Veterinary Assistant - Ophthalmology

Thrive Pet Healthcare; Largo (FL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Paid time off

Continuing education opportunities

Retirement savings plan

Professional development opportunities

Employee assistance and wellness

Job summary

Tampa Bay Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Care Center in Largo, FL seeks a Veterinary Ophthalmology Assistant to support our ophthalmology team with diagnostics, anesthesia monitoring, and client education. The role emphasizes patient safety and precise medical documentation.

The ideal candidate will have 1–2 years of veterinary technician experience, strong communication skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced specialty hospital setting.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1–2 years of experience as a veterinary technician.
• Proficiency in anesthesia induction, monitoring, and patient recovery.
• Strong communication and client service skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced specialty hospital environment.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with the team.
• Commitment to patient safety and high-quality care.

Responsibilities

• Obtain and document complete patient histories and presenting concerns.
• Assist with ophthalmic examinations and diagnostic testing (tonometry, Schirmer, fluorescein staining).
• Prepare patients for examinations, treatments, and surgery.
• Assist the ophthalmologist during examinations, procedures, and surgical cases.
• Monitor anesthesia and patient recovery per hospital protocols.
• Prepare and dispense medications per prescribed plans.
• Maintain accurate medical records and provide client education on treatments and follow-up.
• Maintain clean, organized treatment areas and assist with admissions/discharges.
• Support team with collaboration, mentorship, and policy adherence.

Skills

Veterinary technician experience

Anesthesia skills

Client communication

Attention to detail

Independent work

Team collaboration

Patient safety focus

Tools

Electronic Medical Records (EMR)

Job description

Description

Veterinary Ophthalmology Assistant

Department: Ophthalmology
Location: Tampa Bay Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Care Center, Largo, FL
Schedule: Full-Time

About the Role

Tampa Bay Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Care Center is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Veterinary Assistant to join our Ophthalmology team. This position is ideal for an experienced assistant who is passionate about specialty medicine, patient care, and client education.

As an Ophthalmology Assistant, you will work closely with our ophthalmologist to provide exceptional patient care through advanced diagnostics, treatments, surgical assistance, anesthesia monitoring, and client communication. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, proactive, and committed to maintaining the highest standards of patient safety and medical excellence.

About Us

Tampa Bay Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Care Center is a multi-specialty referral and emergency hospital serving the Tampa Bay community. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional specialty and emergency veterinary care while fostering a collaborative, supportive, and team-focused environment.

We value professionalism, compassion, accountability, and a commitment to continuous learning. Our goal is to provide outstanding care to our patients while supporting the growth and development of our team members.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum of 1-2 years of experience as a veterinary technician.
• Demonstrated proficiency in anesthesia induction, monitoring, and patient recovery.
• Strong communication and client service skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced specialty hospital environment.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with the veterinary team.
• Commitment to patient safety and high-quality patient care.

Preferred

• Prior specialty, surgical, or ophthalmology experience.
• Knowledge of electronic medical record systems.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Obtain and document complete patient histories and presenting concerns.
• Assist with ophthalmic examinations and diagnostic testing, including tonometry, Schirmer tear testing, fluorescein staining, and other ophthalmic procedures.
• Prepare patients for examinations, treatments, and surgery.
• Assist the ophthalmologist during examinations, procedures, and surgical cases.
• Monitor anesthesia and patient recovery in accordance with hospital protocols.
• Administer medications and treatments as directed by the veterinarian.Prepare and accurately dispense medications according to prescribed treatment plans.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and detailed medical records.
• Provide client education regarding treatment plans, medications, post-operative care, and follow-up recommendations.
• Maintain efficient patient flow and assist with admissions and discharges.
• Ensure treatment areas, exam rooms, and surgical suites remain clean, organized, and appropriately stocked.
• Support a positive team environment through collaboration, communication, and mentorship of fellow staff members.
• Follow all hospital policies, safety standards, and patient care protocols.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to patient safety.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Initiative and the ability to anticipate the needs of the service.
• Professionalism, accountability, and reliability.
• A positive attitude and willingness to learn.
• A passion for delivering exceptional patient and client care.

Benefits

Eligible team members may receive:

• Competitive compensation
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Continuing education opportunities
• Veterinary service and pet care discounts
• Retirement savings plan
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee assistance and wellness programs

Join Our Team

Tampa Bay Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Care Center is committed to providing outstanding care to pets and exceptional service to the clients and referring veterinarians who trust us with their patients.