Ophthalmic Assistant

University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 24,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

Disability Insurance

Retirement Savings

Health Savings Plans

Flexible Spending Accounts

Certification and education support

Generous Paid Time Off

Job summary

University of Virginia Health Ophthalmology is hiring an Ophthalmic Assistant to support physicians and staff in delivering high-quality eye care. You will engage directly with patients, perform basic ophthalmic testing, document findings, and help prepare patients for examinations in a fast-paced, patient-centered clinic.

This role emphasizes teamwork, safety, and continuous learning, with opportunities to grow in ophthalmic skills and certifications as part of a leading academic health system.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

Responsibilities

• Greet patients and ensure a positive experience from arrival to departure.
• Prepare patients for exams by documenting history, medications, allergies, and chief complaints.
• Perform ophthalmic assessments including visual acuity tests and intraocular pressure measurements.
• Assist with ophthalmic diagnostic testing and patient preparation for procedures.
• Administer ophthalmic medications and document results in the EMR.
• Coordinate with providers to support efficient patient flow.
• Educate patients on testing, medications, and post-visit care.

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Job description

Vision care begins with exceptional patient experiences, and Ophthalmic Assistants play a vital role in making those experiences possible. If you are passionate about patient care, enjoy learning specialized clinical skills, and want to build a meaningful healthcare career, this opportunity offers the chance to contribute directly to the health and well-being of patients while developing expertise in a highly specialized field.

As an Ophthalmic Assistant at UVA Health, you will join a collaborative team dedicated to outstanding patient care, continuous learning, and clinical excellence. This position combines direct patient interaction, ophthalmic testing, provider support, and clinical documentation in an environment that values teamwork, innovation, and professional growth.

The Role

As an essential member of the Ophthalmology team, you will support physicians, residents, and fellow clinical staff in delivering exceptional eye care while helping patients feel comfortable, informed, and cared for throughout their visit. This is a fast-paced, patient-centered specialty environment where no two days are exactly alike and where your contributions have a direct impact on patient outcomes and clinic efficiency.

A typical day may include:

• Welcoming patients and creating a positive clinical experience from arrival through departure.
• Preparing patients for examinations by obtaining and documenting medical and ocular histories, medications, allergies, and chief complaints.
• Performing ophthalmic assessments including visual acuity testing, intraocular pressure measurements, and other clinical evaluations.
• Conducting assigned ophthalmic diagnostic testing and assisting with patient preparation for examinations and procedures.
• Administering ophthalmic medications and eye drops as directed.
• Documenting patient information, clinical findings, and test results within the electronic medical record.
• Coordinating with providers and clinical staff to support efficient patient flow.
• Educating patients regarding testing, medications, and treatment instructions.
• Maintaining equipment, examination rooms, and clinical spaces in accordance with safety and infection prevention standards.

This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy working directly with patients, are eager to learn specialized clinical skills, and want to build long-term expertise within ophthalmology. Attention to detail, adaptability, professionalism, and a commitment to compassionate care are essential to success in this position.

Why UVA Health

UVA Health offers the opportunity to build your career within one of the nation's leading academic health systems. Here, you will work alongside experienced providers and clinical professionals who are committed to advancing patient care while fostering an environment where employees are supported, valued, and empowered to grow.

In Ophthalmology, you will gain exposure to specialized eye care, advanced diagnostic technology, and a team culture focused on delivering outstanding outcomes for patients. Whether you are new to ophthalmology or looking to expand your existing experience, this department provides a strong foundation for continued professional development.

Highlights of this opportunity include:

• Meaningful work helping patients preserve and improve their vision.
• A highly specialized clinical environment with opportunities to develop unique ophthalmic skills.
• Direct collaboration with ophthalmologists, residents, and experienced ophthalmic professionals.
• Hands-on experience with advanced ophthalmic technology and diagnostic testing.
• A supportive team culture that encourages learning, mentorship, and professional development.
• No nights or holidays with a 40-hour-per-week schedule.
• Opportunities to pursue ophthalmic certifications and advance within the specialty.
• A department that values innovation, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• A long- term specialty career path with opportunities for growth and increased clinical expertise .

If you are looking for a role where you can make a meaningful impact on patients while developing highly sought-after specialty skills, UVA Health Ophthalmology offers an exceptional opportunity to build a rewarding career.

Why People Love Living in Charlottesville

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Charlottesville offers an outstanding quality of life with access to beautiful outdoor recreation, vibrant arts and culture, award-winning restaurants, local wineries, and a strong sense of community. Residents enjoy the charm of a historic city combined with the energy of a world-class university environment. For healthcare professionals and families, Charlottesville provides an exceptional balance between career opportunity, personal well-being, and access to everything that makes Central Virginia a remarkable place to call home.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education: High School Graduate or Equivalent

Experience: No experience required

Licensure: American Heart Association (AHA) Health Care Provider BLS certification required

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Job requires standing for prolonged periods, frequently bending/stooping/traveling: (distance: 50 feet), reaching (overhead, extensive, repetitive). Proficient communicative, auditory and visual skills; Attention to detail and ability to write legibly; Ability to lift/push/pull 50-100lbs. May be exposed to blood/body fluids and infectious disease.

The pay range for this role is $17.65 - $28.47 hourly. Individual compensation will be determined by the selected candidate's qualifications, previous work experience, and/or education.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off, Long-term and Short-term Disability, Retirement Savings
• Health Saving Plans, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Certification and education support
• Generous Paid Time Off

UVA Health (https://jobs.virginia.edu/why-uva-health) is a world-class Magnet Recognized academic medical center and health system with a level 1 trauma center. 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals guide (https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/va/university-of-virginia-medical-center-6344000) rates UVA Health University Medical Center as High Performing in 5 adult specialties and 14 conditions/procedures. We are one of 70 National Cancer Institute designated cancer centers. UVA Health Children's (https://jobs.virginia.edu/uva-childrens) is named by 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report (https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/va/university-of-virginia-childrens-hospital-PA6344000) as the best children's hospital in Virginia with 9 specialties ranked among the best in the nation. Our footprint also encompasses 3 community hospitals and an integrated network of primary and specialty care clinics throughout Charlottesville, Culpeper, Northern Virginia, and beyond.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer.

All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment (https://eocr.virginia.edu/notice-non-discrimination-and-equal-opportunity).