Certified Ophthalmic Assistant

Alameda Health Sytem; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 50,586 - 78,998; Full time

Job summary

Alameda Health System is seeking a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant to join the ophthalmology team in Oakland. The role supports physicians by performing diagnostic tests, maintaining equipment, measuring visual function, and assisting with procedures.

The incumbent will perform a range of tests including tonometry, visual fields, OCT, pachymetry, and photography, while ensuring instrument sterility and readiness for exams. Prior COA/COT credentials are preferred; HS diploma required.

Qualifications

• Possesses knowledge and skills in history taking, patient services, instrument maintenance, basic clinical optics, basic ocular motility, visual fields, intermediate tonometry, ocular pharmacology, and photography.
• Assists physicians and other technical staff to perform diagnostic tests necessary for evaluation of patient eye problems.
• Performs related duties as required.

Responsibilities

• Assist in coordinating services for patients, e.g., reminder calls, scheduling tests.
• Assist the physician in the preparation of routine microbiological specimens.
• Calibrate and maintain all instruments including bio-microscopes, lensometer, keratometer, slit lamp and tonometers; clean and stock consultation rooms and microbiology laboratory with drugs and supplies.
• Examine the cornea, lens and anterior chamber using a slit lamp and note variations from normal.
• Maintain knowledge of anesthesia, surgical procedures and medications used.
• Measure acuity with/without glasses and record findings on patient chart.
• Perform tests: corneal topography, autorefraction, contrast sensitivity, tonometry, Humphrey fields, OCT, pachymetry, A-Scan, B-Scan, photography.
• Obtain ocular and medical histories and assist doctors during procedures.
• Sterilize and set up instruments; assist with procedures and patient monitoring.

Skills

History taking

Patient services

Instrument maintenance

Ophthalmic photography

Tonometry

Visual fields

Ophthalmic equipment

Ocular motility

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Slit lamp

Tonometer

Keratometer

Lensometer

Humphrey visual fields

Job description

Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Internal Only

Available to current Alameda Health System employees only

• Oakland, CA
• Highland General Hospital
• FQHC HGH K7 Specialty
• Full Time - Day
• Allied Health
• 24.32-37.98
• Req #: 44261-32899
• FTE: 1
• Posted: Yesterday

Summary

Possesses knowledge and skills in history taking, patient services, instrument maintenance, basic clinical optics, basic ocular motility, visual fields, intermediate tonometry, ocular pharmacology, and photography. Incumbent assists physicians and other technical support staff to perform diagnostic tests necessary for evaluation of patient eye problems. Performs related duties as required.

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Assist in coordinating services for patients, e.g., reminder calls, scheduling tests, etc.
• Assist the physician in the preparation of routine microbiological specimens.
• Calibrate and maintain all instruments used including, but not limited to bio- microscopes, lensometer, keratometer, slit lamp and tonometers; clean and stock consultation rooms and microbiology laboratory with drugs and other supplies as needed.
• Examine the cornea, lens and anterior chamber of the eye using a slit lamp and note variations from normal.
• Maintains knowledge of local and topical anesthesia, lachrymal surgery, oculo-plastic surgery, orbital surgery, post-op drugs and their reactions, and prescription medications.
• Measure acuity of patient, with and without glasses, for distance and near vision; obtain optical and lensometry measurements to determine lens prescription; record findings on patient chart.
• Other duties as necessary.
• Performs testing: corneal topography, autorefraction, contrast sensitivity tests, tonometry, Humphrey visual fields, OCT, pachymetry, A-Scan for IOL calculation, B-Scan, ophthalmic photography and using other ophthalmic equipment in the clinic.
• Performs initial patient exams, which includes: obtaining ocular, medical, and family histories; measuring, comparing, and testing pupils; measuring visual acuity and eye pressures; color vision testing applies eye dressings.
• Provides information to patients concerning procedures and surgery; verifies surgery schedules; maintains, sterilizes, and sets up instruments for procedures; assists doctors with procedures and patient monitoring.
• Sterilize and set up instruments for ophthalmic procedures; assist with office procedures and laser treatments.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Preferred Experience: One year of relevant experience.
• Preferred Licenses/Certifications: Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA), Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT), Certification or coursework working towards a COA or COT.