Surgical Counselor

Center for Advanced Eye Care; Middletown Township (NJ); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Center for Advanced Eye Care is seeking a Surgical Counselor to educate patients about cataract and other ophthalmic procedures and to coordinate all steps of the surgical journey with physicians, technicians, surgery centers, and referring providers.

You will educate patients on procedures, pre/postoperative care, discuss IOL options, and ensure patients understand their treatment plan while building trust and confidence throughout care.

Qualifications

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to explain complex information clearly.
• Outstanding organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a patient-focused approach.
• Strong computer and EMR skills to document and coordinate care.
• Ability to work collaboratively with physicians, technicians, and administrative teams.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for patients following the physician’s surgical recommendation.
• Educate patients on recommended procedures, expected outcomes, preoperative and postoperative instructions, and the surgical process.
• Discuss intraocular lens (IOL) and treatment options as directed by the physician, helping patients make informed decisions.
• Answer patient and family questions with empathy, professionalism, and clarity.
• Build trust and confidence by ensuring patients feel supported throughout their surgical journey.
• Reinforce the physician’s recommendations while ensuring patients understand their treatment plan.
• Identify and resolve barriers that could delay or prevent patients from receiving care.
• Schedule surgical procedures, postoperative appointments, and related testing.
• Coordinate with ambulatory surgery centers, physicians, and internal clinical teams.
• Confirm medical clearances, diagnostic testing, and required preoperative paperwork.
• Maintain accurate surgical schedules and communicate changes promptly to patients and providers.
• Ensure all clinical documentation is complete prior to surgery.
• Communicate effectively with referring providers when appropriate.
• Deliver an exceptional patient experience by providing proactive communication before and after surgery.
• Anticipate patient needs and resolve concerns before they become barriers.
• Follow up with patients to ensure they remain informed and prepared for each step of care.
• Collaborate with physicians and clinical teams to continuously improve the surgical experience.
• Represent Simon Eye’s commitment to providing best-in-class patient care every patient, every time.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

EMR proficiency

Team collaboration

Tools

EMR systems

Job description

Center for Advanced Eye Care and Simon Eye are partner practices with a combined 32 Optometrists, 8Ophthalmologists, and 185 staff serving patients across the state of Delaware and in Pennsylvania with locations in West Chester and Bucks County.We are aligned to ensure our communities can access patient-centered, medically oriented full service eyecare delivered in convenient locations with friendly, knowledgeable doctors and staff.

Surgical Counselo r, you will serve as a trusted guide and advocate for patients considering cataract and other ophthalmic surgical procedures. You will spend time educating patients, answering questions, discussing treatment options, and ensuring they understand every step of the process. At the same time, you will coordinate the many details that make for a seamless surgical experience, partnering closely with physicians, technicians, surgery centers, and referring providers.

What You’ll Do:

Patient Education & Counseling

• Serve as the primary point of contact for patients following the physician’s surgical recommendation.
• Educate patients on recommended procedures, expected outcomes, preoperative and postoperative instructions, and the surgical process.
• Discuss intraocular lens (IOL) and treatment options as directed by the physician, helping patients make informed decisions.
• Answer patient and family questions with empathy, professionalism, and clarity.
• Build trust and confidence by ensuring patients feel supported throughout their surgical journey.
• Reinforce the physician’s recommendations while ensuring patients understand their treatment plan.
• Identify and resolve barriers that could delay or prevent patients from receiving care.

Surgical Coordination

• Schedule surgical procedures, postoperative appointments, and related testing.
• Coordinate with ambulatory surgery centers, physicians, and internal clinical teams.
• Confirm medical clearances, diagnostic testing, and required preoperative paperwork.
• Maintain accurate surgical schedules and communicate changes promptly to patients and providers.
• Ensure all clinical documentation is complete prior to surgery.
• Communicate effectively with referring providers when appropriate.

Patient Experience

• Deliver an exceptional patient experience by providing proactive communication before and after surgery.
• Anticipate patient needs and resolve concerns before they become barriers.
• Follow up with patients to ensure they remain informed and prepared for each step of care.
• Collaborate with physicians and clinical teams to continuously improve the surgical experience.
• Represent Simon Eye’s commitment to providing best-in-class patient care every patient, every time.

What You’ll Need:

• Experience in ophthalmology, optometry, ambulatory surgery, or another healthcare specialty preferred.
• Previous experience educating patients or coordinating care in a clinical environment.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to explain complex information in an easy-to-understand manner.
• Outstanding organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a calm, patient-focused approach.
• Strong computer and electronic medical record (EMR) skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with physicians, technicians, surgery centers, and administrative teams.
• A passion for delivering compassionate, high-quality patient care.