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VS
Veterinary Specialists Incorporated
Veterinary Assistant/Technician
Career Insights for Veterinary Assistant
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Based on Florida data
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What they do
A Veterinary Assistant assists with animals under veterinary care or in laboratories. Feeds animals, cleans cages, and administers medical treatment under the supervision of a veterinarian or veterinary technician. Works in a veterinary clinic, animal hospital, or laboratory.
$32,325 / year median in Florida
+22% projected growth
Job Description
Job Summary Join our dynamic veterinary ophthalmology specialty team as a veterinary assistant/technician, where your passion for animal care, attention to detail, and technical skills will contribute directly to preserving and improving the vision and quality of life of our patients. This paid position offers an exciting opportunity to work in a fast-paced, compassionate specialty environment while supporting our veterinarian in advanced ophthalmic examinations, diagnostics, treatments, and surgical procedures. In this role, you will assist with patient care, ocular diagnostics, anesthesia and surgical support, safe animal handling, client communication, medical documentation, and maintaining specialized ophthalmology equipment and treatment areas. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, comfortable working with specialized equipment, committed to patient safety, and eager to develop advanced skills in veterinary ophthalmology. Responsibilities Assist veterinary our ophthalmologist during comprehensive ophthalmic examinations, diagnostic procedures, treatments, and surgical procedures. Prepare patients and specialized equipment for ophthalmic examinations, including ocular diagnostics and imaging. Assist with diagnostic testing such as Schirmer tear testing, fluorescein staining, intraocular pressure measurement, ocular cytology, tonometry, and other ophthalmic procedures as trained and directed. Prepare and maintain ophthalmic instruments, equipment, medications, and supplies according to established protocols. Assist with ophthalmic surgeries by preparing the operating room, surgical instruments, patients, and supplies, as well as providing intraoperative support. Monitor patients before, during, and after sedation, anesthesia, diagnostic procedures, and surgery, promptly communicating changes in patient status to the veterinary team. Safely restrain dogs, cats, and other companion animals during ophthalmic examinations and procedures while minimizing patient stress and protecting delicate ocular structures. Administer medications and treatments under veterinary direction, including topical ophthalmic medications, oral medications, injections, and IV catheter placement as permitted by training and applicable regulations. Assist with post-operative patient care, including monitoring surgical sites, administering prescribed medications, and providing appropriate patient comfort and recovery support. Accurately document ophthalmic examination findings, diagnostic results, treatments, medications, anesthesia records, surgical notes, and patient communications in the medical record. Educate clients on ophthalmic medications, treatment protocols, post-operative care, follow-up appointments, and home monitoring while reinforcing instructions provided by the veterinarian. Communicate compassionately with clients who may be experiencing concerns about their pet's vision, comfort, or prognosis. Maintain a clean, organized, and safe specialty clinic environment, including proper disinfection and sterilization of instruments and treatment areas. Handle ophthalmic equipment and instruments carefully and report maintenance or supply needs promptly. Follow appropriate infection-control, PPE, sharps, biohazard, and medical-waste procedures. Assist with patient intake, discharge, appointment preparation, and coordination of follow-up ophthalmology visits. Work collaboratively with veterinarians, technicians, assistants, reception staff, and other members of the specialty team to provide exceptional patient and client care. Qualifications Prior experience in a veterinary hospital, specialty practice, emergency hospital, or ophthalmology setting is highly preferred. Veterinary assistant, veterinary technician, kennel, animal care, or other hands-on animal experience is strongly preferred. Experience handling dogs and cats safely and confidently in a clinical environment. Strong interest in veterinary ophthalmology and willingness to learn specialized ophthalmic terminology, procedures, equipment, and patient-care protocols. Familiarity with veterinary terminology, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and animal welfare practices. Experience with or willingness to learn ophthalmic diagnostics such as tonometry, Schirmer tear testing, fluorescein staining, ocular cytology, and ocular imaging. Ability to assist with IV catheter placement, medication administration, anesthesia monitoring, surgical preparation, and other technical procedures appropriate to the position and applicable regulations. Excellent attention to detail, particularly when working with delicate ophthalmic instruments, medications, and patient records. Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to provide compassionate, professional client education. Ability to recognize changes in patient comfort or condition and promptly communicate concerns to the veterinary team. Ability to remain calm, organized, and focused in a fast-paced specialty environment. Strong teamwork, reliability, professionalism, and commitment to patient safety. Willingness to learn new ophthalmic procedures, equipment, and advanced patient-care techniques. Training & Professional Development This paid position provides comprehensive on-the-job training in veterinary ophthalmology, allowing team members to develop specialized skills in ophthalmic diagnostics, surgical assistance, anesthesia and patient monitoring, ophthalmic medications, and specialty patient care. We are looking for an energetic, compassionate, and motivated individual who is excited to develop expertise in veterinary ophthalmology while helping provide exceptional care to patients and their families. If you are detail-oriented, eager to learn, and passionate about advancing your career in veterinary medicine, we encourage you to apply today!