Certified Ophthalmic Assistant

University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 27,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Savings

Certification and education support

Job summary

University of Virginia Health Ophthalmology is seeking a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant to join a highly specialized, patient-centered team. You will assist with advanced diagnostic testing, documentation, and patient education, contributing to excellent eye care and outcomes.

This role supports providers across ophthalmology, uses evolving diagnostic technology, and emphasizes collaboration, learning, and professional growth within UVA Health's academic health system.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required with COA certification preferred.
• COA-Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (JCAHPO) may be required per requisition.
• Minimum of 1 year relevant experience in ophthalmic care or a clinical setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct patient care and support during ophthalmology examinations and procedures.
• Assist physicians and residents during exams, injections, laser procedures, and minor office procedures.
• Perform advanced ophthalmic tests including visual acuity, refraction, intraocular pressure, and biometry.
• Document clinical findings, results, and treatment plans in the EMR accurately.
• Educate patients about testing, medications, procedures, and post-procedure care.
• Maintain ophthalmic equipment and uphold infection prevention and safety standards.
• Collaborate with the team to support efficient patient flow and outstanding care.

Skills

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Patient education

Education

High School Diploma

COA Certification (JCAHPO)

Tools

Equipment handling

Job description

Every patient interaction has the power to protect, preserve, and improve vision. As a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant with UVA Health Ophthalmology, you will play a vital role in delivering exceptional specialty care while working alongside nationally recognized ophthalmologists, optometrists, residents, and clinical professionals dedicated to outstanding patient outcomes.

Join a highly specialized, patient-centered team where your technical expertise, clinical judgment, and commitment to compassionate care directly contribute to the diagnosis and treatment of complex eye conditions. This is an opportunity to build advanced ophthalmic skills, work with evolving diagnostic technology, and grow your career in a department that values collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.

The Role

As a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant, you will serve as an essential member of the ophthalmology care team, supporting providers throughout the patient journey while helping ensure an efficient, welcoming, and high-quality clinical experience. This role combines direct patient care, advanced diagnostic testing, clinical documentation, provider support, and patient education in a fast-paced specialty environment where attention to detail matters.

An average day may include:

• Obtaining and documenting comprehensive medical and ocular histories, medications, allergies, and chief complaints.

• Performing advanced ophthalmic examinations including visual acuity testing, refraction, lensometry, keratometry, pupil assessment, extraocular motility testing, visual fields, color vision testing, stereopsis, and intraocular pressure measurements.

• Performing specialized diagnostic testing such as OCT, fundus photography, visual field testing, corneal topography, pachymetry, biometry, ultrasonography, and other ophthalmic procedures.

• Assisting physicians, advanced practice providers, and residents during examinations, injections, laser procedures, and minor office procedures.

• Administering ophthalmic medications and diagnostic eye drops as directed.

• Accurately documenting clinical findings, diagnostic results, procedures, and treatment plans within the electronic medical record.

• Educating patients regarding testing, medications, procedures, post-procedure care, and treatment plans.

• Maintaining ophthalmic equipment and supporting infection prevention and safety standards.

• Collaborating with providers and team members to support efficient patient flow and outstanding patient experiences.

• Serving as a resource to colleagues while contributing to a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.

This position is ideal for an ophthalmic professional who enjoys highly specialized clinical work, thrives in a collaborative setting, and values the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in patients' lives through exceptional eye care.

Why UVA Health

UVA Health offers the best of academic medicine, innovation, and compassionate patient care. As part of a leading health system, you will have the opportunity to work alongside experts who are advancing the future of healthcare while supporting patients from across Virginia and beyond.

In Ophthalmology, your work is especially meaningful because preserving and restoring vision has a profound impact on quality of life. You will join a department that values clinical excellence, professional growth, and strong team relationships.

Highlights of this opportunity include:

• A highly specialized Ophthalmology practice focused on exceptional patient care and outcomes.

• Direct collaboration with ophthalmologists, optometrists, residents, and experienced ophthalmic professionals.

• Hands-on exposure to advanced ophthalmic technology and diagnostic testing.

• Opportunities to expand clinical knowledge and strengthen ophthalmic expertise .

• A supportive culture that encourages learning, mentorship, and professional development.

• No nights or holiday s

• A team-oriented environment where staff members are valued, empowered, and accountable.

• Meaningful work that helps patients preserve and improve their vision every day.

• An innovative department that embraces new technology , continuous improvement, and positive change.

• The opportunity to build a long-term career within a growing ophthalmology program and academic health system.

Whether you are an experienced Certified Ophthalmic Assistant seeking your next challenge or a dedicated ophthalmic professional looking for a collaborative clinical home, UVA Health offers an environment where your contributions are recognized and your career can flourish.

Why People Love Living in Charlottesville

Charlottesville offers an exceptional quality of life that combines the energy of a vibrant university community with the charm of a scenic mountain town. Residents enjoy easy access to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park, award-winning wineries, local farms, outdoor recreation, and a thriving arts and culinary scene. The area is known for its strong sense of community, excellent schools, and balance between professional opportunity and personal well-being. For healthcare professionals and families alike, Charlottesville provides an outstanding place to build both a rewarding career and a fulfilling life.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education: High School Diploma

Experience: At least one year of relevant experience, more experience preferred.

Licensure: COA-Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Certification by JCAHPO (Joint Commission of Accredited Health Professionals in Ophthalmology) may be required. See job requisition for position certification requirements.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Job requires sitting/standing for prolonged periods and frequently bending/stooping. Proficient communicative, auditory and visual skills; Attention to detail and ability to write legibly; Ability to lift/push/pull 50 - 100lbs. May be exposed to chemicals, radiation, blood/body fluids and infectious disease.

The pay range for this role is $19.49 - $30.21 hourly. Individual compensation will be determined by the selected candidate's qualifications, previous work experience, and/or education.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Paid Time Off, Long-term and Short-term Disability, Retirement Savings

• Health Saving Plans, and Flexible Spending Accounts

• Certification and education support

• Generous Paid Time Off

UVA Health (https://jobs.virginia.edu/why-uva-health) is a world-class Magnet Recognized academic medical center and health system with a level 1 trauma center. 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” guide (https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/va/university-of-virginia-medical-center-6344000) rates UVA Health University Medical Center as “High Performing” in 5 adult specialties and 14 conditions/procedures. We are one of 70 National Cancer Institute designated cancer centers. UVA Health Children’s (https://jobs.virginia.edu/uva-childrens) is named by 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report (https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/va/university-of-virginia-childrens-hospital-PA6344000) as the best children's hospital in Virginia with 9 specialties ranked among the best in the nation. Our footprint also encompasses 3 community hospitals and an integrated network of primary and specialty care clinics throughout Charlottesville, Culpeper, Northern Virginia, and beyond.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment (https://eocr.virginia.edu/notice-non-discrimination-and-equal-opportunity).