Ophthalmology Assistant

Ophthalmic Assistant

The Ophthalmic Assistant supports the clinical team by performing specialized diagnostic testing, assisting physicians with patient care, and ensuring efficient daily operations within the ophthalmology department. This role requires strong technical skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering high‑quality patient care in a fast‑paced outpatient environment.

List of Responsibilities/Duties

• Promptly and professionally assists the doctor in patient care.
• Performs technical workups, patient interviews and special testing.
• Communicates with patients regarding follow-up care, surgeries, procedures, changes in schedule, symptoms, surgery scheduling, etc.
• Maintains and cleans all equipment being used, and reports to supervisor if not in working condition.
• Returns phone calls to patients and pharmacies.
• Potential to assist in minor office surgery.
• Efficiently and accurately interviews patients and documents histories.
• Independently performs specialized ophthalmic testing appropriate to the subspecialty.
• Accurately performs:
• Refractions
• Lensometry
• Keratometry
• Tonometry
• Muscle testing
• Pupil exams
• Special testing such as HVF and OCT
• Scribes readily when doctor desires.
• Provides clear communication to patients regarding tests, procedures, and expectations.

Duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted or changed at any time at the discretion of management, formally or informally, either verbally or in writing.

Minimum Education Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• JCAHPO Ophthalmic Assistant Certification or Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) preferred.
• Friendly, professional demeanor with excellent bedside manner.
• Strong computer and typing skills (minimum 45 wpm).
• Flexibility to work full‑time hours, including rotating weekends.
• Passion for helping others in an outpatient clinical setting.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• High attention to detail and ability to work effectively within a team.
• Experience in a service‑oriented industry is a plus.
• Demonstrated commitment to outstanding results and compassionate patient care.
• Ability to commute to satellite office locations as needed.
• Bilingual language skills required or preferred depending on site location.

Minimum Background Requirements

• Good understanding of ophthalmic practice and patient care.
• Knowledge of medical instrumentation and its proper care and usage.
• Ability to assess common safety hazards and take precautions to establish a safe work environment.
• Willingness to help in all areas and understand the need for efficient use of time.

Minimum Demonstrated Skills

• Maintains patient confidentiality.
• Consistently work up three patients per hour.
• Demonstrates working knowledge of eye anatomy, disease, symptoms and ocular meds.
• Has basic knowledge of contact lenses.
• Utilizes proper eye drop technique and sterility.
• Utilizes proper universal precaution procedures.
• Understands characteristics of common anterior segment disorders and oculoplastic conditions.
• Understands and communicates well to patients about cataract surgery and oculoplastic procedures.
• Displays consistent professionalism.
• Is energetic and empathetic with patients.
• Consistently displays positive rapport with fellow employees.
• Demonstrates flexibility in job assignment.
• Demonstrates initiative in accomplishing practice goals.
• Maintains certification if certified.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to stand for long periods of time.
• Must be able to write.
• Must be able to hold arms at shoulder height.
• Must have manual dexterity to work with ophthalmic equipment.