Certified Ophthalmic Assistant

Certified Ophthalmic Assistant

Site: Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary

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Job Summary

Why This Role Matters As a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant, you'll play an important role in delivering high-quality, patient-centered eye care. From performing diagnostic testing and preparing patients for examinations to assisting with procedures and supporting clinic operations, your work will directly contribute to a safe, efficient, and positive experience for patients and the ophthalmology care team.

Summary Under the direction of a licensed clinician, the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) provides clinical and administrative support to ensure high-quality patient care in a fast-paced outpatient ophthalmology setting. This role performs a variety of ophthalmic procedures, assists with office-based treatments, and helps create an efficient and positive experience for patients and care teams.

Does this position require Patient Care? Yes

Essential Functions

• Perform a variety of ophthalmic tests, measurements, imaging, and assessments to prepare patients for examination by the licensed clinician.
• Administer diagnostic eye drops in accordance with established protocols and clinician direction.
• Prepare for and assist with office-based procedures, including lasers, injections, cryotherapy, and oculoplastic procedures under the supervision of the ophthalmologist.
• Measure and document vital signs as needed for procedures and patient care.
• Maintain exam rooms and clinical areas by ensuring supplies are stocked and readily available.
• Clean, calibrate, and perform routine maintenance on ophthalmic equipment in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and infection prevention standards.
• Handle, store, and transport specimens, instruments, and medications following established safety and regulatory guidelines.
• Support clinic operations by assisting with administrative responsibilities, including patient call triage and in-basket management, as assigned.
• Provide coverage across ophthalmology services and practice locations as needed to support patient care.
• Adhere to all organizational policies, regulatory requirements, accreditation standards, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

Qualifications

Why You Will Love Working Here

• Medical Benefits: Coverage begins on day one.
• Paid Time Off: 20 days annually, plus 10 paid holidays per year.
• Retirement: 403(b) retirement savings plan with hospital match, plus a Cash Balance Retirement Pension Plan.
• Commuting: Subsidized MBTA pass with a 50% discount.
• Child Care Support: Access to resources for child care and emergency backup care.
• Employee Perks: Enjoy discounts on tickets and passes for ski resorts, museums, sporting events, and more.
• CEU/CME Reimbursement: Up to $1,500 annually for full-time employees and $750 for part-time employees.

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent required

Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree? No

Licenses and Certifications

• Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) certification through the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) required

Experience

• Minimum of 6 months of experience in a supervised ophthalmology clinic required or
• Successful completion of an International Council of Accreditation (ICA) Assistant-level training program required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of ophthalmic terminology, ocular anatomy and physiology, common eye diseases and disorders, ophthalmic procedures, and ophthalmic medications.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills with the ability to provide compassionate, patient-centered care.
• Ability to deliver care that is appropriate to patients' age, developmental level, and physical and emotional needs.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and adapt in a fast-paced, high-volume clinical environment.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary care team.
• Sound judgment and problem-solving skills within the scope of the role.
• Proficiency with electronic health records, computers, and Microsoft Office application

Additional Job Details (if applicable)

Remote Type Onsite

Work Location 243-245 Charles Street

Scheduled Weekly Hours 40

Employee Type Regular

Work Shift Day (United States of America)

Pay Range $28.40 - $42.83/Hourly

Grade 4 At Mass General Brigham, we believe in recognizing and rewarding the unique value each team member brings to our organization. Our approach to determining base pay is comprehensive, and any offer extended will take into account your skills, relevant experience if applicable, education, certifications and other essential factors. The base pay information provided offers an estimate based on the minimum job qualifications; however, it does not encompass all elements contributing to your total compensation package. In addition to competitive base pay, we offer comprehensive benefits, career advancement opportunities, differentials, premiums and bonuses as applicable and recognition programs designed to celebrate your contributions and support your professional growth. We invite you to apply, and our Talent Acquisition team will provide an overview of your potential compensation and benefits package.

EEO Statement:

5110 Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. To ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Veteran's Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Mass General Brigham Competency Framework

At Mass General Brigham, our competency framework defines what effective leadership "looks like" by specifying which behaviors are most critical for successful performance at each job level. The framework is comprised of ten competencies (half People-Focused, half Performance-Focused) and are defined by observable and measurable skills and behaviors that contribute to workplace effectiveness and career success. These competencies are used to evaluate performance, make hiring decisions, identify development needs, mobilize employees across our system, and establish a strong talent pipeline.

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