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Ophthalmic Assistant

Mercyhealth · Freeport, IL · $19.02–$28.53 an hour · Full time

Posted Sep 15, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you made a mistake in documentation or testing. How did you fix it?

What they are checking: Whether they own errors quickly, which matters when test results guide treatment.

What interests you about working in ophthalmology specifically?

What they are checking: Whether they have real interest in the specialty and will invest in learning its many tests.

What would you do

A patient calls saying they suddenly see flashes and floaters and a curtain over one eye. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they recognize possible retinal detachment as urgent during telephone triage.

The clinic is running behind and patients are getting frustrated. What do you do to keep flow moving?

What they are checking: Whether they help manage clinic flow and communicate delays kindly.

How do you explain a visual field test to an older patient who is nervous and keeps moving their eyes?

What they are checking: Whether they can coach patients to get reliable test results.

About the work

Which of the tests in this posting have you performed before, such as autorefractor, lensometry, visual fields, OCT or tonometry?

What they are checking: Whether they can start working up patients right away or will need training on specific equipment.

Walk me through how you room a patient and gather history before the ophthalmologist sees them.

What they are checking: Whether they collect a complete, organized workup that saves the physician time.

How do you check intraocular pressure with a Tono-Pen or applanation, and what reading would you flag right away?

What they are checking: Whether they know proper technique and recognize when a pressure needs immediate attention.

What do you check before you put dilating drops in a patient's eyes?

What they are checking: Whether they verify orders, allergies and risks before administering medications.

How do you help a patient and family understand eye drop instructions after a visit?

What they are checking: Whether they can educate in plain language and check that the patient understood.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Mercyhealth.

OVERVIEW This role provides direct patient care in an ophthalmology setting, including rooming patients, collecting assessment data, administering medications, and assisting physicians with exams and procedures. Responsibilities include performing specialized vision testing, educating patients and families, documenting care, telephone triage, and helping maintain an efficient flow of patients through the clinic. SCHEDULE: 32-hours per week SHIFT: Days ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Is responsible for patient care. • Rooms and collects patient assessment data. • Administers medications and performs other patient care procedures as directed and according to established criteria. • Assists physicians during treatment, testing and examinations. • Performs -. vision, refractometry and autorefractor, lensometer, color vision, stereo, fundus photography, corneal topography, visual fields, OCT, keratometry, tonopen/applanation and assists in minor room procedures. • Maintains timely flow of patients. • Provides patient and family education. • Documents patient care and related information. • Responds to incoming telephone calls. • Performs telephone triaging of patients. • Follows up on patient care as needed. • Reviews and maintains charts. EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE • High School diploma. • Prefer education as a paraprofessional in ophthalmology or optometry. CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE Certified by JCAHPO as an assistant. OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES Good interpersonal/communicative skills needed. LEVEL OF SUPERVISION Work is performed according to specific procedures and methods, but the incumbent must make minor decisions using independent judgment required in order to adapt to routine situations. PAY RANGE: $19.02 - $28.53 Mercyhealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer . All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Mercyhealth offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package including: • Medical, Dental, Vision • Life & Disability Insurance • FSA/HSA Options • Generous, accruing paid time off • Paid Parental and caregiver leave • Career advancement and educational opportunities • Tuition and certification reimbursement • Certification Reimbursement • Well-being Programs • Employee Discounts • On-Demand Pay • Financial Education • Annual recognition/awards events • Partner appreciation days • Family entertainment/attractions discount • Community service/improvement opportunities Click here for more details regarding Mercyhealth Careers Benefit Information. At Mercyhealth, we don’t simply hire people, we empower employee-partners who are passionate about making lives better. As an integrated health system, we deliver exceptional, coordinated across seven hospitals, 85 primary and specialty clinics, and a team of over 7,500 professionals serving northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Mercyhealth has been nationally recognized for our commitment to our people and culture, including: • #1 in the nation on AARP's Best Employers for Workers Over 50 • One of Working Mother magazine's 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers • A Top 50 Company and Top 10 Nonprofit for Executive Women

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