Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA)

Whitewater Eye Centers LLC; Richmond (IN); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading eye care center in Richmond, IN is seeking a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant to join their team. This role involves performing various data-collection functions for patient assessments, documentation, and assisting in patient care within a fast-paced medical environment. Candidates should have valid certification, experience in eye care, and strong interpersonal skills.

Qualifications

• One year experience as an Ophthalmic Assistant.
• Knowledge of medical terminology, especially ophthalmic terms.
• Experience with ophthalmic diagnostic equipment.

Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive data collection for patient diagnosis.
• Document and measure ophthalmic tests accurately.
• Assist physician with patient care and during procedures.

Skills

Communication

Empathy

Organizational skills

Multi-tasking

Interpersonal skills

Education

High school diploma

Some college preferred

Valid proof of certification as an Ophthalmic Assistant

Job description

Position:Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA)

Location: Richmond, IN

Job Id:157

# of Openings:1

About the Position: This individual is responsible for performing a wide-ranging number of data-collection functions, as delegated by the physician, to allow for a proper, professional diagnosis of patients’ conditions.

Required Education and Experience:

• High school diploma, some college preferred.
• One year experience as an Ophthalmic Assistant.
• Valid proof of certification as an Ophthalmic Assistant.
• Experience with ophthalmic diagnostic equipment such as OCT, topography, and fundus photography.
• Knowledge of medical terminology, especially ophthalmic terms.
• Training and understanding HIPAA requirements and the importance of maintaining patient confidentiality.

Essential Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated advanced comprehension of the ophthalmic assistant skills as outlined by the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO).
• Basic understanding of optics and the ability to perform refractometry.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Empathetic personality giving attention to patient’s needs and concerns.
• Demonstrated ability to perform comprehensive workups on three patients per hour.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize tasks effectively in a fast-paced medical environment.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work as a team member.
• Proficiency with EMR systems and strong computer skills.

Key Responsibilities:

Communication and Patient Care

• Interacts with all patients using the level of respect and professionalism required by this practice.
• Obtains patient history, including chief complaint, history of present illness, medical history (ocular and general), family history (ocular and general), and history of allergies and medications.
• Performs duties consistent with ophthalmic writer/scribe.
• Performs accurate and consistent documentation and measurement tasks to include:
  • Visual acuity
  • Manual lensometry
  • Confrontational visual fields
  • Stereo testing
  • Evaluation of motility
  • Pupillary function tests
  • Color plates
  • Applanation tonometry
  • Refractometry
  • Angle assessment
  • Dilation of pupils
  • Contact lens evaluations
  • Visual field testing
  • Optic nerve scanning (i.e., OCT, HRT, GDx)
  • Pachymetry
  • Corneal topography
  • Assists physician with laser procedures.
  • Assists physician with minor surgery, maintaining practice standards of sterile technique and infection control

Triage

• Escorts patients from the waiting room for the data collection.
• Maintains a smooth flow of patients to the physician, altering the test sequence as required.
• Provides telephone support regarding ocular emergencies, prescription refills, and patient care questions.
• Communicates with the reception staff to facilitate proper patient flow.

Administrative

• Seeks advice from more senior staff as necessary, never performing beyond capabilities.
• Maintains COA certification by attending continuing education courses and seminars.
• Maintains cleanliness in exam and procedure rooms.
• Maintains back up levels of stock in exam and procedure rooms.
• Confirms patients’ appointments by phone two business days in advance.
• Performs other related duties, as required.

Physical Activity of Position:

• Visual Acuity: Average visual acuity is acceptable; must be able to use visually orientated medical equipment, i.e., phoropter, and to read computer screens/monitors to perform physical assessments.
• Auditory Acuity: Average acuity acceptable; must be able to communicate in person and via telephone.
• Hand/Eye Coordination: Must be able to adequately perform the use of ophthalmic equipment, administer eye drops, and handle other simple medical supplies.
• Hand Dexterity: Average acceptable; must perform hand movements in fine manipulation, gross manipulation, simple grasping, firm grasping, and hand twisting.
• Partial Body Mobility: Must be able to maneuver upper body adequately to lift one to 15 lbs. regularly from floor to waist, 1 to 5 lbs. from waist to shoulder, and 1 to 5 lbs. from shoulder to overhead; must be able to push, pull, bend, twist and reach up.

May be exposed to the following hazards:

• Communicable diseases
• Chemicals
• Sharp objects
• Moving parts of equipment

Safety equipment provided includes:

• Gloves
• Glasses
• Face masks and shields
• Sharps containers

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Whitewater Eye Centersis an equal employment opportunity employer and complies with all applicable laws relating to discrimination against qualified applicants or employees in hiring or in any decision affecting job status, pay, or any other terms and conditions of employment based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, familial status, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, age, or other applicable protected classes.