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Ophthalmic Assistant

SSM Health · WI · Full time

Posted Aug 27, 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 explained eye drops or post-procedure care to a patient.

What they are checking: Whether they can teach patients clearly so they follow instructions correctly at home.

Tell me about a time the clinic was running behind. How did you help keep things moving?

What they are checking: Whether they can work efficiently and keep patients informed in a busy eye clinic.

Why do you want to work in eye care specifically?

What they are checking: Whether they have real interest in ophthalmology and are likely to stay and grow in the role.

What would you do

A patient calls and says they suddenly see flashes of light and a curtain over their vision. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they recognize a possible retinal detachment and get the patient seen urgently.

An older patient with poor vision is having trouble getting to the exam room. How do you help?

What they are checking: Whether they are thoughtful about safety and dignity for patients who can't see well.

About the work

Walk me through how you check a patient's visual acuity.

What they are checking: Whether they do the basic test correctly and consistently, since providers base decisions on it.

How do you measure eye pressure with tonometry, and what results would you flag?

What they are checking: Whether they know the technique and recognize high pressure that could mean glaucoma.

What experience do you have with OCT, fundus photography or visual field testing?

What they are checking: Whether they can run the diagnostic imaging the posting names or are ready to learn it.

How do you take a good patient history before the doctor sees them?

What they are checking: Whether they ask the right questions about symptoms, medications and eye history to save the doctor time.

How do you clean and care for ophthalmic instruments between patients?

What they are checking: Whether they follow cleaning steps that prevent infections from spreading between patients.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by SSM Health.

It's more than a career, it's a calling WI-SSM Health Outpatient Center-Sun Prairie Worker Type: Regular Job Highlights: Ophthalmic Assistant Location: North High Point clinic- Madison Employment Type: Full-Time 32 hours per week Join Our Mission At SSM Health, we are committed to providing exceptional care and creating a healing environment for our patients. We are seeking a dedicated Ophthalmic Assistant to join our ophthalmology team and support our mission of delivering compassionate, high-quality eye care. Job Summary The Ophthalmic Assistant plays a vital role in assisting ophthalmologists and optometrists with patient care, diagnostic testing, and clinical procedures. This position ensures smooth clinic operations and an excellent patient experience. Responsibilities Prepare patients for eye examinations and procedures. Perform preliminary vision tests, including visual acuity, tonometry, and refraction. Assist with diagnostic imaging such as OCT, fundus photography, and visual field testing. Document patient history and maintain accurate medical records in the EMR system. Educate patients on eye health, medications, and post-procedure care. Maintain and clean ophthalmic instruments and equipment. Support physicians during minor procedures and surgeries as needed. Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent required; completion of an accredited ophthalmic assistant program preferred. COA (Certified Ophthalmic Assistant) certification strongly preferred or willingness to obtain within 18 months of hire. Previous experience in ophthalmology or optometry setting is a plus. Strong communication and organizational skills. Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced clinical environment. Why Join SSM Health? Competitive compensation and benefits package. Opportunities for professional growth and certification support. A mission-driven organization focused on holistic patient care. Collaborative and supportive team environment. Find balance with a schedule that has no nights or weekends Apply Today Job Summary: Participates in the care and treatment of eye care patients utilizing skills unique to optometry and ophthalmology. Demonstrates accountability to patients, peers and other health team members through positive customer relations and effective communication. Cares for children and adult patients of all ages. Job Responsibilities and Requirements: PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES • Assists eye care providers in the exam and treatment of patients. • Initiates documentation of the patient’s chief complaint, history of present illness, review of systems, and all pertinent ocular findings. • May perform testing to include visual acuity measurement, color vision testing, lensometry, keratometry, testing pupil function, tonometry, automated perimetry, evaluation of EOMs (Extra-Ocular Muscle), confrontation visual field testing, and other patient services as requested by the provider. • May act as a scribe by documenting (on behalf of the provider) all clinically relevant interaction and dialogue during the course of the patient visit. This will include: documenting history and exam, entering diagnoses, orders (medications, labs, imaging, consults, etc.), E&M (Evaluation & Management), follow up and patient instructions. Provides patient education under direction of eye care provider. • Assists with minor surgery procedures and laser treatments in the office, including application and removal of dressings as directed. • Inventories and maintains surgical instruments in accordance with system and department standards. • Screens patients and calls for emergency/urgent situations; obtains pertinent information for provider. • Works in a constant state of alertness and safe manner. • Performs other duties as assigned. EDUCATION • High School diploma/GED or 10 years of work experience EXPERIENCE • One year heath care experience PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS • Constant standing and walking. • Frequent use of hearing and speech to share information through oral communication. • Frequent use of hearing to distinguish body sounds and/or hear alarms, malfunctioning machinery, etc. • Frequent lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects weighing 0-25 lbs. • Frequent reaching, gripping, and keyboard use/data entry. • Frequent use of vision for distances near (20 inches or less) and far (20 feet or more) and to identify and distinguish colors. • Occasional bending, stooping, crawling, kneeling, sitting, squatting and repetitive foot/leg and hand/arm movements. • Occasional use of vision to judge distances and spatial relationships. • Occasional lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects weighing 25-50 lbs. • Occasional lifting/moving patients. • Occasional use of smell to detect/recognize odors. • Occasional driving. REQUIRED PROFESSIONAL LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS Resuscitation Certification Requirement: Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider (BLS HCP) required within 90 day of employment. Other resuscitation certifications may be required dependent on department. Work Shift: Day Shift (United States of America) Job Type: Employee Department: 6650160164 SPOC Ophthalmology Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 SSM Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. SSM Health provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Click here to learn more.

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