Veterinary Assistant, Ophthalmology
$20 - $24/hr. | Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists| Houston, TX
Are you ready to play a pivotal role in the world of veterinary care? Do you thrive in fast-paced environments where no two days are the same? If you’re a highly organized, compassionate, and energetic individual with exceptional collaboration skills, we want you to join our team at Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists (GCVS) as an Ophthalmology Veterinary Assistant.
Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists (GCVS) is a leader in specialized care for companion animals, known for excellence and collaboration with the veterinary community. Our state-of-the-art facility and expert team provide top-tier care across a range of specialties, including emergency, cardiology, oncology, neurology, surgery, and more. Join us and make a difference in the lives of pets and their families every day.
Compensation:
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$20 - $24/hr., based on experience
Full-Time Benefits Include:
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401(k) with matching
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Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
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Health Savings Account (HSA) / Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
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Life and Disability insurance
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Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays
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Employee Assistance Program and Discounts (including Pet Discount)
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Professional development and tuition assistance
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Uniform stipend
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Retirement plan
Schedule:
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Full-Time
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Tuesday - Friday
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7:30am – 6:00pm
Job Description:
The Ophthalmology Veterinary Assistant (OVA) plays an integral role in the daily operation and workflow of the Ophthalmology Department. This hybrid position combines client-facing responsibilities with hands-on technical patient care and is responsible for supporting the day-to-day flow of appointments and surgical cases. Responsibilities include client communication, patient intake and discharge, appointment and procedure coordination, medical record documentation, diagnostic and treatment support, and surgical preparation.
The OVA works directly alongside the Ophthalmologist, providing support throughout appointments, procedures, and surgical cases while developing advanced knowledge and skills within the field of veterinary ophthalmology. This position requires the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, high-caseload specialty environment while providing excellent patient care and client service. The OVA performs a combination of CPC and technical responsibilities; however, the position is not responsible for inducing, maintaining, or monitoring anesthesia.
Responsibilities:
Client & Appointment Coordination
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Support the daily flow of Ophthalmology appointments, procedures, and surgical cases.
- Provide client communication in person, by phone, and by email regarding appointments, procedures, medications, and follow-up care.
- Obtain patient histories and maintain accurate client communications and medical documentation in EzyVet.
- Schedule appointments, rechecks, diagnostics, surgeries, and follow-up care as directed.
- Prepare estimates, consents, admissions, and discharge instructions and ensure charges are accurately entered.
- Escalate medical or client concerns to the Ophthalmologist or appropriate leadership when needed.
Ophthalmology Technical & Patient Care
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Work directly alongside the Ophthalmologist during examinations, diagnostics, treatments, and procedures.
- Safely restrain patients and obtain and document vital parameters.
- Perform venipuncture, IV catheter placement, sample collection, and in-house laboratory testing within scope of training.
- Administer oral, topical, SQ, IM, and IV medications as directed.
- Accurately calculate medication dosages, fluid rates, and continuous rate infusions (CRIs).
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Assist the anesthetist with medication and CRI preparation and other anesthesia-related case support as directed.
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Assist with specialized ophthalmic diagnostics, including ocular ultrasound and ERG, once appropriately trained.
- Develop advanced knowledge of ophthalmic terminology, medications, diagnostics, instruments, and equipment.
- Recognize changes in patient condition and communicate concerns promptly.
Surgical & Procedure Support
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Prepare patients, equipment, instruments, supplies, and the surgical suite for Ophthalmology procedures.
- Scrub in and directly assist the Ophthalmologist during surgical procedures.
- Maintain sterile technique and appropriately handle surgical instruments and supplies.
- Anticipate the needs of the Ophthalmologist throughout surgical procedures.
- Assist the anesthetist with case preparation and anesthesia-related support
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Circulate during procedures when needed and coordinate with anesthetist to maintain efficient surgical flow.
- Properly collect, label, and handle tissue and diagnostic samples.
- Assist with pre- and post-operative patient care, including patient transfer and recovery coordination.
- Clean, disinfect, restock, and reset the surgical suite between cases.
Department Workflow & Operations
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Anticipate the needs of the Ophthalmologist and help maintain efficient daily patient and department flow.
- Communicate and coordinate patient care with other hospital teams as needed.
- Maintain organization, cleanliness, inventory, and readiness of Ophthalmology rooms, supplies, instruments, and specialized equipment.
- Prepare for upcoming appointments and procedures and adapt to changes in caseload, including urgent or emergency cases.
- Assist with hospitalized Ophthalmology patients and patient transfers when needed.
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Must be available to work the assigned schedule and maintain flexibility based on departmental and patient care needs.
- Due to the nature of specialty and emergency veterinary medicine, employees may be required to remain beyond their scheduled shift when an urgent or emergency procedure requires continued Ophthalmology support.
- Employees are expected to remain until appropriate patient care responsibilities have been completed or transitioned to another qualified team member.
- Schedule adjustments may occasionally be necessary based on caseload, emergencies, staffing needs, or operational demands.
Qualifications:-
A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
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A minimum of two years of veterinary clinical experience is preferred, with previous experience in a specialty or high-volume veterinary environment strongly preferred.
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Candidates should have experience with:
- client communication,
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patient care
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venipuncture
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IV catheter placement
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medication administration
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surgical support.
- Previous experience with sterile technique and scrubbing into surgical procedures is strongly preferred.
- Candidates should possess or demonstrate the ability to develop proficiency in medication and fluid calculations, including continuous rate infusions (CRIs).
- Previous veterinary ophthalmology experience is preferred but not required, as specialized ophthalmology training will be provided.
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Fluent English skills (speaking & reading) are required for the role; fluency in multiple languages a plus!
Why choose GCVS?
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Make a meaningful impact by being an advocate for pets and their families.
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Work alongside a compassionate and talented team dedicated to excellence in veterinary care.
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Enjoy a dynamic, fast-paced environment that keeps you engaged and challenged.
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Be part of a workplace that values your contributions and supports your growth.
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Ongoing opportunities for continued education such as lunch and learns hosted by various vendors and entities.
About GCVS
At GCVS, we offer a comprehensive range of veterinary specialties, including emergency and critical care, anesthesia and pain management, avian and exotic animal medicine, cardiology, dermatology and allergy care, diagnostic imaging, internal medicine, neurology and neurosurgery, oncology, ophthalmology, sports medicine and rehabilitation, and surgery and orthopedics. Join us and become part of a team that strives to make a meaningful difference in the lives of pets and their families every day.
Nearby Communities
GCVS attracts Veterinary Technicians from throughout the Greater Houston area, including:
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Houston, TX
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Pearland, TX
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Friendswood, TX
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League City, TX
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Webster, TX
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Clear Lake, TX
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Pasadena, TX
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Baytown, TX
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Sugar Land, TX
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Missouri City, TX
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Katy, TX
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Richmond, TX
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Cypress, TX
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Spring, TX
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The Woodlands, TX
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Humble, TX
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Kingwood, TX
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Channelview, TX
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La Porte, TX
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Deer Park, TX
Know Someone Amazing?
If this role isn't the right fit but you know a great Veterinary Technician, send them our way!
Email [email protected] to learn more about current opportunities.
About Ethos Veterinary Health
Ethos Veterinary Health, part of the NVA Group, is where you come to practice world-class medicine, and help shape what veterinary care becomes next. Across our network of 140 specialty and emergency hospitals, science moves forward, standards are elevated, and innovation is put into practice every day. You’ll work alongside respected veterinary leaders in academic-caliber hospitals designed for learning, teaching, and discovery. Here, mentorship is a two-way street. You’ll share your expertise, learn from others, and continue to grow, clinically, professionally, and personally. At Ethos, you inspire hope, deliver exceptional care, and pursue veterinary medicine at its highest level, together.
Join Us
At Ethos, this isn’t just a job, it’s an opportunity to practice medicine at the highest level and help shape the future of veterinary care.
Candidates can confidentially submit their CV to Talent Acquisition Partner Craig at [email protected]
Equal Opportunity Employer
Ethos is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Ethos does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, competence, merit, and business need.
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