Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant Certified

Mass General Brigham; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

Mass General Brigham's Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary is seeking a Certified Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant to join the perioperative team. Under the direction of an ophthalmologist, you will support ophthalmic procedures and patient care throughout the surgical flow.

The role emphasizes pre- and post-operative education, sterile technique, instrument handling, and cross-coverage across ophthalmology services.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• 2-3 years of supervised ophthalmology procedural experience.
• JCAHPO Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant certification required.
• Strong knowledge of ophthalmic terminology and instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Perform pre-operative testing and prepare patients for surgery.
• Provide pre- and post-operative education to patients.
• Identify and administer ophthalmic medications and eye drops.
• Prepare OR, calibrate equipment, gather supplies, maintain sterile field.
• Support surgeon by passing instruments and anticipating needs.
• Handle, clean, and sterilize surgical instruments.
• Promote patient safety and maintain confidentiality.
• Manage surgical charts and communications.
• Perform ophthalmic testing and imaging per COA/COT/COMT certification.
• Provide cross-coverage across ophthalmology services.

Skills

Medical terminology

Ocular anatomy

Infection control

Customer service

Aseptic technique

Ophthalmic instrumentation

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Site: Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary

Mass General Brigham relies on a wide range of professionals, including doctors, nurses, business people, tech experts, researchers, and systems analysts to advance our mission. As a not-for-profit, we support patient care, research, teaching, and community service, striving to provide exceptional care.

Job Summary
Under the direction of an ophthalmologist, the Certified Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant works closely with the surgical team to provide high-quality perioperative patient care and support ophthalmic procedures. This role combines direct patient care, surgical support, ophthalmic testing, and collaboration with a multidisciplinary care team.

Does this position require Patient Care?
Yes

Essential Functions

• Perform pre-operative testing and prepare patients for surgery, including positioning and ensuring they are comfortable and ready for their procedure.
• Provide pre- and post-operative education to patients, helping them understand their care and what to expect throughout the surgical process.
• Identify and administer ophthalmic medications and eye drops as directed by the surgeon.
• Partner with the surgical team to prepare for procedures by setting up the operating room, calibrating and checking equipment, gathering supplies and instruments, and preparing the sterile field using aseptic technique in accordance with hospital infection control guidelines.
• Support the surgeon throughout ophthalmic procedures by anticipating clinical needs, operating necessary equipment, and providing instruments and supplies as appropriate.
• Handle, clean, and sterilize surgical instruments in accordance with hospital protocols and infection control standards.
• Promote patient safety by recognizing and appropriately escalating potential concerns, maintaining patient privacy and confidentiality, and safeguarding patient rights.
• Support efficient surgical case flow by prioritizing responsibilities, completing tasks in a timely manner, promptly communicating concerns, and maintaining strong communication with patients, administrative staff, and members of the care team.
• Perform administrative and operational responsibilities as assigned, including inventory management, triaging patient calls, preparing surgical charts under the direction of the surgeon, and managing inbox messages.
• Perform a variety of ophthalmic testing and diagnostic imaging consistent with the individual's JCAHPO certification as a COA, COT, or COMT when supporting an outpatient eye clinic.
• Provide cross-coverage across services and locations within the ophthalmology department as needed, offering opportunities to work with a variety of teams and patient populations.
• Follow hospital policies and applicable federal, state, and local regulations, as well as established accreditation and patient safety standards.

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent required

Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree?
No

Licenses and Credentials

• Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant (OSA) certification through the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) required

Experience

• 2-3 years of experience working in a supervised ophthalmology procedural area required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Working knowledge of medical terminology
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of ocular terminology, anatomy and physiology, ocular diseases and disorders, ophthalmic procedures and instrumentation, and ocular pharmacology
• Strong knowledge of infection prevention, aseptic technique, and instrument sterilization practices
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills, with the ability to provide a welcoming and supportive experience for patients and families
• Ability to provide care that is responsive to patients' individual age-related, mental, and physical needs
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to prioritize responsibilities, remain adaptable, and work effectively in fast-paced, high-volume clinical and procedural environments

Additional Job Details (if applicable)

Remote Type

Onsite

Work Location

243-245 Charles Street

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Employee Type

Regular

Work Shift

Day (United States of America)

Pay Range

$31.98 - $50.25/Hourly

Grade

5

At Mass General Brigham, we believe in recognizing and rewarding the unique value each team member brings to our organization. Our approach to determining base pay is comprehensive, and any offer extended will take into account your skills, relevant experience if applicable, education, certifications and other essential factors. The base pay information provided offers an estimate based on the minimum job qualifications; however, it does not encompass all elements contributing to your total compensation package. In addition to competitive base pay, we offer comprehensive benefits, career advancement opportunities, differentials, premiums and bonuses as applicable and recognition programs designed to celebrate your contributions and support your professional growth.

EEO Statement

5110 Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. To ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Veteran’s Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact Human Resources at (857)-282-7642.

Mass General Brigham Competency Framework

At Mass General Brigham, our competency framework defines what effective leadership “looks like” by specifying which behaviors are most critical for successful performance at each job level. The framework is comprised of ten competencies (half People-Focused, half Performance-Focused) and are defined by observable and measurable skills and behaviors that contribute to workplace effectiveness and career success. These competencies are used to evaluate performance, make hiring decisions, identify development needs, mobilize employees across our system, and establish a strong talent pipeline.