Certified Ophthalmic Assistant- Lexington

Massachusetts Eye and Ear; Lexington (MA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary is seeking a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) to support the delivery of high-quality eye care in outpatient settings. The COA will perform clinical, technical, and administrative duties under supervision of licensed clinicians and ophthalmology team.

The role requires COA certification, a High School Diploma or equivalent, and at least 6 months of ophthalmology clinic experience or ICA Assistant-level training.

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• COA certification through JCAHPO required or equivalent.
• Minimum 6 months ophthalmology clinic experience or ICA Assistant-level training completed.

Responsibilities

• Performs a variety of vision and ocular testing, imaging, and assessments to prepare patients for comprehensive eye examinations and clinical evaluations.
• Identifies and administers diagnostic eye drops appropriately as part of routine eye examinations and clinical procedures.
• Prepares for and assists with minor ophthalmic procedures, including medical lasers, injections, cryotherapy, and oculoplastic procedures.
• Measures and documents vital signs as needed for procedures and patient care.
• Ensures exam rooms and clinical areas are appropriately stocked with medical and ophthalmic supplies.
• Cleans, calibrates, and performs basic maintenance of ophthalmic equipment in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and hospital infection control standards.
• Properly handles, stores, and transports specimens, instruments, and medications in accordance with established protocols.
• Supports administrative functions, including patient call triage and in-basket management, as assigned.
• Provides cross-coverage and support to other ophthalmology services and locations as needed.
• Follows hospital policies and applicable federal, state, and local regulations, as well as established quality, safety, infection control, and accreditation standards.

Skills

COA certification

Ophthalmic testing

Patient care

Equipment maintenance

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Site: Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary Mass General Brigham relies on a wide range of professionals, including doctors, nurses, business people, tech experts, researchers, and systems analysts to advance our mission. As a not-for-profit, we support patient care, research, teaching, and community service, striving to provide exceptional care. We believe that high-performing teams drive groundbreaking medical discoveries and invite all applicants to join us and experience what it means to be part of Mass General Brigham.

Job Summary

The Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) plays an important role in supporting the delivery of high-quality eye care in an outpatient clinic and/or procedural setting. Working alongside licensed clinicians and the ophthalmology team, the COA performs a variety of clinical, technical, and administrative responsibilities to support patient care and help ensure an efficient patient experience.

Does this position require Patient Care? Yes

Essential Functions

• Performs a variety of vision and ocular testing, imaging, and assessments to prepare patients for comprehensive eye examinations and clinical evaluations.
• Identifies and administers diagnostic eye drops appropriately as part of routine eye examinations and clinical procedures.
• Prepares for and assists with minor ophthalmic procedures, including medical lasers, injections, cryotherapy, and oculoplastic procedures.
• Measures and documents vital signs as needed for procedures and patient care.
• Ensures exam rooms and clinical areas are appropriately stocked with medical and ophthalmic supplies.
• Cleans, calibrates, and performs basic maintenance of ophthalmic equipment in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and hospital infection control standards.
• Properly handles, stores, and transports specimens, instruments, and medications in accordance with established protocols.
• Supports administrative functions, including patient call triage and in-basket management, as assigned.
• Provides cross-coverage and support to other ophthalmology services and locations as needed.
• Follows hospital policies and applicable federal, state, and local regulations, as well as established quality, safety, infection control, and accreditation standards.

Qualifications

Education High School Diploma or equivalent required. Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree? No

Licenses and Credentials

Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) certification through the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) required.

Experience

At least 6 months of experience working in a supervised ophthalmology clinic or Successful completion of the International Council of Accreditation (ICA) Assistant-level training program.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Working knowledge of ocular terminology, eye anatomy and physiology, common ocular diseases and disorders, ophthalmic procedures, and pharmacology. Strong interpersonal and patient service skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with patients and families. Ability to provide age-appropriate care and support based on patients’ individual needs. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to prioritize responsibilities, adapt to changing needs, and work effectively in a fast‑paced, high-volume clinical environment. Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with physicians, clinicians, and other members of the care team. Strong problem-solving and critical‑thinking skills, with the ability to make appropriate decisions within the scope of practice. Comfortable using computers and Microsoft Office Suite.

Additional Job Details (if applicable)

Remote Type Onsite Work Location 110 Hartwell Ave Scheduled Weekly Hours 40 Employee Type Regular Work Shift Day (United States of America) Pay Range $28.40 - $42.83/Hourly Grade 4 At Mass General Brigham, we believe in recognizing and rewarding the unique value each team member brings to our organization. Our approach to determining base pay is comprehensive, and any offer extended will take into account your skills, relevant experience if applicable, education, certifications and other essential factors. The base pay information provided offers an estimate based on the minimum job qualifications; however, it does not encompass all elements contributing to your total compensation package. In addition to competitive base pay, we offer comprehensive benefits, career advancement opportunities, differentials, premiums and bonuses as applicable and recognition programs designed to celebrate your contributions and support your professional growth.

EEO Statement

5110 Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. To ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Veteran’s Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact Human Resources at (857)-282-7642.

Mass General Brigham Competency Framework

At Mass General Brigham, our competency framework defines what effective leadership “looks like” by specifying which behaviors are most critical for successful performance at each job level. The framework is comprised of ten competencies (half People-Focused, half Performance-Focused) and are defined by observable and measurable skills and behaviors that contribute to workplace effectiveness and career success. These competencies are used to evaluate performance, make hiring decisions, identify development needs, mobilize employees across our system, and establish a strong talent pipeline.

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Mass General Brigham is a passionate, welcoming community where minds meet caring hearts. Come be a part of the world’s most powerful force in medicine, where every role is important in changing lives. Are you ready? Our history includes New England hospitals founded over 200 years ago, some of the first and most prestigious hospitals in the world. Built on the legacy of two leading academic medical centers, we’re more than a system—we’re leaders in the practice of medicine. Mass General Brigham is committed to serving the community. We are dedicated to enhancing patient care, teaching and research, and taking a leadership role as an integrated health care system. We recognize that increasing value and continuously improving quality are essential to maintaining excellence.