Lead Certified Ophthalmic Assistant

Partner's Healthcare; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 53,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary is seeking a Lead Certified Ophthalmic Assistant to provide clinical leadership in our outpatient ophthalmology clinic. You will coordinate staff scheduling, support training, and act as a resource for clinicians to ensure efficient patient flow and high-quality eye care.

The role requires COA certification and 3–5 years of COA experience in ophthalmology, plus 1–2 years of leadership experience.

Qualifications

• Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) required
• 3–5 years COA experience in a supervised clinical setting
• 3–5 years ophthalmology experience
• 1–2 years leadership experience preferred
• COA certification by JCAHPO or equivalent required

Responsibilities

• Coordinates weekly clinical staff assignments and adjusts responsibilities to support efficient clinic flow.
• Identifies opportunities for process improvement and enhances operational efficiency.
• Supports onboarding, training, and ongoing development of clinical staff.
• Leads team huddles and meetings to promote communication and collaboration.
• Provides clinical guidance and support as a resource to team members.
• Maintains ophthalmic equipment per manufacturer guidelines and troubleshoots issues.
• Delegates tasks based on workflow and patient needs.
• Performs inventory management, patient call triage, and in-basket management.
• Conducts advanced ophthalmic examinations, imaging, and testing within COA scope.
• Delivers professional, patient-centered care and fosters a positive patient experience.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Training

Communication

Customer service

Ocular terminology

Infection prevention

Computer skills

Independent work

Problem-solving

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

COA certification

Job description

Site: Massachusetts Eye and Ear InfirmaryMass 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

Under general supervision, the Lead Certified Ophthalmic Assistant provides clinical leadership and support to the ophthalmic care team. This role helps coordinate daily clinical operations, assigns responsibilities, and supports staff training and development to promote efficient clinic flow and an exceptional patient experience.

The Lead Certified Ophthalmic Assistant performs a variety of advanced clinical and administrative responsibilities to support the delivery of high-quality eye care in an outpatient clinic and/or procedural setting. This position serves as a resource to clinical staff while also providing direct patient care within the scope of practice. Does this position require Patient Care? Yes

Essential Functions

• Coordinates weekly clinical staff assignments and adjusts responsibilities as needed to support efficient clinic flow and patient care.
• Partners with the leadership team to identify opportunities for process improvement, enhance operational efficiency, and improve the experience of both patients and staff.
• Supports the onboarding, training, and ongoing development of clinical staff as directed by the Clinical Manager and/or Director of Clinical Operations.
• Leads team huddles and meetings with clinical support staff as needed to promote communication, collaboration, and effective daily operations.
• Serves as a clinical resource to team members and provides guidance and support as appropriate.
• Ensures ophthalmic equipment is maintained according to manufacturer guidelines; troubleshoots common equipment issues and escalates concerns when appropriate.
• Delegates clinical and administrative tasks to team members based on workflow, patient needs, and individual responsibilities.
• Performs administrative responsibilities, including inventory management, patient call triage, and in-basket management.
• Performs advanced ophthalmic examinations, diagnostic imaging, and testing within the scope of practice of a JCAHPO Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA).
• Supports a positive patient experience by providing professional, compassionate, and patient-centered care.
• Follows all hospital policies and procedures, applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, and Joint Commission standards.

Qualifications

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent required

Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree?

Yes

Licenses and Credentials

Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) - Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) required

Experience

• 3-5 years of experience working as a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) in a supervised clinical setting required
• 3-5 years of experience working in ophthalmology required
• 1-2 years of previous leadership experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to support, motivate, and develop clinical staff.
• Ability to provide effective training, coaching, and constructive feedback to team members.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, and members of the care team.
• Advanced knowledge of ocular terminology, eye anatomy and physiology, ocular diseases and disorders, ophthalmic procedures, and pharmacology.
• Strong knowledge of infection prevention, aseptic technique, and sterilization practices.
• Demonstrated ability to provide patient care appropriate to the patient's age, physical needs, and level of understanding.
• Ability to prioritize responsibilities and adapt to changing needs in fast-paced, high-volume clinical and procedural environments.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with physicians, clinical staff, and other members of the care team.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to make sound decisions within the scope of practice.
• Proficiency with computers and Microsoft Office Suite.

Additional Job Details (if applicable)

Remote Type Onsite

Work Location 243-245 Charles Street

Scheduled Weekly Hours 40

Employee Type Regular

Work Shift Day (United States of America)

Pay Range $38.30 - $57.59/Hourly

Grade 6

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.