Certified Ophthalmic Assistant

Mass General Brigham; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 39,123 - 55,985; Full time

Job summary

Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary seeks a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) to provide clinical and administrative support in a fast-paced outpatient ophthalmology setting. You will assist with ophthalmic tests, treatments, and procedures under the supervision of a licensed clinician.

Requirements include a High School Diploma and a COA certification (JCAHPO) with at least 6 months of ophthalmology clinic experience. This onsite role emphasizes patient care, safety, and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of ophthalmic terminology, ocular anatomy and physiology, eye diseases and disorders.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills with patient‑centered care.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills for a fast‑paced, high‑volume clinic.
• Proficiency with electronic health records, computers, and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Perform ophthalmic tests, measurements, imaging, and assessments to prepare patients for examination.
• Administer diagnostic eye drops per protocols and clinician direction.
• Assist with office procedures, lasers, injections, cryotherapy, and oculoplastic procedures under supervision.
• Measure and document vital signs as needed for procedures.
• Maintain exam rooms and equipment, ensuring supplies are stocked and functioning.
• Handle, store, and transport specimens, instruments, and medications safely.
• Provide coverage across ophthalmology services and practice locations as needed.

Skills

Ophthalmic terminology

Customer service

Verbal and written communication

Organizational skills

Electronic health records

Microsoft Office

Education

High School Diploma

ICA Assistant-level training program

Job description

Site: Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary

Job 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.

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.

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent required

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
• 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 applications.

Additional Job Details

• 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 - $40.64/Hourly
• Grade: 4

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.