Ophthalmic Assistant

Riverside Health; Williamsburg, Northern (VA, KY); On-site; USD 27,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Riverside Health in Williamsburg, Virginia is seeking a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) to greet patients, document medical histories, and initiate ophthalmic evaluations. You will perform essential tests such as visual acuity, tonometry, and refractometry, and assist with contact lens fitting and minor procedures under physician guidance.

The role emphasizes accurate documentation, patient education, and efficient clinic operations, with recommended ICA/JCAT/AAO training and COA

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• ICA accredited training program at Clinical Assistant level is required.
• JCAHPO/AAO Ophthalmic Medical Assisting course or equivalent is required.
• 1 year Ophthalmology/Optometry office experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Greet patients and initiate evaluation, document history and ocular findings accurately.
• Perform visual acuities, refractometry, tonometry, keratometry, slit lamp exams and related tests.
• Assist with contact lens fitting and patient instruction for lens care and insertion.
• Assist with minor surgeries and laser treatments as ordered by physician.
• Maintain clinical equipment and assist with post-operative care and education.
• Prepare referral and dictation letters and manage patient communications with patients and pharmacies.

Education

High School Diploma or GED

ICA accredited Clinical Assistant training (ICA/ JCAHPO/JCAT or AAO Ophthalmic Medical Assisting)

COA certification (JCAHPO)

1 year Ophthalmology/Optometry Office experience (Preferred)

Job description

Williamsburg, Virginia Hiring Range $19.70 - $25.63/Hourly Actual pay is determined based on job-related factors such as relevant experience, education, credentials, skills, internal equity, and business needs.

Overview

The Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) is a core certification at the entry level. The COA greets the patient and initiates patient evaluation, documenting the chief complaint, history of present illness, review of systems, and all pertinent ocular findings accurately and in accordance with compliance guidelines; performs and records pertinent clinical measures to include visual acuities, slit lamp exam, refractometry, lensometry and all other patient services as requested by the physician including specialty tests such as color vision screening, stereopsis, and dry eye testing. The COA assists with fitting contact lenses and instruct patients in the care and insertion of contact lenses. The COA assists with minor surgical procedures and laser treatments. The COA assists with maintenance of clinical examination equipment to include cleaning and inspects surgical instruments. The COA facilitates patient education through brochures and videos. The COA prepares prescription refills for the physician to review and sign. The COA is also responsible for preparing referral and dictation letters, returning calls to patients and pharmacies with medical questions.

What you will do

• Performs and records pertinent clinical measures to include Visual Acuities, Refractometry, Application Tonometry, Keratometry, Slit Lamp Exams, Visual Fields, and OCT.
• Performs and teaches Insert and Removal Procedures for Contact Lens Patients.
• Performs IOL for cataract surgery patients per physician orders.
• Reviews all IOL requirements and protocols to ensure proper documentation.
• Accompanies the physician to surgery and prepares surgery charts and post operative bags.
• Identifies the patients reason for office visit and assess the patients immediate needs to ensure the patient is seen in a timely manner.
• Records pertinent medical, allergic, ophthalmic and family histories to include current prescriptions, glasses and contact lenses.
• Demonstrates positive interpersonal relations in dealing with patients and their families or caregivers to project a favorable image of the office and facilitate quality patient care.
• Communicates and documents essential information to physicians and team members.
• Prepares referral follow up letters and dictations for referring physicians for the physicians review and signature.
• Facilitates patient education through videos and brochures.
• Prepares prescription refills for the physician's review and signature.
• Reviews and answers patient's voicemails and returns calls to patients and pharmacies in a timely manner.

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or GED, (Preferred) Program Graduate, International Council of Accreditation (ICA) accredited training program at the Clinical Assistant level. (Required)
• Program Graduate, International Council of Accreditation (ICA) accredited training program at the Non-Clinical Assistant level, including distance learning programs. (Required)
• Program Graduate, Completed an approved independent study course. Approved study courses include the JCAHPO Career Advancement Tool (JCAT) or the AAO Ophthalmic Medical Assisting course. (Required)
• Experience: 1 year Ophthalmology/Optometry Office (Preferred)
• Licenses and Certifications: Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) - Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) Upon Hire (Required)

If loving your work is important to you, consider a career at Riverside. By joining our team, you can make a difference in people's lives. Our mission is to care for others as we would care for those we love. We extend that sense of caring to every patient, resident and customer, as well as to each member of our team. We offer care at all stages of life, in hundreds of locations, giving you room to grow your career, along with great benefits and perks. At Riverside Health, your trust and safety are our top priorities.