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Version:
OaSIS 2025 Version 1.0
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33109.04 – Ophthalmic assistants

Ophthalmic assistants operate ophthalmic testing and measuring instruments to aid ophthalmologists in assessing patients' vision and assist ophthalmologists in minor office surgery.

Overview

Example job titles

  • Ophthalmic assistant

Core competencies

  • Equipment and Tool Selection to use the appropriate ophthalmic instruments to assist in diagnostic assessments and minor office surgeries
  • Oral Communication: Active Listening to listen to patients' concerns and medical history to best answer questions and convey information to ophthalmologists
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness to operate delicate ophthalmic testing and measuring instruments with precision and stability
  • Near Vision to accurately observe and assess the anatomy and function of the eye, including the retina, optic nerve and cornea
  • Attention to Detail to document, verify and update patient files with diagnostic test results, prescriptions and medical history
  • Knowledge in Biology to comprehend ophthalmic conditions, diagnostic tests and treatment modalities

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Take patients' general medical and ophthalmic history
  • Operate ophthalmic testing and measuring instruments to aid ophthalmologists in assessing patients' vision
  • Instruct patient on diagnostic test and record results
  • Assist ophthalmologists in minor office surgery
  • Administer eye drops, ointments and medications as directed by ophthalmologists
  • Clean and maintain ophthalmic instruments and equipment
  • Perform various administrative duties

Additional information

  • Ophthalmic assistants may progress to ophthalmic technician positions with training and experience.
  • Certified Ophthalmic Assistants may also have additional specialty certification such as Registered Ophthalmic Ultrasound Biometrist (ROUB) or Certified Diagnostic Ophthalmic Sonographer (CDOS).

Similar occupations classified elsewhere

Exclusions:

  • Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists (32123)
  • Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations (33101)
  • Medical laboratory technologists (32120)
  • Medical radiation technologists (32121)
  • Medical sonographers (32122)
  • Operating room technicians (32101.02)
  • Other medical technologists and technicians (32129)
  • Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment (32109)
  • Pharmacy technicians (32124)

NOC hierarchy breakdown

NOC version

NOC 2021 Version 1.0

Broad occupational category

3 – Health occupations

TEER

3 – Occupations usually require a college diploma or apprenticeship training of less than two years; or more than six months of on-the-job training

Major group

33 – Assisting occupations in support of health services

Sub-major group

331 – Assisting occupations in support of health services

Minor group

3310 – Assisting occupations in support of health services

Unit group

33109 – Other assisting occupations in support of health services

Occupational profile

33109.04 – Ophthalmic assistants

O*NET in-it

This page includes information from the O*NET 27.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Employment and Social Development Canada has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.