Ophthalmic Assistant

Allina Health; Hastings (MN); On-site; USD 34,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental

PTO/Time Away

Retirement Savings Plans

Life Insurance

Short-term/Long-term Disability

Tuition Reimbursement

Student Loan Support

Job summary

Allina Health is a not-for-profit health system serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin. The Ophthalmology and Optometry department in Hastings seeks an Ophthalmic Assistant to support patient care through preliminary testing, exam prep and in-office procedures.

The role is full-time (1.0 FTE), with 8- and 12-hour day shifts and no weekend work, primarily based in Hastings with coverage at the Bandana Square clinic.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years old with required competencies.
• 0–2 years medical/optical experience.
• 0–2 years familiarity with pre-certification and payer requirements.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Two-year ophthalmic assistant/vocational training.
• Knowledge of complete eye exam tests and surgical assisting procedures.

Responsibilities

• Performs patient preparation, assessments and eye exam.
• Assists with surgical in-office procedures and foreign body removals.
• Schedules surgeries and coordinates perioperative visits and referrals.
• Opens and closes patient rooms; assists with training on lens insertion/removal.
• Maintains ophthalmic supplies and cleans equipment.

Skills

Medical/optical experience

Pre-certification knowledge

Education

High school diploma or GED

Two-year ophthalmic training program

Job description

Location Address:

1880 North Frontage RdHastings, MN 55033-2687

Date Posted:

September 18, 2026

Department:

62833300 Ophthalmology and Optometry

Shift:

Day (United States of America)

Shift Length:

8/12 combo shift

Hours Per Week:

40

Union Contract:

Non-Union-NCT

Weekend Rotation:

None

Job Summary:

Allina Health is a not-for-profit health system that cares for individuals, families and communities throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. If you value putting patients first, consider a career at Allina Health. Our mission is to provide exceptional care as we prevent illness, restore health and provide comfort to all who entrust us with their care. This includes you and your loved ones. We are committed to providing whole person care, investing in your well-being, and enriching your career.

Key Position Details:

• 1.0 FTE (80 hours per two-week pay period)
• 8- and 12-hour day shift
• No weekends
• Primary location is Hastings, with additional coverage at the Bandana Square clinic
• Floating within a 20-mile radius as needed

Assists in the care of the patient by conducting preliminary ocular testing and vision screening, preparing the patient for the exam and/or in-office surgery in addition to assisting with the in-office procedures and foreign body removals. Uses effective patient communication and management of workflow to coordinate the care of the patient through referral, consultation, procedure scheduling and postoperative visits. Ensures that all patient rooms are clean and well stocked.

Principle Responsibilities

• Performs patient preparation, assessments and eye exam.
  • Collects vital signs, medication reconciliation, allergies and chief complaint.
  • Collects patient and family history and ocular history.
  • Performs preliminary testing and basic exam.
  • Documents in the electronic medical record.
• Provider surgical support.
  • Assists with surgical in-office procedures and foreign body removals.
  • Schedules surgeries including peri-operative/post-operative visits and obtains prior authorizations and referrals.
  • Conducts pre-surgery testing and patient education for surgical procedures.
• Department support.
  • Opens and closes patient rooms.
  • Provides patient contact lens insertion/removal training.
  • Answers and follows-up on calls from patients and suppliers.
• Department supply management/maintenance.
  • Orders and maintains ophthalmic supplies, medications and diagnostic contact lens inventory.
  • Cleans and sterilizes equipment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age with education and/or experience needed to meet required functional competencies as listed on the job description
• 0 to 2 years medical/optical experience
• 0 to 2 years Familiarity with pre-certification and payer requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Vocational or Technical Training in a two year medical/optical program or a two year Ophthalmic Assistant program
• 0 to 2 years knowledge of complete eye exam tests and procedures as well as surgical assisting procedures

Licenses/Certifications

• Certified Ophthalmic Assistant - Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology upon hire

Physical Demands

• Light Work:
• Lifting weight up to 20 lbs. occasionally, up to 10 lbs. frequently

Pay Range

Pay Range: $24.62 to $33.74 per hour. The pay described reflects the base hiring pay range. Your starting rate would depend on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, your experience, education, and the union agreement (if applicable). Shift, weekend and/or other differentials may be available to increase your pay rate for certain shifts or work.

Allina Health is committed to adhering with all applicable local, state and federal minimum wage requirements.

Benefit Summary

Allina Health believes the best way to provide safe and compassionate care for our patients is by nurturing the passion of those who care for them. That's why we devote extraordinary resources to help you grow and thrive - not only as a professional but also as a whole person. When you join our team, you have access to a wealth of valuable employee benefits that support the total well-being - mind, body, spirit and community - of you and your family members.

Allina Health is all in on your well-being. Because well-being means something different to everyone, our award-winning program provides you with the resources you need to help you navigate your personal journey. This includes well-being dollars, dedicated well-being navigators, and many programs, activities, articles, videos, personal coaching and tools to support you on your journey.

We are focused on creating an inclusive workplace so everyone can see themselves as part of our care team. Our care teams are as diverse as the communities we serve and proud to be contributing to the mission of a leading health care organization. Our pioneering approach to well-being helps every member of our care team feel a deep sense of connection and joy in their work.

Benefits include:

• Medical/Dental
• PTO/Time Away
• Retirement Savings Plans
• Life Insurance
• Short-term/Long-term Disability
• Voluntary Benefits (vision, legal, critical illness)
• Tuition Reimbursement or Continuing Medical Education as applicable
• Student Loan Support Benefits to navigate the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Allina Health is a 501(c)(3) eligible employer

*Benefit eligibility/offerings are determined by FTE and if you are represented by a union.