Certified Ophthalmic Assistant

Optum; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Atrius Health in Chestnut Hill, MA is seeking a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) to support clinicians by performing preliminary tests, collecting patient history, and assisting with procedures. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team in a high-volume ophthalmology setting.

The role requires COA certification, solid knowledge of ophthalmic testing, and EMR proficiency, with opportunities to grow in a collaborative care environment within UnitedHealth Group’s Optum family.

Qualifications

• COA certification (JCAHPO) or NCLE required.
• Proven medical knowledge and ability to take patient history.
• Experience with basic ophthalmic testing and EMR proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Greet and escort patients; collect comprehensive medical/ocular history.
• Perform vision tests and preliminary ophthalmic assessments.
• Assist with minor procedures; maintain sterile technique and instruments.
• Operate and maintain ophthalmic equipment and lasers; ensure readiness.
• Educate patients on medications and procedures; support front desk tasks.

Skills

COA Certification

Vision testing

EMR experience

History taking

Travel between locations

Job description

Explore opportunities withAtriusHealth, part of the Optum family of businesses. We're an innovative health care leader and multi-specialty group practice, delivering an effective, connected system of care for adult and pediatric patients at 28 practice locations in eastern Massachusetts. Our entire team of providers (physicians,PA/NPs and ancillary clinicians) works collaboratively with a value-based philosophy within our group practice as well as with hospitals, rehab and nursing facilities. Be part of our vision to transform care and improve lives by building trust, understanding and shared decision-making with every patient. Join us and discover the meaning behind Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

Position Details

Location: Chestnut Hill-291 Independence Dr

Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:30-5:00pm

Specialty: Ophthalmology

As the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA), you will perform duties of a clinical assistant/technician specializing in anatomy, function and diseases of the eye. Facilitates patient care by performing the preliminary work up of the patient, including obtaining all past medical records and performing preliminary eye function testing needed for the clinician to diagnose and treat eye conditions. Completes all of the basic testing and some of the more advanced visual testing required to support clinicians. Conducts diagnostic tests, measures and records vision and assesses pupillary and eye muscle function.

Primary Responsibilities

• Patient Interaction & History: Greets and escorts patients, gathers comprehensive medical, ocular, and social history, and documents in the EMR
• Clinical Testing & Evaluation: Performs vision tests, vital signs, and a range of preliminary and specialized ophthalmic assessments (e.g., slit lamp, tonometry, OCT, visual fields)
• Procedure Support: Assists with minor surgical procedures, eye dressings, and ensures sterile technique and proper instrument handling
• Equipment & Maintenance: Operates, maintains, troubleshoots ophthalmic equipment and lasers; ensures cleanliness and readiness of instruments
• Patient Education & Admin Support: Instructs patients on medications and procedures; may rotate into administrative roles such as medical secretary duties

You’ll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear directions on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications

• Certification as an Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) by the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) as indicated by the most recent certification requirements for positions within Ophthalmology or by the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) as contact lens technician for positions within Optometry
• Proven general medical knowledge and ability to be proficient in history taking
• Proven knowledge of basic visual testing and diagnostic procedures, including pupillary measurement, visual acuity, extraocular muscle assessment, confrontation visual field testing, auto lensometry, auto refraction, Tonopen and/or iCare intraocular pressure measurement, as well as basic Slit lamp skills such as Goldmann tonometry and anterior chamber angle assessment
• Computer experience required with the ability to use word processing and spreadsheet programs. Electronic medical record (EMR) experience and/or aptitude to master the EMR based on other technology experience
• Ability to travel between locations based on business need

Preferred Qualifications

• American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Experience with manifest refraction, manual Lensometry, manual Keratometry, Ascans (automated biometry and/or immersion), OCT Scans, Humphrey visual field machine, brightness acuity test, instrument sterilization procedures
• Experience in ophthalmic triage protocols and safety measures}

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