Career Opportunities

What does the future hold for me as an Ophthalmic Assistant?
The job outlook is favorable for graduating Certified Ophthalmic Assistant’s (COA’s) as the job market expects a 7% increase between now and 2016. There is currently a significant shortage of qualified ophthalmic assistants, technicians, and technologists in the U.S.  The demand will continue to increase because of the growing elderly population in this country.  As the baby boom generation grows older, more vision care specialists will be needed to keep up with demand.

Salary Range
The average starting salary is $12-14 per hour or $25,000- $29,000 per year with the opportunity to earn more with experience and additional training and certification.  Assistants are eligible to take the Certified Ophthalmic Technician exam after one year of professional experience in the field and earn an increase in salary.