Certified Ophthalmic Assistant

University of Texas at Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 49,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin's Department of Ophthalmology seeks a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant in Austin, TX. The role supports ophthalmologists, conducts preliminary eye tests, prepares patients for examinations, and maintains records.

You will work under the clinical manager, perform vision tests, assist during procedures, educate patients on eye care, and ensure clean exam rooms. A COA certification and at least one year in a clinical setting are required, with opportunities for

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• At least 1 year of experience in a clinical or healthcare setting.
• Certification as an Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) from JCAHPO is required or preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare patients for eye examinations by explaining procedures and answering questions.
• Perform basic vision tests and measurements (visual acuity, refraction).
• Record patient medical histories and visual health information.
• Assist ophthalmologists during eye examinations and treatments.
• Administer eye drops or medications as directed by the ophthalmologist.
• Operate ophthalmic equipment to obtain diagnostic information.
• Educate patients about eye care and contact lens care.
• Provide pre- and post-procedure instructions to ensure patient comfort.

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Associate's Degree

Job description

Job Posting Title:

Certified Ophthalmic Assistant

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Hiring Department:

Department of Ophthalmology

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt from FLSA

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Earliest Start Date:

Immediately

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue

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Location:

AUSTIN, TX

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Job Details:

The Ophthalmic Assistant supports ophthalmologists in delivering high-quality eye care services. This role involves conducting preliminary eye tests, preparing patients for examinations, assisting during procedures, and maintaining patient records. The Ophthalmic Assistant typically reports to the ophthalmology clinical manager and works closely with other clinical staff. The position requires a strong understanding of eye care procedures and the ability to work efficiently under pressure while maintaining professionalism

RESPONSIBILITIES

Patient Preparation and Examination

• Prepare patients for eye examinations by explaining procedures and answering questions.
• Perform basic vision tests and measurements, such as visual acuity and refraction.
• Record patient medical histories and visual health information.

Assisting During Procedures

• Assist ophthalmologists during eye examinations and treatments.
• Administer eye drops or medications as directed by the ophthalmologist.
• Operate ophthalmic equipment to obtain diagnostic information.

Patient Education and Support

• Teach patients about proper eye care techniques, including the use and care of contact lenses.
• Provide pre- and post-procedure instructions to ensure patient comfort and understanding.
• Address patient concerns and provide reassurance during procedures.

Administrative Duties

• Assist with patient scheduling, billing, and maintaining medical records.
• Maintain clean and organized examination rooms and sterilize ophthalmic instruments.
• Order and maintain inventory of supplies and equipment.

Collaboration and Training

• Work closely with other clinical staff to ensure efficient patient flow.
• Assist in training new ophthalmic assistants and other staff members.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma/GED
• At least 1 year(s) of experience in clinical or healthcare setting
• Certification as an Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) from the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO).

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate's Degree
• At least 2 year(s) of experience in Ophthalmic Assistant or in a similar role.
• Certification as a Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) or Certified Ophthalmic Medical

SALARY RANGE

$48,659 + depending on qualifications

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/EQUIPMENT

• Standard office equipment
• Repetitive use of a keyboard
• May be exposed to such occupational hazards as communicable diseases, blood borne pathogens, ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, hazardous medications and disoriented or combative patients, or others.

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest

Employment Eligibility:

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

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Retirement Plan Eligibility:

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

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Background Checks:

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

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Equal Opportunity Employer:

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer,complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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Pay Transparency:

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.

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Employment Eligibility Verification:

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

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E-Verify:

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university's company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

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Compliance:

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.

The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.