Certified Ophthalmic Assistant - Part-Time - 24 hours per week

Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC); Towson (MD); On-site; USD 29,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC) in Towson, MD seeks an Ophthalmic Assistant to support ophthalmologists with diagnostic testing and patient care. You will perform basic ophthalmic tests and assist in procedures, ensuring accurate data entry and clean, well-prepared exam rooms.

Qualifications include 1–2 years in a clinical ophthalmic setting, COA preferred, and CPR certification. The role emphasizes patient safety, precise testing, and collaboration within the GBMC team.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years' experience in clinical ophthalmic setting; COA may substitute.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Ophthalmologist in diagnostic, therapeutic and corrective procedures.
• Perform basic clinical tests such as visual acuity tests, color vision testing, lensometry, exophthalmometry, Amsler Grid, Schirmer's Tests, evaluation of pupil, tonometry, keratometry, retinoscopy, and refractometry.
• Provide basic patient care such as administering eye drops, ointments, and irrigating solutions to the eye.
• Maintain accurate and complete records of all tests performed, preliminary transfer and analysis of data and recovery of charts for review.
• Ensure exam rooms are setup and ready for use at beginning of day; close rooms at end of day.
• Inputs patient information into database and perform clerical duties.
• Recognize errors or equipment malfunctions; calibrate and maintain equipment.

Skills

Ophthalmic experience

Ophthalmic instrumentation

Visual acuity testing

Ocular motility

Data analysis

Oral/written communication

Record keeping

Eye drop administration

Education

COA certification

HS/GED

Tools

Ophthalmic instruments

Lensometry/Keratometry

Job description

Under direct supervision, assists the Ophthalmologist in caring for the eye patient by providing important and preliminary information on the patient's medical condition that is obtained through a variety of visual acuity and ocular motility tests and through ophthalmic photography. Maintains equipment to ensure valid and reliable results.

Education

• Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) preferred (must complete COA certification within one year of hire)
• HS or GED

Experience

1-2 Years' Experience in clinical ophthalmic setting (COA may be substituted for years of experience)

Licensures/Certifications

• Current CPR certification.
• Certification as Ophthalmic Assistant from the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) preferred.

Physical Requirements

Continuous attention to detail and ability to make continual fine sensory discrimination up to 80% of work time.

Working Conditions

Exposure to certain distasteful patient care activities and communicable diseases in moderate.

Skills

1-2 Years' Experience in clinical ophthalmic setting (COA may be substituted for years of experience)

• Basic knowledge of anatomy, physiology, systemic diseases, ocular diseases, ocular emergencies.
• Basic knowledge of ophthalmic instrumentation; knowledge and performance of techniques to measure the patient's visual acuity and ocular motility and to administer eye drops, ointments, etc.
• Basic knowledge of oral medications and invasive techniques.
• Skill in data analysis and interpretation.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Ability to file and retrieve records.

Patient & Workplace Safety

• Employee has knowledge and understanding of patient and workforce safety as it relates to job duties.

Patient Population

• Demonstrates competency in the delivery of care and applies the knowledge to meet age-specific needs if applicable.

Principles Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists the Ophthalmologist in diagnostic, therapeutic and corrective procedures. Generates important and preliminary information for use by the Ophthalmologist and provides basic and routine patient care activities.
• Performs a variety of basic clinical tests on patients such as visual acuity tests, color vision testing, lensometry, exophthalmometry, Amsler Grid, Schirmer's Tests, evaluation of pupil, tonometry, keratometry, retinoscopy, and refractometry.
• Provides basic patient care such as administering eye drops, ointments, and irrigating solutions to the eye.
• Maintains accurate and complete records of all tests performed, preliminary transfer and analysis of data and recovery of charts for review. Informs the ophthalmologist of any adverse test results that may need immediate medical attention.
• Ensures exam rooms are setup and ready for use at beginning of day. Closes exam rooms at the end of the day.
• Inputs patient information (i.e. name, age, diagnosis) into database. Perform various clerical duties including filing and retrieving patient, handling telephone messages, and the like.
• Recognizes errors or equipment malfunctions. Calibrates, makes necessary adjustments, cleans and maintains equipment (i.e. acuity projectors, ophthalmoscopes, retinoscopes, lensometers, perimeters, slit lamps, phoropters) used to insure accurate and reliable results.

All roles must demonstrate GBMC Values:

Respect

I will treat everyone with courtesy. I will foster a healing environment.

• Treats others with fairness, kindness, and respect for personal dignity and privacy
• Listens and responds appropriately to others' needs, feelings, and capabilities

Excellence

I will strive for superior performance in every aspect of my work. I will recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of others.

• Meets and/or exceeds customer expectations

Actively pursues learning

• Actively pursues learning and self-development
• Pays attention to detail; follows through

Accountability

I will be professional in the way I act, look and speak. I will take ownership to solve problems.

• Sets a positive, professional example for others
• Takes ownership of problems and does what is needed to solve them
• Appropriately plans and utilizes required resources for various job duties
• Reports to work regularly and on time

Teamwork

I will be engaged and collaborative. I will keep people informed.

• Works cooperatively and collaboratively with others for the success of the team
• Addresses and resolves conflict in a positive way
• Seeks out the ideas of others to reach the best solutions
• Acknowledges and celebrates the contribution of others

Ethical Behavior

I will always act with honesty and integrity. I will protect the patient.

• Demonstrates honesty, integrity and good judgment
• Respects the cultural, psychosocial, and spiritual needs of patients/families/ coworkers

Results

I will set goals and measure outcomes that support organizational goals. I will give and accept help to achieve goals.

• Embraces change and improvement in the work environment
• Continuously seeks to improve the quality of products/ services
• Displays flexibility in dealing with new situations or obstacles
• Achieves results on time by focusing on priorities and manages time efficiently

Pay Range

$21.91 - $37.08

Final salary offer will be based on the candidate's qualifications, education, experience and alignment with our organizational needs.

Equal Employment Opportunity

GBMC HealthCare and its affiliates are Equal Opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.