Ophthalmic Assistant: Clinical Eye Care Support

University of California - Irvine Health; Brea (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

UCI Health is seeking a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant to perform preliminary patient exams, tests, and refractions. You will support physicians, assist with minor surgeries, and educate patients on post-care. Strong English communication and COA/BLS credentials are required.

Join a leading academic health system with a comprehensive eye care program, reporting to the ophthalmology team. This role emphasizes accuracy, patient safety, and interdepartmental collaboration.

Qualifications

• Understanding of medical terminology, infectious control techniques and age related acuity levels
• Previous experience as an Ophthalmic Assistant
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Current COA certification and BLS certification
• Capable of performing standard ophthalmic tests and patient assessments

Responsibilities

• Initiates patient care by performing preliminary exams: history, visual acuity, intraocular pressure and refractions.
• Performs specialized tests per physician orders: keratometry, visual fields, GDX, topography, axial length.
• Assists with patient and pharmacy calls and prescription refills.
• Sets up and assists with minor surgical procedures and post-procedure care.
• Educates patients and provides post-treatment care instructions.
• Retrieves lab and radiology reports using a computer.

Skills

Medical terminology knowledge

Infectious control techniques

Age-related acuity assessment

Customer service skills

English communication skills

COA certification

BLS certification

Data collection and interpretation

Education

Current COA certification

Current BLS certification

Job description

UCI Health is seeking a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant to perform preliminary patient exams, tests, and refractions. You will support physicians, assist with minor surgeries, and educate patients on post-care. Strong English communication and COA/BLS credentials are required.

Join a leading academic health system with a comprehensive eye care program, reporting to the ophthalmology team. This role emphasizes accuracy, patient safety, and interdepartmental collaboration.