Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (Recruitment Incentive)

UT Health San Antonio; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

UT Health San Antonio is seeking a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant to support the ophthalmology clinic with routine procedures and patient examinations. The role includes assisting during exams, preparing rooms, and ensuring smooth patient flow under supervision.

The position requires knowledge of ocular anatomy, sterile technique, and COA certification. A high school diploma or GED is required, with optional one year of related technical experience. This role is on-site at UT Health San Antonio.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• One year of related technical experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Performs basic ocular function tests and evaluation of pupils to assist the Ophthalmologist.
• Assists physician with minor surgical procedures, including room setup.
• Maintains ophthalmic instruments clean, sterile and operational.
• Reports missing or unserviceable equipment and maintains supplies in exam rooms.
• Performs patient workups including medical and medication history and chief complaint.
• Administers eye and oral medications as directed.
• Changes dressings and instructs patients/parents on in-home care.
• Adheres to consent rules for procedures.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Skills

Technical experience

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (Recruitment Incentive)

Job Description

Under general supervision, responsible for providing assistance with a variety of basic technical procedures and administering treatments as directed. Performs routine and standardized tasks in preparation for patient examinations, and assists during the examinations while ensuring a steady and even flow of patients through the clinic.

Responsibilities

• Performs basic ocular function tests (measures and records) and evaluation of pupils to assist the Ophthalmologist in the treatment and care of patients.
• Assists physician with minor surgical procedures, including room set-up.
• Performs a variety of procedures and techniques.
• Maintains ophthalmic and surgical instruments clean, sterile and operational.
• Reports missing or unserviceable equipment and maintains appearance and stocking of supplies and forms in exam rooms.
• Maintains all related logs such as spore testing logs, refrigerator logs, and keeps track of instruments.
• Performs efficient, accurate, and legible patient workups to include patient interviews, obtaining and documenting medical history, medication history, chief complaint, and information relative to the treatment and care of patients.
• Administers eye and oral medications as directed.
• Changes dressings and instructs patients and/or parents of in-home care.
• Understands, communicates, and adheres to rules regarding patient consent for procedures.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated working knowledge of basic medical anatomy, eye anatomy, diseases, symptoms, and ocular medications.
• Understands and adheres to proper sterile techniques.
• Knowledge of standard medical abbreviations.

Education:

High school diploma or GED is required.

Experience:

Some related experience is required; one (1) year technical experience is preferred.

License/Certifications:

Meet and maintain the minimum requirements for JCAHPO certification as a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA).

Required Skills

• Some related experience is required; one (1) year technical experience is preferred.

This position may require the ability to maintain the security and integrity of UT San Antonio and its infrastructure per Texas EO-GA-48.

About Us

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UT San Antonio) is a nationally recognized, top-tier public research university that unites the power of higher education, biomedical discovery and healthcare within one visionary institution. As the third-largest research university in Texas and a Carnegie R1-designated institution, UT San Antonio is a model of access and excellence - advancing knowledge, social mobility and public health across South Texas and beyond. UT San Antonio serves approximately 42,000 students in 320 academic programs spanning science, engineering, medicine, health, liberal arts, AI, cybersecurity, business, education and more. With 17,000 faculty and staff, UT San Antonio has been recognized by Forbes as one of America's Best Employers for Company Culture .

Benefits Overview

UT Health San Antonio offers an excellent benefits package for its employees. Employees who work at least 20 hours a week, with an appointment of at least 4.5 months, are eligible for benefits.

Medical - UT SELECT Medical insurance is offered free for employees and administered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. Family members can be added to the plan through payroll deduction. Employees and their dependents can also receive discounted copays and coinsurance when using UT Health Physicians, a network of 800 premier physicians including more than 100 specialists. Employees receive $50,000 of group term life insurance and $50,000 of basic accidental death and dismemberment insurance for free, with options to purchase additional employee and dependent coverage for both at group rates.

Dental - Three dental insurance plan options are available for employees and their families through Delta Dental Insurance Company, two PPOs and one dental HMO plan. Both PPO plans allow employees to choose any licensed dentist.

Vision - Fully insured Vision Care benefits are offered by Superior Vision Services. Two vision plan options that offer either standard or enhanced vision benefits.

Disability - Employees can enroll in the Disability Insurance which provides income if a non-work related illness or injury prevents you from working.

FSAs - Employees can enroll in flexible spending accounts (FSAs) to set aside money from earnings before taxes for qualifying dependent day care expenses or out-of-pocket health care expenses.

Retirement - Employees are eligible for either the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) or the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP). TRS is a defined benefit retirement plan which UT Health matches employee contributions. ORP is for eligible faculty staff employees. Voluntary retirement programs are also available to invest before- or after-tax dollars with the choice of five quality retirement plan providers.

Time Off - A generous leave program offers multiple paid leave options:

• Front-loaded Paid Time Off: 128 to 208 hours (16 to 26 days) of Paid Time Off based on years of service, given at the start of each fiscal year. PTO may be prorated in year one based on date of hire.
• Extended Illness Bank: 8 hours (1 day) accrued per month which can be used for illness or injury after one day of Paid Time Off is taken.
• Paid Family Leave: Up to 240 hours (6 weeks) to care for a spouse, child, or parent after 6 months of consecutive employment.
• Holidays: 12 set paid holidays each year.

Discounts - Employees enjoy a range of discounts on services, tickets, and gym membership.

EEO Statement

UT Health San Antonio is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. It is our policy to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity for all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.

Job Info

• Job Identification 8276
• Job Category Clinical Programs & Services
• Posting Date 10/19/2026, 03:14 PM
• Locations 0305 8300 Floyd Curl Dr., San Antonio, TX, 78229, US (On-site)
• Apply Before 11/18/2026, 04:14 PM
• Job Schedule Full time
• Organization O9250 - HOPD Ophthalmology MARC, O9000 - MSRH - HOPD Operations, O1000 - MSRH - Administration, UT Health Science Center, UT Health Science Center
• Department O9250 - HOPD Ophthalmology MARC