Certified Ophthalmology Assistant

Banner University Medical Group; Arizona; On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

Banner Health in Tucson, AZ seeks a Certified Ophthalmology Assistant to join our Ophthalmology team. You will prepare patients for exams, record medical histories and perform essential measurement tests under the guidance of ophthalmologists.

You will assist in procedures such as eyelid excision, lash removal, foreign object removal, suturing and dressing changes, and mentor non-certified assistants to raise the team's standard of care.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• COA Certification through JCAHPO is required.
• BLs certification required.
• Experience with ophthalmic equipment and medical software is preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a healthcare setting.

Responsibilities

• Prepares patient for exam by taking and recording medical history and performing basic measurements.
• Assists in procedures such as eyelid excision, lash removal, foreign object removal, suturing and dressing changes under physician supervision.
• Demonstrates proficiency with retina and cornea care, refraction, tonometry and related instruments.
• Maintains ophthalmic equipment and inventory; assists in training non-certified staff.

Skills

COA Certification

BLS Certification

Computer skills

Interpersonal communication

Multitasking

Ophthalmic equipment knowledge

Education

High school diploma or GED

COA Certification (JCAHPO)

Tools

EMR software

Scheduling software

Job description

Primary City/State: Tucson, Arizona. Department Name: PPA-Ophthalmology Alvernon-Cli. Work Shift: Day. Job Category: Clinical Care.

Good health care is key to a good life. At Banner Health, we understand that, and that’s why we work hard every day to make a difference in people’s lives. We’ve united under a common goal: Make health care easier, so life can be better. It’s a lofty goal, but it’s one we’re committed to seeing through. Do you like the idea of making a positive change in people’s lives–and your own? If so, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

We are seeking a Certified Ophthalmology Assistant to join our Ophthalmology team, where you will play a vital role in delivering exceptional patient care under the guidance of experienced Ophthalmologists. In this rewarding position, you will leverage your specialized knowledge and clinical expertise to prepare patients for exams, record detailed medical histories, and perform essential measurement tests that drive accurate diagnoses. You will also assist in a variety of hands‑on procedures, including eye lid excision, eye lash removal, foreign object removal, suture removal, and dressing changes—keeping your skills sharp and your work engaging every day. Beyond direct patient care, you will serve as a trusted resource and mentor for non‑certified assistants, helping to elevate the entire team’s standard of excellence. This is a unique opportunity to grow professionally while contributing to a culture of compassion, collaboration, and clinical integrity.

Location: 707N.Alvernon Way Tucson, AZ. Hours: Monday–Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm. Banner University Medical Group is our nonprofit faculty practice plan associated with the University of Arizona Colleges of Medicine in Phoenix and Tucson. Our 1,100-plus clinicians provide primary and specialty care to patients at highly ranked Banner–University Medical Centers and dozens of clinics while providing mentorship to more than 1,200 residents and fellows. Our practice values and encourages the three‑part mission of academic medicine: research, education and excellent patient care.

This position assists in the examination and treatment of patients under the direction of an Ophthalmologist and serves as a resource and mentor for non-certified assistants. This position utilizes specialized knowledge, judgment and skills necessary to provide appropriate patient care.

CORE FUNCTIONS

• Prepares patient for exam and treatment by taking and recording medical history and performing basic measurement tests.
• Assists in various procedures such as eye lid excision, eye lash removal, foreign object removal, suture removal and dressing change. All procedures are performed under the direction of a physician.
• Demonstrates proficiency in surgery areas such as retina and cornea as well as refraction, tonopen, pentacam, IOL master, Goldman applanation, pachymetry, OCT and retina scope.
• Prepares treatment rooms for patient exams, disposes of contaminated supplies and sterilizes medical instruments.
• Instructs patients on medicines and special diets and administers medications as directed by physician. May authorize drug refills as directed, and call in prescriptions to pharmacy.
• Maintains ophthalmic equipment and instruments and maintains inventory and orders supplies when necessary.
• Serves as a resource for uncertified certified ophthalmology staff in training.
• This position works under the direct supervision of the ophthalmologist, optometrist and/or resident. This position interacts with all levels of staff in a variety of departments, physicians, patients, families and external contacts, such as employees of other health care institutions, community providers and agencies, concerning the health care of the patient. Also interacts with physician’s offices in order to report, ask for or clarify information. Prioritizes data from multiple sources to provide support for the response of the patient and family to changes in health status.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma/GED.
• Requires COA Certification through Joint Commission Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO).
• BLS certified required.
• Must possess at least 1 year of experience working in a healthcare facility.
• Requires strong computer skills, including the ability to work with medical software.
• Requires exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• Requires the ability to manage multiple changing priorities in an effective and organized fashion.
• Demonstrated skill in performing complete patient work-ups and use of ophthalmic equipment and instruments that include, but not be limited to, slit lamp, lensometer, auto refractor, visual field analyzer, applanation tonometer, as well as other types of tonometry equipment.
• Basic refractometry skills are necessary for this position.
• Requires exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• Requires the ability to manage multiple changing priorities in an effective and organized fashion.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working as an ophthalmology assistant, optometry assistant, or medical assistant.
• Previous experience working with EMR and scheduling software preferred.
• Additional related education and/or experience preferred.

EEO Statement

EEO/Disabled/Veterans

We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefit package for all benefit-eligible positions. Please visit our Benefits Guide for more information.

Banner Health supports a drug-free work environment.

Banner Health is one of the largest, nonprofit health care systems in the country and the leading nonprofit provider of hospital services in all the communities we serve. Throughout our network of hospitals, primary care health centers, research centers, labs, physician practices and more, our skilled and compassionate professionals use the latest technology to make health care easier, so life can be better. The many locations, career opportunities, and benefits offered at Banner Health help to make the Banner Journey unique and fulfilling for every employee.