Ophthalmic Assistant

St. Mary's Health System; Alabama; On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation and benefits

Professional growth opportunities

Flexible payment options

Paid parental leave

Job summary

SSM Health is seeking a dedicated Ophthalmic Assistant to support our ophthalmology team in Madison, AL. This role involves assisting with patient care and clinical procedures to ensure a smooth operation and excellent patient experience.

The ideal candidate should have relevant certifications and experience. We offer competitive compensation and benefits, along with a collaborative, mission-driven environment focused on holistic patient care.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; completion of an accredited ophthalmic assistant program preferred.
• COA certification strongly preferred or willingness to obtain within 18 months.
• Previous experience in ophthalmology or optometry setting is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Prepare patients for eye examinations and procedures.
• Assist with diagnostic imaging and maintain medical records.
• Support physicians during minor procedures and surgeries.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Organizational skills

Collaborative work in clinical environments

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Completion of accredited ophthalmic assistant program

COA certification

Job description

Job Overview

Worker Type: Regular

Job Highlights: Ophthalmic Assistant

Location: North High Point clinic- Madison

Employment Type: Full-Time 32 hours per week (Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40)

Join Our Mission

At SSM Health, we are committed to providing exceptional care and creating a healing environment for our patients. We are seeking a dedicated Ophthalmic Assistant to join our ophthalmology team and support our mission of delivering compassionate, high‑quality eye care.

Job Summary

The Ophthalmic Assistant plays a vital role in assisting ophthalmologists and optometrists with patient care, diagnostic testing, and clinical procedures. This position ensures smooth clinic operations and an excellent patient experience.

Participates in the care and treatment of eye care patients utilizing skills unique to optometry and ophthalmology. Demonstrates accountability to patients, peers and other health team members through positive customer relations and effective communication. Cares for children and adult patients of all ages.

Responsibilities

• Prepare patients for eye examinations and procedures.
• Perform preliminary vision tests, including visual acuity, tonometry, and refraction.
• Assist with diagnostic imaging such as OCT, fundus photography, and visual field testing.
• Document patient history and maintain accurate medical records in the EMR system.
• Educate patients on eye health, medications, and post‑procedure care.
• Maintain and clean ophthalmic instruments and equipment.
• Support physicians during minor procedures and surgeries as needed.
• Assist eye care providers in the exam and treatment of patients.
• Initiate documentation of the patient’s chief complaint, history, review of systems, and ocular findings.
• Perform testing including visual acuity measurement, color vision testing, lensometry, keratometry, pupil function, tonometry, automated perimetry, and other requested services.
• Serve as a scribe documenting all clinically relevant interactions and orders during patient visits.
• Assist with minor surgery procedures and laser treatments, including dressing application and removal.
• Inventories and maintain surgical instruments according to standards.
• Screen patients for emergency or urgent situations and provide pertinent information to provider.
• Maintain safety and alertness while performing duties.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; completion of an accredited ophthalmic assistant program preferred.
• COA (Certified Ophthalmic Assistant) certification strongly preferred or willingness to obtain within 18 months of hire.
• Previous experience in ophthalmology or optometry setting is a plus.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast‑paced clinical environment.
• High School diploma/GED or 10 years of work experience (education requirement).
• One year health care experience.

Physical Requirements

• Constant standing and walking.
• Frequent use of hearing and speech for communication.
• Frequent use of hearing to distinguish body sounds and alarms.
• Frequent lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects weighing 0‑25 lbs.
• Frequent reaching, gripping, and keyboard use/data entry.
• Frequent vision use for distances near and far, and to identify colors.
• Occasional bending, stooping, crawling, kneeling, sitting, squatting and repetitive movements.
• Occasional lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects weighing 25‑50 lbs.
• Occasional lifting/moving patients.
• Occasional use of smell to detect odors.
• Occasional driving.

Required Certifications

Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider (BLS HCP) required within 90 days of employment. Other resuscitation certifications may be required depending on department.

Schedule

Day Shift (United States of America)

Benefits

SSM Health values our exceptional employees by offering a comprehensive benefits package to fit their needs.

• Paid Parental Leave: one week of paid parental leave for newborns or newly adopted children (pro‑rated based on FTE).
• Flexible Payment Options: daily pay access through DailyPay for eligible hourly team members.
• Upfront Tuition Coverage: tuition coverage through FlexPath Funded for eligible team members.

Find balance with a schedule that has no nights or weekends.

EEO Statement

SSM Health is an equal opportunity employer. SSM Health does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.