Ophthalmic Assistant Full time

Northwestern Medicine; DeKalb (IL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wide range of employee benefits

Sign-on bonus eligibility

Job summary

Northwestern Medicine is seeking an Ophthalmic Assistant to provide clinical and technical support for patient care. The role involves conducting tests essential for diagnosing ophthalmic conditions and serves as a liaison between physicians and patients.

The ideal candidate should possess a high school diploma, Basic Life Support certification, and preferably hold a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant certification. Experience in a related role is valued but not mandatory.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Must have Basic Life Support certification from the American Heart Association.
• Certified Ophthalmic Assistant certification through JCAHPO is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Interview patients and document medical histories.
• Perform technical workups and various ophthalmic tests.
• Assist physicians with patient care and minor surgeries.

Skills

Basic Life Support Certification

Patient Communication

Technical Testing Skills

Education

High School diploma or GED equivalent

Certified Ophthalmic Assistant certification

Job description

Description

The Ophthalmic Assistant reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

The Ophthalmic Assistant provides technical and clinical support and patient care for various physicians and sub‑specialists by performing various tests to aid in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment and follow up of patients with various ophthalmic health conditions. This role supports physicians as their needs arise and acts as a liaison between patients and physicians by answering questions and providing educational assistance.

Responsibilities

• Interviews patients and documents histories.
• Performs technical workups, patient histories and special testing (Refractions w/ retinoscopy, Lensometry, Keratometry, Tonometry, Visual Fields, Amslers, Muscle Testing, Pupil Exams, Topography, OCT, IOL Master / Ascans, Fundus Photos).
• Assists the physician with patient care, minor surgery, scribes.
• Communicates with patients (follow‑up care, surgeries, procedures, changes in schedule, symptoms, surgery scheduling, etc.), returns phone calls (patients, pharmacies).
• Maintains and cleans equipment, reports equipment deficiencies to management.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• High School diploma or GED equivalent.
• Basic Life Support (American Heart Association) certification.
• Certified Ophthalmic Assistant certification through JCAHPO (applicants who have obtained a Doctor of Medicine degree are exempt from the COA requirement).
• Zero (0) to two (2) years’ experience in a relevant role.

Preferred

• Two years related experience (equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered).
• Surgical assistance experience.

Equal Opportunity

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case‑by‑case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well‑being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.

Sign‑on Bonus Eligibility (if sign‑on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign‑on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.