Ophthalmic Assistant

massgeneralbrigham; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Mass General Brigham's Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary seeks a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) to join outpatient ophthalmology clinics. Under supervision of a licensed clinician, you perform testing, document findings, and support diagnostic imaging to aid eye care providers.

The role emphasizes patient interaction, accurate EMR documentation, medication administration, and assisting in office-based procedures.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; education cannot be substituted.
• COA credential required (JCAHPO).
• Experience in ophthalmology is 0–1 year, or completion of ICA training.
• Ability to document patient data and operate EHR tools accurately.

Responsibilities

• Perform ophthalmic testing and imaging to support evaluation and treatment.
• Document patient histories, visual acuity, and vital signs.
• Administer ophthalmic medications and eye drops per protocol.
• Assist ophthalmologists with procedures and office-based treatments.
• Maintain equipment and ensure safe, clean clinical areas.

Skills

Ophthalmic terminology

Ocular anatomy

Customer service

Communication

Time management

EMR proficiency

Microsoft Office

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

EHR systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Site: Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary

Mass 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 the supervision of a licensed clinician, the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) plays an important role in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care in outpatient ophthalmology clinics and procedural settings. This position combines hands-on clinical care, diagnostic testing, and patient interaction to support ophthalmologists and the broader care team in evaluating and treating a variety of eye conditions.

Essential Functions

• Perform ophthalmic testing, vision assessments, and diagnostic imaging to support the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of eye conditions.
• Obtain and document patient histories, visual acuities, vital signs, and other relevant clinical measurements.
• Administer ophthalmic medications and diagnostic eye drops as directed and in accordance with established clinical protocols.
• Assist ophthalmologists with office-based procedures, including laser treatments, injections, cryotherapy, and oculoplastic procedures.
• Prepare patients, examination rooms, and procedural areas for examinations and treatments, ensuring a safe and efficient clinical environment.
• Maintain ophthalmic equipment by performing routine cleaning, calibration, and maintenance in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and infection prevention standards.
• Monitor and organize medical supplies and ophthalmic equipment to ensure availability for daily clinical operations.
• Handle, label, store, and transport specimens, instruments, and medications in accordance with safety protocols and regulatory requirements.
• Support clinic operations through administrative responsibilities, including patient call triage, electronic in-basket management, and other assigned duties.
• Provide clinical and operational support across ophthalmology clinics and locations as needed.
• Communicate compassionately and effectively with patients, families, clinicians, and other members of the care team to promote a positive patient experience.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of patient care, test results, and other clinical information in the electronic medical record.
• Follow hospital policies, clinical protocols, and applicable regulatory and accreditation standards to maintain patient safety and quality of care.

Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience cannot be substituted for the required education.

Licenses and Credentials

• Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) credential through the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) required.

Experience

• 0-1 year of experience in a supervised ophthalmology clinic required, or completion of an International Council of Accreditation (ICA) Assistant-level training program.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of ophthalmic terminology, ocular anatomy and physiology, common eye conditions, ophthalmic procedures, and medications.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills, with a commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care.
• Ability to support patients across a range of ages and physical and cognitive abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize responsibilities in a fast-paced clinical setting.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a multidisciplinary care team.
• Sound judgment, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills within the scope of the role.
• Proficiency with computers, electronic health records, and Microsoft Office applications.

Additional Job Details (if applicable)

Remote Type

Onsite

Work Location

800 Huntington Avenue

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Employee Type

Regular

Work Shift

Day (United States of America)

Pay Range

$17.71 - $24.94/Hourly

Grade

3

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