Ophthalmic Assistant (FLEX)

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid time Off

Tuition waivers for employees and/or/

Job summary

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign seeks an Ophthalmic Assistant (FLEX) to support optometrists with clinical, technical, and administrative tasks in a campus eye care setting.

Responsibilities include patient testing, room preparation, data entry into EHR, and maintaining equipment while ensuring HIPAA compliance and patient satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Six months of work experience in basic ophthalmology/optometry.
• Associate's degree or optometric technician certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Greet patients, obtain medical history, document symptoms and concerns.
• Measure visual acuity and perform preliminary tests (autorefraction, keratometry, tonometry, visual field).
• Assist optometrists during examinations and procedures.
• Support contact lens fittings and teach insertion/removal.
• Educate patients on procedures, contact lens care, and eyewear.

Skills

Ophthalmology knowledge

Clinical terminology

Infection control

EHR navigation

Sterilization techniques

Customer service

Education

Associate's degree (health assistant or optometric technician)

Tools

EHR systems

Job description

Ophthalmic Assistant (FLEX)

Job Summary: Supports optometrists by performing clinical, technical, and administrative tasks that ensure efficient patient care and smooth workflow in an eye care practice. Includes conducting preliminary eye tests, preparing patients for exams, operating basic diagnostic equipment, and assisting with optical services.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Clinical Testing & Patient Support
  • Greet patients, obtain medical history, and document symptoms and concerns.
  • Measure visual acuity using standardized charts and testing methods.
  • Perform preliminary tests such as autorefraction, keratometry, tonometry, and visual field screening.
  • Assist optometrists during examinations and procedures as needed.
  • Support contact lens fittings, including teaching insertion and removal techniques.
  • Educate patients on exam procedures, contact lens care, and eyewear options.
• Clinical Operations & Data Management
  • Prepare exam rooms, clean and maintain equipment, and ensure proper sterilization protocols.
  • Enter accurate clinical data into the electronic health record (EHR).
  • Maintain inventory of diagnostic tools, supplies, and contact lenses.
  • Ensure compliance with HIPAA, safety, and infection control procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

• Six (6) months of work experience performing basic ophthalmology or optometry.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's degree as a health assistant or optometric technician certification.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of eye anatomy, vision conditions, and clinical terminology.
• Knowledge of ocular pathology, anatomy, and physiology.
• Knowledge of standard ocular examination techniques.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to perform clinical tasks with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Knowledge and skill of aseptic and sterilization techniques.
• Knowledge of infection control measures.
• Ability to use computers and electronic medical records (EHR) systems.
• Ability to make decisions based on urgency of the situation and in accordance with work procedures and clinic policies.
• Detail oriented, patient focused, and comfortable working in a fast-paced clinical environment.

Appointment Information

McKinley Health Center aims to provide high-quality ambulatory healthcare and health education to students and medical expertise to University leadership. The Center is also accredited through the Accreditation Associate for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). Employees at MHC are required to provide proof of certain immunizations according to recommendations from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) guidelines. To review the full policy, please click here - Immunizations.

Our staff works on campus with an academically talented and diverse student population representing a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, including international students.

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 4047 - Ophthalmic Assistant position, appointed on a 9-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 10/5/2026. The starting wage for this position is $23 hourly. 8:30-5pm, M-F

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.

Benefits

• Health
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid time Off
• Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [e-mail].

Sean Wilson: [e-mail]. Phone: [phone].

Location

Champaign-Urbana

Contact

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - the state's flagship public university and one of the world's leading research institutions - offers highly competitive benefits, support for students, and opportunities for academic and professional growth. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security.