Medical Assistant - Ophthalmology

Perlmutter Eye Center & Perlmutter Dermatology; Town of Clifton Park (NY); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Perlmutter Eye Center & Perlmutter Dermatology is seeking a Medical Assistant/Ophthalmic Technician to support physicians in delivering high-quality eye care. You will perform diagnostic tests, document patient information, and help with clinical procedures in a busy practice.

Responsibilities include vision assessments, ocular imaging, tonometry, refractions, and assisting with minor procedures. Strong attention to detail and excellent communication are essential, as is the ability to commute

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Excellent communication and patient-first mindset.
• Familiarity with ophthalmic terminology and anatomy.
• Interest in healthcare and delivering excellent patient care.
• Ability to commute to Albany, Clifton Park, and Troy.

Responsibilities

• Inform patients about test purposes and expectations.
• Obtain comprehensive ocular and medical history.
• Escort patients, initiate testing, and communicate next steps.
• Document examinations accurately in EMR and paper records.
• Perform diagnostics: OCT, HVF, tonometry, refractions, imaging.
• Assist physicians during minor procedures and sterilize instruments.

Skills

Communication skills

Patient-first mindset

Ophthalmic terminology

Healthcare interest

Commuting to Albany locations

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

EMR familiarity (ModMed)

Job description

Job Summary

The Medical Assistant/Ophthalmic Technician assists physicians in delivering high-quality eye care by performing diagnostic tests, documenting patient information, and supporting clinical procedures. This role involves direct patient interaction, accurate data collection, and coordination to ensure smooth clinic workflow. The technician is responsible for performing vision assessments, ocular imaging, tonometry, refractions, and assisting with minor procedures, while maintaining a clean, safe, and well-organized clinical environment. This position requires strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to patient care.

Key Responsibilities

Patient Interaction & Communication

• Inform patients about the purpose of all tests and procedures and explain what to expect.
• Obtain comprehensive patient history including: chief complaint, history of present illness, ocular and general medical history, family history, allergies, and medications.
• Escort patients from the waiting room, initiate testing, and communicate next steps while maintaining comfort and professionalism.

Clinical Testing & Documentation

• Perform accurate and consistent documentation within paper and/or electronic medical record systems.
• Perform and assist with diagnostics including: OCT, IOL Master, Topography/Topographer, Fundus photography (Optos), Humphrey Visual Field (HVF/HFA), Pachymetry, Refractions, Goldmann tonometry and/or iCare, Neutralizing glasses prescriptions
• Scribe and accurately document clinical examinations.
• Maintain smooth clinic flow by adjusting testing sequence as needed.
• Determine appropriate patient order and flow based on current clinic progression.

Administrative & Clinical Support

• Process medication refill requests and prior authorizations.
• Assist physicians during minor procedures as needed.
• Sterilize instruments and maintain required standards.
• Handle biohazard and sharps disposal safely and per regulatory guidelines.
• Clean, stock, open, and close exam and testing rooms.
• Communicate effectively with coworkers to ensure efficient workflow.
• Perform equipment calibration, quality checks, and arrange service when needed.
• Support and assist other staff members as necessary.

Skills & Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Excellent communication skills and strong patient-first mindset
• Familiarity with ophthalmic medical terminology and anatomy
• An interest in a career in healthcare & providing excellent care to patients
• Ability to commute to all office locations - Albany, Clifton Park & Troy

Preferred

• 0–2 years of ophthalmology experience
• Knowledge of EMR systems, Modernizing Medicine (ModMed) a plus
• Interest in pursuing a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) or Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) designation

Compensation

$20.00 - $22.00 per hour