Life of a Locum Ophthalmic Technician
- Jillian Jiron-Hollman
- Aug 17
- 2 min read
By: Jillian Hollman, CEO and Working technician
When I tell people I’m a locum ophthalmic technician, I usually get one of two responses:
“That sounds… fancy. What is it?”
“Wait, so you just float around like a free agent?”
The short answer? I’m a trained allied eye care professional who fills in at different practices when they need extra help, whether that’s for a day, a week, or a few months. And yes, I really do “float” from one clinic to another. But it’s so much more than that.
Why I Love the Locum Life
As a locum tech, my days are never the same. One day I might be assisting with cataract post-ops in a bustling private practice, and the next I’m doing visual fields and OCT scans in a small quiet clinic. I get to work with different doctors, learn new workflows, and meet an incredible variety of patients.
It’s like being a traveler, except my passport is my skill set and my “stamps” are the different clinics I’ve worked in.
What a Typical Day Looks Like
While the location changes, my core duties don’t:
Patient Workups – Checking vision, refracting (which I love!), measuring eye pressure, and reviewing medical history.
Diagnostic Testing – Running OCT, visual fields, or fundus photography.
Surgical Assists – Prepping patients and instruments for minor procedures.
Charting & Documentation – Keeping everything accurate so the doctor can make the best decisions.
The trick is walking into a new place and adapting quickly. Every clinic has its own way of doing things, and as a locum, you need to be both a sponge and a chameleon.
The Challenges & Rewards
The biggest challenge? You have to earn trust fast. When you walk into a new practice, you’re “the new tech” and patients can tell. But when you prove that you know your stuff and can keep the day flowing smoothly, you become an asset they wish they could keep forever.
The biggest reward? The variety keeps me sharp, and the flexibility means I control my schedule. I can choose assignments that fit my life, whether that’s to travel, take time off, or focus on continuing education.
Why Practices Need Locum Techs
From vacations and medical leaves to seasonal patient spikes, every eye care practice has moments when they need an extra set of skilled hands. That’s where I come in, keeping patient care seamless and making sure no one feels the strain of being short-staffed.
Being a locum ophthalmic technician isn’t just a job. It’s an adventure. It’s the perfect balance between clinical expertise, adaptability, and a love for meeting new people.
Comments