Certified Ophthalmic Assistant

NaviHealth; Newton (MA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Incentive programs

Equity stock purchase

401k

Job summary

Atrius Health, part of the Optum family, invites you to join our ophthalmology team at Chestnut Hill. As a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA), you will support clinicians with eye testing, patient prep, and routine care in a fast‑paced specialty setting.

Responsibilities include patient history collection, vision testing (slit lamp, tonometry, OCT), equipment upkeep, and basic procedure support. Requires COA certification, EMR proficiency, and will travel between locations.

Qualifications

• COA certification or NCLE contact lens technician certification required.
• Medical knowledge and ability to take patient history.
• Knowledge of basic visual testing and diagnostic procedures.
• EMR experience and ability to use word processing/spreadsheet tools.
• Ability to travel between locations as needed.

Responsibilities

• Greet and escort patients, collect comprehensive medical and ocular history.
• Perform vision tests and preliminary ophthalmic assessments.
• Assist with minor procedures and manage instrument handling.
• Operate and maintain ophthalmic equipment and ensure sterility.
• Educate patients on medications and procedures, may assist in administrative tasks.

Skills

Ophthalmic testing

EMR experience

Clinical assistance

Patient communication

Travel between locations

Education

Ophthalmic Assistant COA certification

Tools

Slit lamp

Auto lensometry

Auto refractor

Humphrey visual field machine

Job description

Explore opportunities with Atrius Health, 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
• Ophthalmic Scribe experience
• Proven knowledge and proficiency in ophthalmic procedures such as Laser, Intraocular Injections, Oculoplastic minor procedures

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The hourly pay for this role will range from $20.00 to $36.00 per hour based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone-of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income-deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes - an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.

UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

UnitedHealth Group is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.