Ophthalmic Assistant Float

SSM Health; Fond du Lac (WI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid parental leave

DailyPay

Tuition coverage through FlexPath Fund

Job summary

SSM Health is seeking an Ophthalmic Assistant to join our ophthalmology team in Wisconsin. The role supports the ophthalmologists and optometrists with patient care, diagnostic testing, and clinical procedures, contributing to a smooth clinic operation and excellent patient experience.

The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma or GED, at least one year of health-care experience, and a willingness to obtain COA certification within 18 months of hire.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• One year of health-care experience required.
• COA (Certified Ophthalmic Assistant) certification strongly preferred or willingness to obtain within 18 months of hire.
• Previous experience in an ophthalmology or optometry setting is a plus.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced clinical environment.
• Education: High-school diploma or GED, or 10 years of work experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Prepare patients for eye examinations and procedures.
• Perform vision tests such as visual acuity, tonometry, refraction, color vision testing, lensometry, keratometry, pupil function testing, automated perimetry, and extra-ocular muscle evaluation.
• Assist with diagnostic imaging such as OCT and fundus photography.
• Assist with minor surgery procedures and laser treatments, including dressings.
• Assist with inventory and maintenance of surgical instruments.
• Act as a scribe, documenting clinically relevant interactions, history, exam, diagnoses, orders, and follow-up instructions.
• Document patient history and maintain accurate medical records in the EMR system.
• Educate patients on eye health, medications, and post-procedure care.
• Screen patients and handle emergencies; obtain pertinent information for the provider.
• Work with a safe, professional demeanor; perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication skills

Organization

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Join Our Mission
At SSM Health, we are committed to providing exceptional care and creating a healing environment for our patients. We are seeking a dedicated Ophthalmic Assistant to join our ophthalmology team and support our mission of delivering compassionate, high‑quality eye care.

Location

WI-Agnesian Health Plaza Bldg A

Job Summary

The Ophthalmic Assistant plays a vital role in assisting ophthalmologists and optometrists with patient care, diagnostic testing, and clinical procedures. This position ensures smooth clinic operations and an excellent patient experience. The assistant participates in the care and treatment of eye care patients utilizing skills unique to optometry and ophthalmology, demonstrating accountability through positive customer relations and effective communication.

Responsibilities

• Prepare patients for eye examinations and procedures.
• Perform vision tests, including visual acuity, tonometry, refraction, color vision testing, lensometry, keratometry, pupil function testing, automated perimetry, evaluation of extra‑ocular muscles, confrontation visual field testing, and other patient services as requested.
• Assist with diagnostic imaging such as OCT and fundus photography.
• Assist with minor surgery procedures and laser treatments, including application and removal of dressings.
• Assist with inventory and maintenance of surgical instruments.
• Act as a scribe, documenting all clinically relevant interactions, history, exam, diagnoses, orders, and follow‑up instructions.
• Document patient history and maintain accurate medical records in the EMR system.
• Educate patients on eye health, medications, and post‑procedure care.
• Screen patients and handle emergency/urgent situations; obtain pertinent information for the provider.
• Work in a constant state of alertness and maintain a safe, professional manner.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• One year of health‑care experience required.
• COA (Certified Ophthalmic Assistant) certification strongly preferred or willingness to obtain within 18 months of hire.
• Previous experience in an ophthalmology or optometry setting is a plus.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast‑paced clinical environment.
• Education: High‑school diploma or GED, or 10 years of work experience may be considered.

Physical Requirements

• Constant standing and walking.
• Frequent use of hearing and speech for oral communication.
• Frequent use of vision for near (≤20 inches) and far (≥20 feet) tasks, including color identification.
• Frequent lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects weighing 0‑25 lbs.
• Frequent reaching, gripping, and keyboard use/data entry.
• Occasional bending, stooping, crawling, kneeling, sitting, squatting, and repetitive foot/leg and hand/arm movements.
• Occasional lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects weighing 25‑50 lbs.
• Occasional lifting/moving patients.
• Occasional use of smell to detect/recognize odors.
• Occasional driving.

Certification & Licensure

Basic Life Support (BLS HCP) required within 90 days of employment. Other resuscitation certifications may be required depending on department.

Shift & Hours

Day Shift (United States of America). Full‑time, regular float position. 32 scheduled weekly hours.

Benefits

• Paid parental leave: one week for newborns or newly adopted children (pro‑rated based on FTE).
• Flexible payment option: DailyPay provides elapsed pay to eligible hourly team members.
• Upfront tuition coverage through FlexPath Funded for eligible team members.

Equal Opportunity

SSM Health is an equal opportunity employer. SSM Health does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.