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What is a certified ophthalmic surgical assistant and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
ScoreCertified Ophthalmic Surgical AssistantUS Average
Salary
3.5

Avg. Salary $44,864

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity
9.7
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.58%

Asian 5.85%

Black or African American 14.47%

Hispanic or Latino 12.28%

Unknown 4.68%

White 62.13%

Gender

female 89.86%

male 10.14%

Age - 40
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 40
Stress level
8.2

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
6.6

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
8.8

Work life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

Certified ophthalmic surgical assistant career paths

Key steps to become a certified ophthalmic surgical assistant

  1. Explore certified ophthalmic surgical assistant education requirements

    Most common certified ophthalmic surgical assistant degrees

    Bachelor's

    32.3 %

    Associate

    32.3 %

    High School Diploma

    16.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific certified ophthalmic surgical assistant skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Patients28.95%
    Surgery13.57%
    In-Office6.48%
    Laser Treatments5.99%
    Medical History5.05%
  3. Complete relevant certified ophthalmic surgical assistant training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New certified ophthalmic surgical assistants learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a certified ophthalmic surgical assistant based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real certified ophthalmic surgical assistant resumes.
  4. Research certified ophthalmic surgical assistant duties and responsibilities

    • Manage surgical scheduling, cataract evaluations, ultrasounds, keratometry, IOL selection, and preoperative exam for surgery.
    • Perform technical examination, testing and evaluation of cancer patients in outpatient setting and bedside.
    • Perform clinic work-ups/manifest refraction utilizing EMR, program and maintain laser equipment, clinical photography, and assist physicians during surgeries.
    • Project management and event coordinator responsibilities; Dr. Garcia hosts and attends numerous continuing education events yearly.
  5. Prepare your certified ophthalmic surgical assistant resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your certified ophthalmic surgical assistant resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a certified ophthalmic surgical assistant resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable certified ophthalmic surgical assistant resume templates

    Build a professional certified ophthalmic surgical assistant resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your certified ophthalmic surgical assistant resume.
    Certified Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant Resume
    Certified Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant Resume
    Certified Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant Resume
    Certified Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant Resume
    Certified Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant Resume
    Certified Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant Resume
    Certified Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant Resume
    Certified Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant Resume
    Certified Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant Resume
  6. Apply for certified ophthalmic surgical assistant jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a certified ophthalmic surgical assistant job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first certified ophthalmic surgical assistant job

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Average certified ophthalmic surgical assistant salary

The average certified ophthalmic surgical assistant salary in the United States is $44,864 per year or $22 per hour. Certified ophthalmic surgical assistant salaries range between $30,000 and $65,000 per year.

Average certified ophthalmic surgical assistant salary
$44,864 Yearly
$21.57 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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