The Ophthalmic Technician provides clinical and technical support to eye care providers by performing diagnostic tests and assisting with patient evaluations. They are responsible for documenting findings in electronic medical records and ensuring the clinic operates efficiently.
Requirements summary
Candidates must possess a High School Diploma or GED and hold a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. The role requires the ability to perform various ophthalmic diagnostic tests and maintain clinical equipment.
high schoolprofessional certificateBasic Life SupportPatient educationElectronic medical recordsRefractometryDiagnostic imagingEquipment calibrationVisual acuity testingOcular anatomyClinical workflowsPatient history collectionOphthalmic examinationsOphthalmic triage
Job description
We are recruiting for a mission-driven Ophthalmic Technician (Apprentice – Level IV) to join our team!
We're with you for life’s journey.
At Denver Health, purpose isn’t just something we believe in—it’s something we live every day, for life’s journey.
Our Values Respect | Belonging | Accountability | Transparency Department DH EYE CLINIC PAV L Job Summary The Ophthalmic Technician provides clinical and technical support to ophthalmologists, optometrists, and residents in the outpatient eye clinic.
This role performs a variety of ophthalmic diagnostic tests, assists providers with patient evaluations and procedures, and supports efficient clinic operations to ensure high quality patient care.
Ophthalmic Technicians work collaboratively with physicians and care teams to collect clinical data, perform diagnostic imaging and testing, document findings in the electronic medical record, and prepare patients for examination and treatment.
Positions are structured across multiple levels based on experience, certifications, and demonstrated technical competency.
Levels
Apprentice 0 years of experience The apprentice spends 3-4 months learning all basic ophthalmic principles and working in the optometry clinic. Apprentices who successfully complete their training are eligible for promotion to technician I. $21/hour
Core
Technician
Levels: Ophthalmic Technician I 1 year of eye technician experience or completion of ophthalmic apprenticeship $22.87 – $32.02/hour Ophthalmic Technician II 1–3 years of ophthalmology experience $25.68 – $35.95/hour Advanced Technician Levels Ophthalmic Technician III 4-6 years of ophthalmology experience and advanced expertise, including precepting $26.90 – $39.01/hour Ophthalmic Technician IV 4-6 years of ophthalmology experience, advanced expertise including precepting, and required ophthalmic certification $27.92 – $40.48/hour. Placement within the level is determined by experience, technical skills, responsibilities, and certifications. Essential Functions Clinical Patient Assessment
Performs ophthalmic examinations including patient history collection, visual acuity testing, pupillary assessment, intraocular pressure measurement, ocular motility evaluation, and lensometry.
Prepares patients for physician examination and assists providers during clinical encounters.
Benefits
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Retirement plans
Medical insurance
Paid time off
Tuition reimbursement
Life insurance
Disability insurance
Parental leave
Professional development
Fitness center
Childcare discount
Public transportation pass
Loan forgiveness assistance
Performs refractometry and accurately records findings for provider interpretation. Diagnostic Testing
Performs diagnostic ophthalmic testing including visual fields, OCT imaging, pachymetry, corneal topography, A-scan biometry, and ocular photography.
Assists with advanced testing as skills and certifications progress.
Supports evaluation and documentation of diagnostic results in the electronic medical record. Patient Education
Educates patients on contact lens care, eyewear use, and medication instructions.
Provides instructions related to testing procedures and treatment plans. Clinic Operations
Prepares and stocks examination rooms and maintains ophthalmic diagnostic equipment.
Ensures proper calibration and functioning of testing instruments.
Maintains a clean and organized clinical environment to support patient care. Advanced Skills Development
Develops additional competency in fluorescein angiography, cataract evaluation workflows, pediatric ophthalmic assessments, and ophthalmic triage.
Participates in ongoing training and skill development to expand technical capabilities. Education High School Diploma or GED required. Completion of an ophthalmic technician apprenticeship program may substitute for experience. Licensure / Certification Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required through the American Heart Association or American Red Cross.
Preferred certifications: Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA), Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT), Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of ophthalmic assisting techniques and clinical workflows
Understanding of optics, visual acuity testing, and ocular anatomy
Ability to perform diagnostic ophthalmic testing and imaging
Accurate documentation in electronic health records (Epic preferred)
Strong patient communication and education skills
Ability to work effectively in a fast paced outpatient clinical environment
Ability to collaborate with physicians, residents, and interdisciplinary clinical teams Shift Work Type Regular Salary $22.87 - $32.02 / hr Benefits At Denver Health, we take care of the people who take care of our community. Our benefits are built to support your life, your family, and your future — with generous paid time off, fully paid parental leave, exceptional retirement contributions, comprehensive health coverage, and nationally recognized well-being programs. We invest in your growth through tuition assistance, career advancement pathways, and professional development — while also offering meaningful financial advantages through loan forgiveness eligibility and employer contributions. When you join Denver Health, you’re joining a mission-driven organization that invests in you.
Here is a small list of our benefit programs: Paid time off starting at 28 days per year, inclusive of vacation, personal/sick, and 7 Holidays 100% paid parental leave up to 6 weeks Immediate eligibility for retirement plans with employer contribution up to 9.5% Generous medical, dental, vision plans in addition to employer paid disability and life insurance. Comprehensive well-being programs including on-site employee fitness center located on Denver Health main campus and nationally recognized RESTORE Center Free RTD EcoPass (public transportation) Childcare discount programs & exclusive perks on large brands, travel, and more Tuition reimbursement & assistance Education, coaching, and professional development opportunities through the Workforce Development Center (WFDC) that support internal career growth and advancement pathways Professional clinical advancement program & shared governance Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer+ free student loan coaching and assistance navigating the PSLF program National Health Service Corps (NHCS) and Colorado Health Service Corps (CHSC) eligible employer About Denver Health Denver Health is an integrated, high-quality academic health care system considered a model for the nation that includes a Level I Trauma Center, a 555-bed acute care medical center, Denver’s 911 emergency medical response system, 10 family health centers, 19 school-based health centers, Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety, the Public Health Institute at Denver Health, Denver Health Medical Plan and Denver Health Foundation. As Colorado’s primary, and essential, safety-net health care system, Denver Health is a mission-driven organization that has provided millions in uncompensated care for the uninsured each year. Located near downtown Denver, Denver Health is just minutes away from many of the cultural and recreational activities Denver has to offer. Denver Health is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We value the unique ideas, talents and contributions reflective of the needs of our community. All job applicants for safety-sensitive positions must pass a pre-employment drug test, once a conditional offer of employment has been made. Applicants will be considered until the position is filled. We Love Our Purpose Our purpose shapes our culture and guides how we show up—for our patients, our communities, and one another. Every role at Denver Health contributes to improving lives, advancing health equity, and strengthening the communities we serve. Together, we strive to transform the health of our patients and to be the most trusted health care provider in Colorado. Our values—respect, belonging, transparency, and accountability—are the foundation of our culture and are reflected across every position, clinical and nonclinical alike. No matter where you work at Denver Health, your role has a meaningful impact on patient health—often in ways you may not even realize. We invest in our people through resources designed to support both immediate success and long-term growth. Mentorship programs, tuition assistance, and our Workforce Development Center help employees transition seamlessly into their roles while preparing for future advancement. We also lead the market with a competitive benefits package, including retirement contributions with a match of up to 9.5%. Recognizing the emotional and physical demands of many jobs in health care, we created the RESTORE Center—a leading-edge space that provides intentional peer-support, and an innovative environment designed to reduce burnout and support employee well-being. At Denver Health, purpose isn’t just something we believe in—it’s something we live every day, for life’s journey. Learn more about Denver Health.
