Certified Ophthalmic Assistant

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

Job summary

UVA Health is seeking a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant to join our specialized ophthalmology team. You will support providers, perform diagnostic testing, and help ensure a smooth patient visit in a fast-paced academic health system.

The role emphasizes attention to detail, clinical judgment, and strong patient communication as part of delivering outstanding eye care.

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma is required.
• Experience: At least one year of relevant ophthalmic experience preferred.
• Licensure: COA certification may be required per requisition.

Responsibilities

• Welcomes patients and ensures a positive, professional experience from arrival through discharge.
• Obtains and documents medical and ocular histories.
• Assesses visual acuity and measures intraocular pressure.
• Performs ophthalmic diagnostic testing and prepares patients for examinations.
• Administers ophthalmic medications and eye drops as directed.
• Assists physicians and advanced practice providers during examinations and procedures.
• Maintains accurate clinical documentation and supports efficient patient flow.
• Collaborates with providers and teammates to deliver safe, compassionate, patient-centered care.

Skills

Ophthalmic patient care

Diagnostic testing

Education

High School Diploma

COA-Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Certification (JCAHPO)

Job description

Every patient interaction plays a vital role in preserving and improving vision. As a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant with UVA Health, you will be part of a highly specialized team that combines advanced ophthalmic care, clinical excellence, and compassionate service to make a meaningful difference in patients' lives every day.

Join a collaborative ophthalmology team where your skills are valued, your professional growth is supported, and your contributions directly impact patient outcomes. Whether you bring extensive ophthalmic experience or are eager to build upon a strong patient care foundation, this is an opportunity to grow within a respected academic health system dedicated to innovation and exceptional care.

The Role

As a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant, you will serve as an essential member of the care team, supporting providers while helping patients feel comfortable, informed, and prepared throughout their visit. This role offers a dynamic mix of direct patient care, diagnostic testing, clinical support, and collaboration within a fast-paced specialty environment.

A typical day may include:

• Welcoming patients and creating a positive, professional experience from arrival through discharge.
• Obtaining and documenting medical and ocular histories.
• Assessing visual acuity and measuring intraocular pressure.
• Performing ophthalmic diagnostic testing and preparing patients for examinations.
• Administering ophthalmic medications and eye drops as directed.
• Assisting physicians and advanced practice providers during examinations and procedures.
• Maintaining accurate clinical documentation and supporting efficient patient flow.
• Collaborating closely with providers and teammates to deliver safe, compassionate, and patient-centered care.

This role offers the opportunity to work in a specialty where attention to detail, clinical judgment, technical skills, and strong patient communication all play an important role in delivering outstanding care.

Why UVA Health

At UVA Health, you will join one of the nation's leading academic health systems, where innovation, education, and clinical excellence come together in service of patients and communities. Ophthalmology team members enjoy the unique opportunity to contribute to specialized eye care while working alongside experts committed to advancing the field.

What makes this opportunity stand out:

• Work in a highly specialized ophthalmology practice where every team member plays an important role in delivering exceptional patient care.
• Be part of a supportive, collaborative culture that values teamwork, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Gain exposure to advanced ophthalmic technology and evolving clinical practices in a forward-thinking environment.
• Grow your career through professional development and certification pathways , with opportunities to advance your skills and expand your expertise within ophthalmology.
• Join a department that embraces innovation and change , continually seeking ways to improve both the patient and staff experience.
• Experience the advantages of academic medicine , where clinical care, education, and discovery come together to shape the future of healthcare.
• Work with a team that prioritizes both excellence and compassion , ensuring patients remain at the center of every decision.

For individuals with patient care experience who are eager to learn, this department provides a welcoming environment where curiosity, initiative, and a commitment to quality care are highly valued.

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.

Job Profile

J2615 - Certified Ophthalmic Assistant

Career Stream and Level

Clinical Technician-T1

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.