Certified Ophthalmic Assistant- Lexington

Mass General Brigham; Lexington (VA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

Mass General Brigham is seeking a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) to support outpatient eye care alongside clinicians. You will perform testing, administer drops, assist procedures, and help ensure smooth patient flow in a busy ophthalmology setting.

Requires a COA certification and at least 6 months of ophthalmology clinic experience or ICA Assistant-level training, plus strong patient-service and communication skills. Onsite role at 110 Hartwell Ave with a 40-hour work week.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• COA certification through JCAHPO is required.
• At least 6 months ophthalmology clinic experience or ICA Assistant-level training.

Responsibilities

• Perform vision and ocular testing to prepare patients for examinations.
• Identify and administer diagnostic eye drops during routine exams.
• Assist with minor ophthalmic procedures and manage equipment.
• Measure vital signs and maintain clean, stocked exam rooms.
• Support patient call triage and administrative tasks as needed.

Skills

Ocular terminology

Eye anatomy knowledge

Patient service

Communication

Microsoft Office familiarity

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

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.

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.