Certified Ophthalmic Assistant

Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary - MEI; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 39,123 - 55,985; Full time

Job summary

Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary in Boston seeks a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) to provide clinical and administrative support in a fast-paced outpatient ophthalmology setting under the direction of a licensed clinician.

This role requires COA certification, a high school diploma, and at least 6 months of ophthalmology clinic experience or ICA Assistant training; onsite at 243-245 Charles Street, 40 hours weekly, day shift, with competitive pay and benefits.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of ophthalmic terminology, ocular anatomy and common eye diseases.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills with patient-centered care.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and organization.
• Proficiency with electronic health records, computers and MS Office.
• COA certification through JCAHPO is required.

Responsibilities

• Perform ophthalmic tests, measurements, imaging and assessments for examinations.
• Administer diagnostic eye drops per protocols and clinician direction.
• Prepare for and assist with office-based procedures (lasers, injections, cryotherapy).
• Measure and document vital signs as needed for procedures and care.
• Maintain exam rooms and keep supplies stocked and ready.
• Clean, calibrate and maintain ophthalmic equipment per guidelines.
• Handle, store, and transport specimens, instruments and medications safely.
• Support clinic operations, including patient call triage and inbox management.
• Provide coverage across ophthalmology services at different locations as needed.
• Adhere to organizational policies, regulatory requirements and standards.

Skills

Ophthalmic terminology

Ocular anatomy

Interpersonal skills

Customer service

Electronic Health Records

Microsoft Office

Organization

Team collaboration

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

COA certification (JCAHPO)

Tools

EHR systems

Office software

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 - $40.64/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.