Entry level apprentice Jobs in Thornton, CO

Job Summary

The Ophthalmic Technician provides clinical and technical support to ophthalmologists, optometrists, and residents in the outpatient eye clinic. This role performs a variety of ophthalmic diagnostic tests, assists providers with patient evaluations and procedures, and supports efficient clinic operations to ensure high quality patient care.

Ophthalmic Technicians work collaboratively with physicians and care teams to collect clinical data, perform diagnostic imaging and testing, document findings in the electronic medical record, and prepare patients for examination and treatment.

Positions are structured across multiple levels based on experience, certifications, and demonstrated technical competency.

Levels:

Apprentice

• 0 years of experience
• The apprentice spends 3-4 months learning all basic ophthalmic principles and working in the optometry clinic. Apprentices who successfully complete their training are eligible for promotion to technician I.
• $21/hour

Core Technician Levels:

Ophthalmic Technician I

• 1 year of eye technician experience or completion of ophthalmic apprenticeship
• $22.87 – $32.02/hour

Ophthalmic Technician II

• 1–3 years of ophthalmology experience
• $25.68 – $35.95/hour

Advanced Technician Levels

Ophthalmic Technician III

• 4-6 years of ophthalmology experience and advanced expertise, including precepting
• $26.90 – $39.01/hour

Ophthalmic Technician IV

• 4-6 years of ophthalmology experience, advanced expertise including precepting, and required ophthalmic certification
• $27.92 – $40.48/hour.

Placement within the level is determined by experience, technical skills, responsibilities, and certifications.

Essential Functions

Clinical Patient Assessment

• Performs ophthalmic examinations including patient history collection, visual acuity testing, pupillary assessment, intraocular pressure measurement, ocular motility evaluation, and lensometry.
• Prepares patients for physician examination and assists providers during clinical encounters.
• Performs refractometry and accurately records findings for provider interpretation.

Diagnostic Testing

• Performs diagnostic ophthalmic testing including visual fields, OCT imaging, pachymetry, corneal topography, A-scan biometry, and ocular photography.
• Assists with advanced testing as skills and certifications progress.
• Supports evaluation and documentation of diagnostic results in the electronic medical record.

Patient Education

• Educates patients on contact lens care, eyewear use, and medication instructions.
• Provides instructions related to testing procedures and treatment plans.

Clinic Operations

• Prepares and stocks examination rooms and maintains ophthalmic diagnostic equipment.
• Ensures proper calibration and functioning of testing instruments.
• Maintains a clean and organized clinical environment to support patient care.

Advanced Skills Development

• Develops additional competency in fluorescein angiography, cataract evaluation workflows, pediatric ophthalmic assessments, and ophthalmic triage.
• Participates in ongoing training and skill development to expand technical capabilities.

Education

High School Diploma or GED required.

Completion of an ophthalmic technician apprenticeship program may substitute for experience.

Licensure / Certification

Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required through the American Heart Association or American Red Cross.

Preferred certifications: Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA), Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT), Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of ophthalmic assisting techniques and clinical workflows
• Understanding of optics, visual acuity testing, and ocular anatomy
• Ability to perform diagnostic ophthalmic testing and imaging
• Accurate documentation in electronic health records (Epic preferred)
• Strong patient communication and education skills
• Ability to work effectively in a fast paced outpatient clinical environment
• Ability to collaborate with physicians, residents, and interdisciplinary clinical teams

Shift

Work Type

Regular

Salary

$22.87 - $32.02 / hr

Benefits

At Denver Health, we take care of the people who take care of our community. Our benefits are built to support your life, your family, and your future — with generous paid time off, fully paid parental leave, exceptional retirement contributions, comprehensive health coverage, and nationally recognized well-being programs. We invest in your growth through tuition assistance, career advancement pathways, and professional development — while also offering meaningful financial advantages through loan forgiveness eligibility and employer contributions. When you join Denver Health, you’re joining a mission-driven organization that invests in you.

Here is a small list of our benefit programs:

• Paid time off starting at 28 days per year, inclusive of vacation, personal/sick, and 7 Holidays

• 100% paid parental leave up to 6 weeks

• Immediate eligibility for retirement plans with employer contribution up to 9.5%

• Generous medical, dental, vision plans in addition to employer paid disability and life insurance.

• Comprehensive well-being programs including on-site employee fitness center located on Denver Health main campus and nationally recognized RESTORE Center

• Free RTD EcoPass (public transportation)

• Childcare discount programs & exclusive perks on large brands, travel, and more

• Tuition reimbursement & assistance

• Education, coaching, and professional development opportunities through the Workforce Development Center (WFDC) that support internal career growth and advancement pathways

• Professional clinical advancement program & shared governance

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer+ free student loan coaching and assistance navigating the PSLF program

• National Health Service Corps (NHCS) and Colorado Health Service Corps (CHSC) eligible employer

About Denver Health

Denver Health is an integrated, high-quality academic health care system considered a model for the nation that includes a Level I Trauma Center, a 555-bed acute care medical center, Denver’s 911 emergency medical response system, 10 family health centers, 19 school-based health centers, Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety, the Public Health Institute at Denver Health, Denver Health Medical Plan and Denver Health Foundation.

As Colorado’s primary, and essential, safety-net health care system, Denver Health is a mission-driven organization that has provided millions in uncompensated care for the uninsured each year.

Located near downtown Denver, Denver Health is just minutes away from many of the cultural and recreational activities Denver has to offer.

Denver Health is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We value the unique ideas, talents and contributions reflective of the needs of our community. All job applicants for safety-sensitive positions must pass a pre-employment drug test, once a conditional offer of employment has been made. Applicants will be considered until the position is filled.