Certified Ophthalmic Assistant

Partner's Healthcare; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Job summary

Mass General Brigham’s Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary is seeking a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) to support patient care in a fast-paced outpatient ophthalmology setting.

Under supervision of a licensed clinician, you will perform ophthalmic tests, administer diagnostic eye drops, assist with office-based procedures, and help maintain a positive patient experience. COA certification and 6 months of supervised ophthalmology experience are required.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• COA certification through JCAHPO required.
• Minimum 6 months ophthalmology clinic experience or ICA training completed.
• Proficiency with EHR, computers, and Microsoft Office.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform ophthalmic tests and measurements to prepare patients for examination.
• Administer diagnostic eye drops as directed by clinician.
• Assist with office-based procedures under ophthalmologist supervision.
• Measure vital signs as needed for procedures and patient care.
• Maintain exam rooms and clinical areas; stock supplies.
• Clean, calibrate and maintain ophthalmic equipment per guidelines.
• Handle, store, and transport specimens and medications safely.
• Support clinic operations including patient triage and inbox management.
• Provide coverage across ophthalmology services and locations as needed.
• Adhere to organizational policies and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Customer service

Communication

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

EHR Systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Site: Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary

Mass 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 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

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.

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 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.