Ophthalmic Assistant: Trauma-Informed Eye Care Navigator

Position Summary

The Colorado Coalition for the Homeless seeks an Ophthalmic Assistant who generates important preliminary information to be used by Eye Clinic providers, reviews patient status, and performs refracting and other medical tests. Other essential job duties include case management, assisting patients in overcoming barriers they may encounter in obtaining eye care, providing advocacy to ensure that patients receive necessary and, in some cases, sight-saving services. This position is located at 2130 Stout Street Denver, CO 80205 .

Duties/Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

• Perform ophthalmic diagnostics and exam preparation, including obtaining relevant history and outside eye records; visual acuity, visual field testing, OCT (optical coherence tomography), pachymetry, tonometry, dilation as directed/appropriate, and refracting patients using the phoropter.
• Assist with procedures alongside providers (e.g., laser procedures, intravitreal injections).
• Triage patients to determine risk level and urgency of evaluation using knowledge of common ophthalmic symptoms and established clinic workflows; escalate urgent concerns to providers per protocol.
• Order medications for patients through the electronic health record based on the assessment and plan as directed by Eye Clinic providers.
• Record and complete ICD-10 billing route slips based on provider notes and submit documentation to Revenue Cycle in a timely manner.
• Track high-risk return visits for patients with pathology and in need of follow-up appointments, notifying them and scheduling timely visits.
• Integrate Eye Care services with Stout Street Health Center staff and outside partners by coordinating care based on eye-visit findings (e.g., diabetic retinopathy, hypertension-related concerns, neurological findings, and relevant labs/cultures) and ensuring appropriate follow-up and communication with the medical team.
• Build trusting relationships with patients to support adherence and improved eye health by providing trauma-informed education on diagnosis, treatment, and plan of care (including medication instillation, bandage changes, and eye prosthesis insertion/care as applicable).
• Perform optical duties including assisting patients with frame selection, fitting, measurements, and order submission through the lab portal.
• Verify completed frame orders for accuracy using a lensometer, adjust glasses, and repair frames.
• Order supplies and eye medications; clean and stock exam lanes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education, Experience and Job Competencies

• Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) certification preferred.
• Completion of a formal ophthalmic/healthcare training program may substitute for certification preference.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required or must be obtained within 90 days of hire.

• Education
  • Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) certification preferred.
  • Completion of a formal ophthalmic/healthcare training program may substitute for certification preference.
  • Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required or must be obtained within 90 days of hire.
    
    
• Experience
  • One year of experience as an Ophthalmic Assistant/Technician required.
  • Experience with EHR systems.
  • Experience with patient scheduling, referrals, and insurance enrollment.
  • Experience with healthcare administration is preferred.

• Job Competencies
  • Knowledge of eye anatomy, ocular diseases, and ophthalmic procedures.
  • Proficiency with ophthalmic diagnostic equipment (OCT, tonometer, lensometer, etc.).
  • Knowledge of healthcare and human service systems, community resources, and programs.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary team.
  • Organizational and prioritization skills with the ability to manage a fast-paced workload.
  • Proficiency in EHR systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and related technologies.
  • Ability to work effectively with diverse and marginalized populations.
  • Flexibility and adaptability to respond to changing needs in a trauma-informed care environment.
  • Commitment to maintain confidentiality and HIPAA compliance.
    
    

Department Overview & Requirements

• Department Description: The Vision Services department provides comprehensive eye care for individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. Services include eye exams, glaucoma testing, provision and repair of eyeglasses, and patient navigation for specialty referrals and surgical care. The department operates within the integrated model of the Stout Street Health Center, collaborating closely with medical, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy teams to ensure coordinated, trauma-informed, and patient-centered care.
• Location: Stout Street Health Center
• Schedule: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm (Monday- Friday)
• Language Requirements: Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions
The physical demands and work environment are representative of those that must be met or encountered to successfully perform the essential functions of the job with or reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to safety or health of self or others. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, CCH provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the Company.

• Physical Demands

Percentage of work time spent on activity →

0% - 24%

25% to 49%

50% to 74%

75% to 100%

SEEING: Must be able to read computer screens and printed documents.

x

HEARING: Must be able to hear well enough to communicate with employees and others.

x

STANDING/WALKING

x

CLIMBING/STOOPING/KNEELING

x

LIFTING/PULLING/PUSHING

x

GRASPING/FEELING: Must be able to write, type and use telephones.

x

DRIVING: Must have valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

x

• Working Conditions

• • Work primarily in a clinical setting.
  • Exposure to infectious diseases and handling of medical equipment.

Regular interaction with diverse and marginalized populations.

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