Ophthalmic Assistant - FAC PRAC OPHTHALMOLOGY - 141440

UC San Diego; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 68,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

UC San Diego's Department of Ophthalmology is expanding its clinical team at the Shiley Eye Center and regional satellites, supporting patient care through history taking, diagnostic vision tests, and minor in-office procedures. The role emphasizes efficient patient flow and room readiness.

Ideal candidates hold a natural science degree or equivalent, with knowledge of hygiene, infection control, and EMR; willingness to travel, work variable hours, and pass a background check is required.

Qualifications

• Graduation from college with a major in an applicable natural science; or two years of college courses in the natural sciences plus two years of applicable experience.
• Knowledge of laboratory hygiene, biohazard handling, and universal precautions.
• Knowledge of professional dress code.
• Ability to perform tonometry, visual field tests, visual acuity, refractive error measurement, color vision, spectacle measurement, and related tests.
• Ability to take patient history, evaluate problems and document in patient records.
• Ability to communicate courteously and effectively with the public and medical personnel.
• Ability to train and educate patients, staff, residents, and students regarding ophthalmology clinic services.
• Ability to sterilize and maintain ophthalmology equipment and supplies.
• Knowledge of ophthalmic diseases and infection control; operate autoclave.

Responsibilities

• Assist physicians with history taking, diagnostic vision tests, and basic procedures.
• Support minor in-office laser procedures and injections.
• Maintain timely and courteous patient flow and organize each examination room.
• Stock examination rooms and ensure supplies are ready for clinic.
• Travel to satellite clinics as needed and work variable hours including Saturdays.

Skills

Patient care

Vision testing

Communication

Sterilization procedures

Training patients & staff

Infection control

Attention to detail

Education

College degree in natural science

Tools

Electronic Medical Records (EMR)

Autoclave operation

Job description

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 09/18/2026 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Reassignment Applicants: Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

DESCRIPTION

The Department of Ophthalmology is comprised of 30 faculty physicians and scientists, 10 resident physicians, and 13 (include clinical and research) post-doctoral physicians and scientists and over 150 staff with 6 divisions - Glaucoma, Retina, Cornea & Refractive Surgery, Pediatrics, Oculoplastics, and Neuro-ophthalmology. Clinical services are provided at the Shiley Eye Center, Ratner Eye Center, Perlman Oculoplastics, Hillcrest Eye Center. The Department of Ophthalmology has the largest single outpatient clinic at the University of California, San Diego with over 110,000 visits annually. Additionally, over 5400 surgical cases are performed.

The Department of Ophthalmology is rapidly growing and looking to expand its practice at the Shiley Eye Center and in regional satellites, including possible acquisition of existing practices.

Functions within the activities of all medically related paraprofessionals and office activities involving patient flow and care. Under the supervision of physicians, will participate in patient care involving history, diagnostic vision tests, and visual field examinations. Will assist physicians with minor in office laser procedures and injections. Will be responsible for maintaining timely and courteous patient flow. In addition, will organize and stock each examination room.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduation from college with a major in an applicable natural science; or two years of college courses in the natural sciences plus two years of applicable experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of (and high standards of) laboratory hygiene, biohazard handling, and universal precautions.
• Knowledge of professional dress code.
• Ability to perform tonometry, field of vision, visual acuity, measurement of eye refractive error, color vision, spectacle. measurement, and related tests.
• Ability to take patient history, evaluate patient problems and provide complete documentation in patient record.
• Ability to communicate courteously and effectively with the public and medical personnel.
• Ability to train and educate patients, staff, residents, medical students and the general community regarding ophthalmology clinic services and procedures, hospital procedures and necessary patient instructions.
• Ability to sterilize and maintain ophthalmology equipment and supplies in a clean, safe and orderly manner.
• General knowledge of ophthalmic diseases, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment in order to carry out all functions.
• Knowledge of infection control principles in order to disinfect and sterilize equipment and to operate autoclave.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to develop and implement effective patient scheduling/ appointment system and coordinate the flow or necessary documents and referral services.
• Experience with electronic medical records.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Recommend having attended an ophthalmic assistant course and willingness to attain Ophthalmic Assistant certification through JCAHPO.
• May need to travel to satellite clinics.
• Must be willing to learn, work in multiple locations, and work variable hours and days, including Saturdays.
• Occasional overtime as required.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $67,756 - $84,188 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $32.45 - $40.32

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).