Ophthalmology Veterinary Technician Job Summary: To provide skilled nursing and technical support to the Ophthalmology Service with emphasis on advanced patient care, surgical assistance, detailed client education, and efficient service coordination. This position requires strong attention to detail, the ability to work independently within a small specialty team, and adaptability in a fast-paced environment with a frequently changing schedule.

Ophthalmology-Specific Responsibilities

Patient Care & Technical Skills

• Perform ophthalmic diagnostic tests including (but not limited to):
  
• Schirmer Tear Tests (STT)
• Fluorescein staining
• Tonometry
• Ocular cytology
• Blood pressure monitoring (manual and Doppler)
  
• Assist with advanced ophthalmic imaging and diagnostics.
• Perform and interpret in-house laboratory diagnostics (CBC, chemistry, clotting times, SNAP tests, etc.).
• Accurately fill, compound, and label ophthalmic medications in compliance with hospital and regulatory protocols.
• Demonstrate advanced attention to detail when preparing and dispensing ophthalmic medications.
• Administer medications (oral, SQ, IM, IV, topical ophthalmic).
• Educate and demonstrate proper eye drop and ointment administration techniques to clients.
• Provide clear explanations of common ophthalmic diseases, treatment plans, discharge instructions, and long-term care expectations.
• Monitor hospitalized ophthalmology patients and provide detailed charting and progress updates.
  

Sedation & Anesthesia

• Demonstrate strong working knowledge of common sedation and anesthesia drugs used in ophthalmology.
  
• Assist in:
  
• Induction and intubation
• Anesthetic monitoring
• CRI calculations and fluid therapy
• Extubation and recovery
  
• Monitor sedated patients during diagnostic procedures.
• Remain calm and efficient during emergencies.
  

Surgical Support

• Prepare patients for ophthalmic surgery (clipping, aseptic prep, positioning).
• Assist surgeons intraoperatively.
• Maintain sterile technique and surgical suite organization.
• Prepare surgical instruments and specialty ophthalmic equipment.
• Ensure accurate and detailed surgical records.

Client Service

• Communicate with compassion and professionalism.
• Explain diagnoses, procedures, treatment plans, and discharge instructions thoroughly.
• Demonstrate medication administration techniques before patient discharge.
• Release patients with care and attention to detail.

Team Support & Training

• Work independently and collaboratively within a small specialty team.
• Support onboarding and training of new or existing team members.
• Accept and follow direction from doctors and leadership.
• Provide and receive constructive feedback professionally.
• Commit to ongoing learning in veterinary ophthalmology.
• Attend staff meetings and continuing education opportunities.

Facility & Equipment Maintenance

• Maintain clean and fully stocked ophthalmology exam rooms and treatment areas.
• Ensure proper care and calibration of ophthalmic equipment.
  Participate in hospital-wide housekeeping tasks as needed.
• Report equipment malfunctions and safety concerns immediately.

Qualifications

• Valid California RVT license
• If unlicensed, able to obtain a controlled substance permit
• Ability to multi-task and adapt in a specialty setting
• Basic knowledge of medical terminology and computer use

Physical Requirements 

• Ability to lift and restrain animals up to 40 lbs independently
• Must be able to stand, walk, bend, and reach throughout shift
• Excellent vision, hand-eye coordination, and fine motor dexterity (critical for ophthalmic procedures)

Work Environment

• Exposure to chemicals, noise, and emotionally intense situations
• Fast-paced specialty service with changing caseload

Compensation

• $25.00-$37.00/hr
• Sign on bonus available to qualified candidates

Benefits

• Complimentary Short-Term Disability  

• Complimentary Life Insurance; with options to purchase additional voluntary benefits for self or family  

• Company Sponsored Employee Assistance Program (Headspace) 

• 401K with 100% company match up to 3% and 4% company match for your 5% of contributions, eligible after 6 months of employment 

• Florida Blue Insurance Plans with 3-tiered options; Kaiser for CA Residents 

• Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account or Health Reimbursement Account options  

• United Healthcare Dental Insurance; includes a 100% paid premium option for team members 

• United Healthcare Vision Insurance options 

• Long Term Disability option (paid for by employee) 

• Progyny-Fertility and Family Building Support  

• Team Member Discounts for Pet Care 

• Paid time off-inclusive of sick, personal, and vacation 

• Digital Musculoskeletal Support 

• Referral Bonus Program 

• DailyPay on Demand 

United Veterinary Care provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.