Ophthalmic Technician

HU101 The Howard University; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 59,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellness

Work-Life Balance

Financial Wellness

Professional Development

Additional Perks

Job summary

Howard University seeks a Certified Ophthalmic Technician or Certified Ophthalmic Assistant to provide clinical and administrative support in the Ophthalmology department across multiple subspecialties. The role requires eye examinations, medical histories, and coordination of diagnostic testing with the ophthalmology team.

The candidate will assist during procedures, maintain sterile technique, and support patient care while upholding HIPAA and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Two-year certified ophthalmic assistant program completed or in progress.
• Must hold COT or COA certification through JCAHPO or plan to obtain within one year.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.

Responsibilities

• Performs preliminary eye examinations and treatment.
• Take medical histories, measure visual acuity, ocular motility, confrontation visual field, pupillary exam, slit lamp exam, IOP, refraction, keratometry, lensometry, dilation eye drops.
• Assist ophthalmologist during procedures and minor surgeries.
• Conduct diagnostic tests such as color vision, A&B ultrasound, ophthalmic photography, fluorescein angiography, corneal topography, and optical tomography.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and HIPAA compliance.
• Sterilize and autoclave ophthalmology instruments; clean and stock rooms; calibrate equipment.
• Assist patients with prescriptions and prior authorization requests.
• Ensure crash carts are stocked and maintained; participate in research projects.
• Adheres to compliance and safety policies; participates in mandatory trainings.

Education

Two-year certified ophthalmic assistant program

Certified Ophthalmic Tech (COT) or Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) certification

BLS certification (American Heart Association or equivalent)

Job description

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission. At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth. Here is what we offer:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us! https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

Basic Function Under the direction of the Practice Manager and Executive Director for Ophthalmology, the Certified Ophthalmic Technician or Certified Ophthalmic Assistant provides clinical and administrative support to the assigned provider or Ophthalmology Subspecialty Clinic: Glaucoma, Retina, Cornea, Oculoplastic, Corneal, Pediatric, Neuro, and Comprehensive.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Performs preliminary eye examinations and treatment.
• Taking medical histories, measuring visual acuity, ocular motility, confrontation visual field, pupillary exam, slit lamp exam, Intra-ocular pressure, auto/ manual refraction, Keratometry, Lensometry, administering eye drops (dilation), etc.
• Assist the ophthalmologist during procedures and minor surgeries.
• Performs diagnostic and specialized testing: color vision, A&B ultrasound scans, ophthalmic photography, fluorescein angiography, Corneal topography, Optical tomography, etc.
• Maintains confidentiality of patients, families, and staff.
• Maintains the sterilization and autoclaving of instruments used in the Ophthalmology department.
• Maintains inventory supplies, clean/stocks examination rooms, daily/monthly calibration of equipment.
• Assist patients with prescription refills and prior authorization requests.
• Ensure the emergency crash carts are properly stocked and maintained.
• Participates in research projects and studies with Ophthalmologist/Residents.
• Performs other job-related duties assigned by the supervisor/manager.
• Promotes customer service and maintains a positive working relationship.
• Attends annual and periodic mandatory Compliance Program training.
• Adheres to the requirements of the HIPAA Privacy Policies and Procedures.

The above responsibilities are a general description of the level and nature of the work assigned to this classification and are not to be considered as all-inclusive.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Completion of a two-year certified ophthalmic assistant program preferred.
• Required Licensure, Certifications, Registrations. Must be a certified Ophthalmic Tech (COT) or Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) certification through the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO).
• We will consider candidates who plan on becoming certified within one year.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) required, either a certification from an American Heart Association (AHA) BLS for Healthcare Providers (or AHA recognized equivalent) or an American Red Cross CPR/AED for Professional Rescuer and Healthcare Provider.

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure Expected Pay Range: $59,090 to $62,400

Howard University is a comprehensive, research-oriented, historically Black private university providing an educational experience of exceptional quality to students of high academic potential with particular emphasis upon the provision of educational opportunities to promising Black students. Further, the University is dedicated to attracting and sustaining a cadre of faculty who are, through their teaching and research, committed to the development of distinguished and compassionate graduates and to the quest for solutions to human and social problems in the United States and throughout the world.

Howard University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, sex,sexual orientation,gender or gender identity, marital status, religion, disability or protected veterans status. Veterans and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Inquiries regarding provisions for persons with disabilities or veterans status, Equal Employment Opportunity and Title IX should be directed to the Office of Employee Relations and Equal Employment Opportunity at 202-806-1280.

This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be required. The university has the right to revise this position description at any time. This position description is not be construed as a contract for employment.