Ophthalmic Assistant: Eye Care Support Specialist

Unicare Community Health Center Inc, Recruiter; San Bernardino (CA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Unicare Community Health Center Inc. ophthalmic team seeks an Ophthalmic Assistant to provide clinical and administrative support to the Optometrist. You will welcome patients, collect histories, perform preliminary eye tests, document in the EHR, and prepare equipment for examinations.

Responsibilities include managing appointments, assistance with eyewear selection, and cross-location coverage as needed. Familiarity with insurance, testing modalities, and patient confidentiality is required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• COA or COT, Optician Certification OR 2+ Years ophthalmology/optometry technician OR 2-3+ years Retail optical dispensing experience.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish required.
• Experience in medical office, retail, or hospitality setting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Verify vision insurance benefits (e.g., VSP, IEHP) and explain coverage to patients.
• Process eyewear and contact lens orders, track laboratory status, and notify patients arrival.
• Manage the appointment calendar, handle patient check-in/check-out procedures, and coordinate referrals.
• Conduct preliminary diagnostic tests, including visual acuity, auto-refraction, tonometry and other tests.
• Gather and document patient medical history, current medications, and chief complaints into EHR.
• Sanitize examination rooms and prepare necessary instruments between patient visits.
• Conduct Visual Fields, Retinal Imaging (OCT and Retinal Camera), pachymetry and other ophthalmic tests.
• Instruct new wearers on proper insertion/removal of contact lenses.
• Assist patients in selecting eyewear for prescription, facial features, and style.
• Take facial measurements (PD, segment height).
• Fit, adjust, and repair eyeglasses.
• Explain lens options, coatings, blue light filters, progressive designs.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

People skills

Multitasking

Education

High school diploma or GED

COA or COT, Optician Certification OR 2+ Years ophthalmology/optometry technician OR 2-3+ years retail optical dispensing experience

Tools

Electronic Health Records

Microsoft Office (Word/Excel/Outlook)

Job description

Unicare Community Health Center Inc. ophthalmic team seeks an Ophthalmic Assistant to provide clinical and administrative support to the Optometrist. You will welcome patients, collect histories, perform preliminary eye tests, document in the EHR, and prepare equipment for examinations.

Responsibilities include managing appointments, assistance with eyewear selection, and cross-location coverage as needed. Familiarity with insurance, testing modalities, and patient confidentiality is required.