620.00 |
| Southeast | $45,230.00 |
Additional Key Information:
| Salary Range | $41,593.00 entry level to $69,454.00+ |
| Common Benefits | Health insurance, retirement, vacation & bonuses |
How Do I Become a Ophthalmology Medical Assistant?
Pursuing a career as an ophthalmology medical assistant supporting ophthalmologists, optometrists, and patients is an incredibly rewarding path for those interested in specialty care. Properly preparing for this vital role requires progressing through key education, certification, and practical experience milestones:
Education
- Earn a high school diploma or equivalent to establish baseline skills and knowledge for further development
- Enroll in a 1-2 year medical assisting or ophthalmic technician certificate or associate’s degree program covering anatomy, medical terminology, diagnostic tests, medications, and basic eye care procedures
Certification
- Obtain relevant credentials like CMA, COA, or COMT to demonstrate expertise in areas like anatomy, clinical processes, patient care, and eye care standards
- Certifications require passing an exam and documenting work experience
Practical Experience
- Complete a supervised clinical externship in ophthalmology offered through quality training programs
- Gain skills in visual acuity testing, eye dilation, specialized instruments, and front/back office responsibilities
- Consider related roles as an optometry assistant or technician to boost hands-on exposure
Those aspiring to become ophthalmology medical assistants have a rewarding career ahead helping eye doctors and patients. The key is laying the proper foundation through education, hands-on training, and credentialing.
Enroll in an accredited program specializing in medical assisting or ophthalmic technology to establish core knowledge. Reinforce learning via a clinical externship. Certifications like CMA and COMT boost qualifications and job prospects. Keeping these tips in mind will lead to success in launching this fulfilling career supporting critical eye care.
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