Ophthalmic Assistant - Non-Certified

UT Health San Antonio; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision care

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Life insurance

Job summary

UT Health San Antonio is seeking an ophthalmic assistant to support ophthalmologists and optometrists in a busy clinic setting on-site in San Antonio. The role involves preparing patients, assisting during exams and minor procedures, and ensuring smooth patient flow.

Candidates must have a HS diploma or GED and are required to obtain COA certification within one year. Strong communication and sterile technique are essential, with no prior experience required.

Qualifications

• HS Diploma or GED completed.
• Must attain COA certification within 1 year of employment.
• No prior experience required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare patients for examinations and assist ophthalmologists during examinations.
• Test basic ocular function and maintain instrument sterility.
• Assist during surgical procedures and sterilize instruments.
• Change dressings and instruct patients/families on home care.
• Maintain appearance and stocking of exam rooms and supplies.
• Maintain ophthalmic instruments and report any issues to lead technician.
• Perform patient workups including medical history and medication history.
• Administer eye and oral medications as directed by ophthalmologist.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Anatomy knowledge

Education

HS Diploma or GED

COA certification within 1 year

Job description

Under general supervision, responsible for assisting ophthalmologists and optometrists perform basic technical procedures, gathers data, and administers treatments as directed by the ophthalmologists and optometrists.

Responsibilities

• Performs routine and standardized tasks such as preparing patients for examinations, assisting the ophthalmologists during the examinations and assuring a steady and even flow of patients through the clinic.
• Tests (measures and records) basic ocular function.
• Assists ophthalmologist with surgical procedures.
• Sterilizes surgical instruments.
• Changes dressings and instructs patients and/or family members on in home care.
• Maintains appearance and stocking of supplies and forms in exam rooms.
• Maintains ophthalmic instruments by cleaning exposed lenses, mirrors and prisms and replacing burned out bulbs.
• Reports missing or unserviceable equipment to lead technician.
• Performs efficient, accurate, and legible patient workups to include patient interviews, obtaining and documenting medical history, medication history, chief complaint, obtaining health care information maintenance, etc.
• Administers eye and oral medications as directed by the ophthalmologist.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Develops, maintains and demonstrates a working knowledge of basic medical anatomy, eye anatomy, diseases, symptoms, and ocular medications.
• Knowledge of standard medical abbreviations.
• Ability to read and understand clinical exam notes and documentation.
• Understands and adheres to proper sterile techniques.
• Understands, communicates, and follows rules regarding patient consent for procedures.
• Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.

EDUCATION:

HS Diploma or GED

LICENCES/CERTIFICATIONS:

Must attain JCAHPO certification as a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) within 1 year of employment.

Required Skills

• No experience required.
• No experience required.

This position may require the ability to maintain the security and integrity of UT San Antonio and its infrastructure per Texas EO-GA-48.

About Us

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UT San Antonio) is a nationally recognized, top-tier public research university that unites the power of higher education, biomedical discovery and healthcare within one visionary institution. As the third-largest research university in Texas and a Carnegie R1-designated institution, UT San Antonio is a model of access and excellence - advancing knowledge, social mobility and public health across South Texas and beyond. UT San Antonio serves approximately 42,000 students in 320 academic programs spanning science, engineering, medicine, health, liberal arts, AI, cybersecurity, business, education and more. With 17,000 faculty and staff, UT San Antonio has been recognized by Forbes as one of America's Best Employers for Company Culture.

Benefits Overview

UT Health San Antonio offers an excellent benefits package for its employees. Employees who work at least 20 hours a week, with an appointment of at least 4.5 months, are eligible for benefits.

Medical - UT SELECT Medical insurance is offered free for employees and administered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. Family members can be added to the plan through payroll deduction. Employees and their dependents can also receive discounted copays and coinsurance when using UT Health Physicians, a network of 800 premier physicians including more than 100 specialists. Employees receive $50,000 of group term life insurance and $50,000 of basic accidental death and dismemberment insurance for free, with options to purchase additional employee and dependent coverage for both at group rates.

Dental - Three dental insurance plan options are available for employees and their families through Delta Dental Insurance Company, two PPOs and one dental HMO plan. Both PPO plans allow employees to choose any licensed dentist.

Vision - Fully insured Vision Care benefits are offered by Superior Vision Services. Two vision plan options that offer either standard or enhanced vision benefits.

Disability - Employees can enroll in the Disability Insurance which provides income if a non-work related illness or injury prevents you from working.

FSAs - Employees can enroll in flexible spending accounts (FSAs) to set aside money from earnings before taxes for qualifying dependent day care expenses or out-of-pocket health care expenses.

Retirement - Employees are eligible for either the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) or the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP). TRS is a defined benefit retirement plan which UT Health matches employee contributions. ORP is for eligible faculty staff employees. Voluntary retirement programs are also available to invest before- or after-tax dollars with the choice of five quality retirement plan providers.

Time Off - A generous leave program offers multiple paid leave options:

• Front-loaded Paid Time Off: 128 to 208 hours (16 to 26 days) of Paid Time Off based on years of service, given at the start of each fiscal year. PTO may be prorated in year one based on date of hire.
• Extended Illness Bank: 8 hours (1 day) accrued per month which can be used for illness or injury after one day of Paid Time Off is taken.
• Paid Family Leave: Up to 240 hours (6 weeks) to care for a spouse, child, or parent after 6 months of consecutive employment.
• Holidays: 12 set paid holidays each year.

Discounts

EEO Statement

UT Health San Antonio is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. It is our policy to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity for all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.

Job Info

• Job Identification 7432
• Job Category Clinical Programs & Services
• Posting Date 07/27/2026, 04:43 PM
• Locations 0001 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, US (On-site)
• Apply Before 08/26/2026, 04:43 PM
• Job Schedule Full time
• Job Shift 8am-5pm Mon-Fri
• Organization M9746 - UTHP Ophthalmology KSP, M3100 - UTHP UT Health Physicians, M1000 - Dean Medical School, UT Health Science Center, UT Health Science Center
• Department M9746 - UTHP Ophthalmology KSP