Ophthalmic Assistant Apprentice

Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute is among the world’s most advanced eye centers, with experts offering the latest in prevention, diagnostics and treatment options. Come take part in innovating the healthcare industry by becoming a caregiver on our team. Here, you will grow alongside some of the best caregivers and build a lasting, meaningful career.

Cleveland Clinic’s Ophthalmic Assistant Apprenticeship offers an outstanding opportunity to launch your career in eye care while making a meaningful difference in patients’ lives. As an apprentice, you will work alongside leading ophthalmologists and receive hands-on training in patient care, examinations and testing procedures. Responsibilities include preparing patients for exams and treatments, performing initial examinations and ophthalmic testing, assisting with related procedures and accurately documenting patient information. This structured program provides the skills and experience needed to sit for the JCAHPO Certified Assistant Exam, preparing you to earn a nationally recognized credential and begin a rewarding career as a certified ophthalmic assistant.

What’s in it for you:

• Paid, full-time position starting at $17 per hour, with the ability to advance to Non-Certified Ophthalmic Assistant before taking the exam
• Life-changing healthcare, retirement and paid time off benefits
• Training on-site at Cleveland Clinic Main Campus. If you wish to work in a regional setting closer to home, the first 6 months of orientation will need to be completed at Main Campus. The rest of the training can be completed at the regional sites which include Independence, Beachwood, Westlake and Marymount (depending on location availability at the time)
• Support and mentoring from experienced caregivers
• Nationally recognized credentials in a high-demand career

A caregiver in this position works 8:00am to 5:00pm. Apprenticeship start date: Monday, August 17, 2026

A caregiver who excels in this role will:  

• Receive and prepare patients for examination or treatment.  
• Perform initial patient examinations, ophthalmic testing procedures and routine screening tests. 
• Assist physicians with examinations and procedures.  
• Document patient information in their medical record.  
• Perform clerical, stocking, maintenance and related duties.  
• Prepare for the Certification Exam.

Minimum qualifications for the ideal future caregiver include:  

• High school diploma or GED 
• Prior experience in a customer-facing role OR additional formal education or training in ophthalmology 

Preferred qualifications for the ideal future caregiver include:  

• Knowledge of medical terminology 
• Prior experience in healthcare settings in a patient-facing role.  
• Prior experience documenting exam findings in Epic  

Our caregivers continue to create the best outcomes for our patients across each of our facilities. Click the link and see how we’re dedicated to providing what matters most to you: https://jobs.clevelandclinic.org/benefits-2/        

Physical Requirements:

• Manual dexterity sufficient to operate medical equipment utilized to perform testing procedures.
• Manual dexterity to perform various exams and hold equipment; good eye-hand coordination; may require long periods of standing and walking.

Personal Protective Equipment:

• Follows standard precautions using personal protective equipment as required.

Pay Range

Minimum hourly: $15.75

Maximum hourly: $21.65

The pay range displayed on this job posting reflects the anticipated range for new hires. A successful candidate’s actual compensation will be determined after taking factors into consideration such as the candidate’s work history, experience, skill set and education. The pay range displayed does not include any applicable pay practices (e.g., shift differentials, overtime, etc.). The pay range does not include the value of Cleveland Clinic’s benefits package (e.g., healthcare, dental and vision benefits, retirement savings account contributions, etc.).