Ophthalmology Technician/Technologist

CentralCare Inc.; Biloxi (MS); On-site; USD 52,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO after 1 year

PTO after 2 years

PTO after 5 years

PTO after 15 years

11 Paid Federal Holidays

Job summary

Central Care Incorporated is seeking an Ophthalmology Technician/Technologist at Keesler AFB, MS, to support active-duty service members and families. The role involves preparing patients, assisting ophthalmic clinicians, and performing a wide range of diagnostic and surgical support tasks in a military healthcare setting.

Requires high school diploma with ophthalmic training and JCAHPO COT/COA certification within 1 year; COA/ COT credentials and relevant experience are highly valued.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; completion of two years of college and an ophthalmic technician course.
• Requires JCAHPO certification as COT or COA; COA must be obtained within one year of employment.
• Current credentials in COA/COT and related experience in ophthalmology/optometry are considered as alternatives if applicable.

Responsibilities

• Receive patients, review records, and prepare for exams.
• Assist Warfighter Refractive Optometrist and ophthalmology staff during examinations and treatments.
• Schedule and retrieve reports in the EHR; prepare clinical records and data entry.
• Support the provider by performing technical tests and recording results for analysis.
• Plan and supervise vision screening tests (visual acuity, color vision, tonometry, etc.).
• Assist in refractive/diagnostic procedures (manual refractions, topography, keratometry, biometrics, imaging).
• Prepare equipment for surgery and directly assist surgeons during refractive surgery and clinic procedures.
• Assist with laser ophthalmology procedures; pre-operative preparation and postoperative instructions.
• Prepare anesthetics/antibiotics, administer eye drops, apply dressings, and obtain eye cultures as required.
• Instruct patients on contact lens care, fitting, and post-procedure hygiene.
• Prepare, clean, sterilize, and stock surgical instruments and medications.
• Perform daily calibration checks on clinical equipment and notify issues to supervisors.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent; completion of two years of college and an ophthalmic technician course

JCAHPO certification as COT or COA

COA certification within one year of employment; 2 years of college or formal course; 24 months ophthalmology experience alternative

Job description

Ophthalmology Technician/Technologist

Keesler Air Force Base (KAFB), Mississippi (MS)

Make a Difference. Serve Those Who Serve Our Nation.

Join a mission-driven healthcare team supporting active-duty service members, military families, and the community at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi.

POSITION TYPE

Position Type: Full-Time | Civilian Contractor via Central Care Incorporated | Must be a U.S. Citizen.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• $20.20/hour Base Rate
• $5.42/hour Health & Welfare (H&W)

PTO:

• 1 week after 1 yr = 40hrs annually
• 2 weeks after 2 yrs = 80 hrs annually
• 3 weeks after 5yrs = 120 hrs annually
• 4 weeks after 15 yrs = 160 hrs annually
• 11 Paid Federal Holidays

SCHEDULE

Schedule: Monday -Friday, with 9-hour shifts between (0600-1800) 6:00 AM-6:00 PM, with flexible schedules) (1hr unpaid lunch) not to exceed more than 40 hours per week.

Minimum Qualifications

Degree/Education: High school diploma or equivalent or Higher. Completion of two years of college and an ophthalmic technician course. The JCAHPO certification as a Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) or COA. JCAHPO Certification as COA is required within one year of employment, with two years of college or a formal course, certification as a COT, COA, and one 24 months of experience within the last 36 months in the ophthalmology/optometry field will be considered an acceptable minimum alternative for this position.

Certifications

• Basic Life Support (BLS):
• Hold a current certification or be eligible for certification as a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) or higher from the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO). Certification will be obtained within one year of start of employment and currency continued thereafter.

Standard Qualifications

The standard qualifications (duties) or the labor category are as follows:

The Contractor personnel shall have provided ophthalmic/medical clinic support services for a minimum of six 12 months within the past 12 -24 months.

Core Responsibilities

• Receive patients, examine records and forms, and prepare patients for current exam and/or treatment.
• Prepare ophthalmology patients for and assist Warfighter Refractive Optometrist and/or Ophthalmology personnel with examination and treatment.
• Schedule and retrieve various reports through the Electronic Health Record (EHR). Prepares clinical reports, records, and data entry.
• Assist the healthcare provider by performing technical tests and record results for procedures for the healthcare provider's analysis and interpretation.
• Plan, implement, and supervise vision screening tests such as visual acuity, color vision, tonometry, visual fields, pupil exams, and other technical tests required by the Warfighter Refractive Optometrist and/or Ophthalmologist. Record test data and determine need for further evaluation.
• Assist in a wide range of refractive/diagnostic procedures, to include manual manifest refractions, corneal topography, auto-refractometry, pachymetry, keratometry, biometry, ocular photography, ocular coherence tomography, visual fields/pupillary reflex testing, anterior and posterior segment ultrasound.
• Prepare appropriate equipment and instruments for surgery and follow-up care. Directly assist surgeons in performing refractive surgery and clinic procedures.
• Assist the healthcare provider with clinical procedures and perform as special assistant, using procedures pertaining to all types of laser ophthalmology surgeries. Prepare patients for and perform general preparation of pre-operative patients. Provide postoperative instructions as directed by the physician.
• Prepare anesthetics and antibiotics. Administer eye drops and ointments, apply ocular dressings, and obtain eye cultures as required.
• Assist with contact lens cleaning, dispensing, insertion/removal, and patient instruction.
• Prepare and fit patients with special optometric devices as instructed by the healthcare provider.
• Instruct patients in correct care and hygiene post-procedurally.
• Prepare, clean, sterilize, and maintain proper stock of surgical equipment, instrumentation, and medications.
• Perform user maintenance checks on specialized clinic/surgical equipment and calibration checks on clinical diagnostic equipment daily, using prescribed methods outlined in the manufacturers' manuals. All calibrations must be performed and logged in to verify calibration was successful. Must notify the Clinic Manager/Officer in Charge (IC)/Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) of malfunctioning equipment after removing the equipment from service and describing the apparent malfunction.
• Respond to emergencies, to include recognizing emergency situations, calling for help, evacuating patients and staff during a fire, providing life support consistent with MTF policies and procedures as well as the individual's education and training, and functioning calmly and efficiently in assisting other personnel.
• Assist active duty co-workers with screening of both acute walk-in active duty, dependent, and retiree ophthalmology patients, as well as routine scheduled ophthalmology clinic patients as time/clinical volume permits so that patient flow in the refractive surgery clinic will not be impacted. The determination of availability of Contractor personnel for assistance will be made by the Clinic Manager and/or Chief of Cornea and Refractive Surgery.
• Comply with the wear, use, and maintenance of all required personal protective equipment (to include, but not limited to respiratory protection) as required to perform normal duties, as identified by Bioenvironmental Engineering occupational health surveillance.

Make a Difference Where It Matters

If you're ready to bring your skills, professionalism, and commitment to one of the most rewarding healthcare environments,

Join Central Care Incorporated at Keesler AFB and make a difference—one patient at a time.

Central Care Incorporated is an equal opportunity employer.
We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.

About Central Care Inc.

Central Care Incorporated is a leading SBA certified, woman-owned small business dedicated to providing exceptional medical professionals to support the needs of military and civilian healthcare facilities.

Why This Role Matters

You’ll directly improve the resilience, readiness, and overall well-being of those who dedicate their lives to serving our country.

Ready to Serve Those Who Serve?

If you’re ready to bring your passion, professionalism, and purpose to one of the most rewarding environments imaginable —

Join Central Care Inc. at Keesler AFB and help redefine what compassionate, integrated care looks like — one patient at a time.