Certified Ophthalmic Assistant

Massachusetts Eye and Ear; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 38,572 - 56,481; Full time

Job summary

Massachusetts Eye and Ear in Boston is seeking a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) to provide essential clinical and administrative support in a fast-paced outpatient ophthalmology setting. You will perform ophthalmic tests, assist with procedures, and help create a smooth, positive patient experience for care teams.

Under the direction of a licensed clinician, you will administer eye drops, prepare for procedures, measure vitals, maintain rooms, and ensure equipment is calibrated and ready.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) certification required.
• Minimum of 6 months ophthalmology clinic experience or ICA Assistant-level training completed.
• Knowledge of ophthalmic terminology and procedures; strong patient-facing skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform ophthalmic tests, measurements, imaging and patient assessments.
• Administer diagnostic eye drops per protocol.
• Prepare for and assist with office-based procedures (lasers, injections, cryotherapy, oculoplastics).
• Measure and document vitals; maintain exam rooms and equipment.
• Support clinic operations, including triage and in-basket management.
• Provide coverage across ophthalmology services and practice locations.
• Adhere to policies, and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Verbal & written communication

Organization & prioritization

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

EHR software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Site: Massachusetts Eye and Ear InfirmaryMass General Brigham relies on a wide range of professionals, including doctors, nurses, business people, tech experts, researchers, and systems analysts to advance our mission. As a not-for-profit, we support patient care, research, teaching, and community service, striving to provide exceptional care. We believe that high-performing teams drive groundbreaking medical discoveries and invite all applicants to join us and experience what it means to be part of Mass General Brigham.Job SummarySummaryUnder 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?YesEssential FunctionsPerform 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.QualificationsEducationHigh School Diploma or equivalent requiredCan this role accept experience in lieu of a degree?NoLicenses and CertificationsCertified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) certification through the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) requiredExperienceMinimum of 6 months of experience in a supervised ophthalmology clinic required orSuccessful completion of an International Council of Accreditation (ICA) Assistant-level training program requiredKnowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesKnowledge 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 applicationAdditional Job Details (if applicable)Remote TypeOnsiteWork Location243-245 Charles StreetScheduled Weekly Hours40Employee TypeRegularWork ShiftDay (United States of America)Pay Range$28.40 - $40.64/HourlyGrade4At 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 (857)-282-7642.Mass General Brigham Competency FrameworkAt 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.