Job Description

Ophthalmic Assistant/COA/COT

This position will work full time at 32 hours per week

Come work where we specialize in you! We have nearly 2,000 reasons for you to consider a career with Prevea Health—they're our employees. We're an organization that values kindness, responsibility, inclusivity, wellness and inspiration. At Prevea, we provide continuous education, training and support so every member of the team contributes to our success. Together we are the best place to get care and the best place to give care.

At Prevea Health the Ophthalmic Assistant, Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) or Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) is responsible for assisting optometrist and ophthalmologists in providing high-quality patient care by conducting preliminary eye exams, gathering medical histories, and performing diagnostic tests. Ensure accurate documentation, maintain clinical equipment, and support a smooth and efficient workflow in the ophthalmic clinic.

What you will do

• As a Ophthalmic Assistant: Perform essential rooming tasks, including patient medical history, background documentation, and administering eye drops. Conduct and interpret various eye care diagnostic tests and exams, such as Visual Field, OCT, Topography, and Fundus Photography. Assess ocular motility, pupil reactions, and confrontational fields. Additionally, perform retinoscopy or obtain a manifest refraction as needed. Clean and maintain exams rooms, instruments and equipment. Making sure they are within infection control standards. Ensure appropriate levels of medical supplies for each patient's room. Order supplies when needed. Escribe prescription refills as directed for medications related to eye conditions, including drops, steroids, and antibiotics for eye issues, while following established treatment protocols for consistency. Manage patient phone calls within the scope of practice, such as processing contact lens orders, and communicate relevant patient inquiries to providers as needed. Coordinate provider schedules/appointments and prepare patient charts.
• As a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) or Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT), everything listed prior and: Triage patient concerns regarding eye changes in condition and ability to schedule appropriately (example: floaters) including patient education for procedures and surgery Prepare patients for their visit with the optometrist and/or ophthalmologist, including minor in-office surgeries and laser procedures. Assist physicians with interoffice surgical procedures and laser treatments. Additionally, set up lasers for physician use. Ordering imaging tests, including carotid ultrasound, CT, or MRI, as well as laboratory tests. Perform A-scan measurements and IOL calculations.

Education Qualifications

• High School Diploma and/or GED Required
• Graduation from an accredited program for ophthalmic assistant or ophthalmic technician Preferred

Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of principles and skills needed to provide patient care.
• Knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions to establish a safe work environment.
• Fosters work and patient relationships through excellent interpersonal skills and behaviors.
• Ability to prioritize work and meet changing demands.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work under stressful or emergency situations with high concentration and energy level.
• Possess skills to effectively problem solve and apply critical thinking skills
• Proficient in the use of EMR systems, computer, phone, and office equipment.
• Possess effective written and verbal communication.

Licenses and Certifications

• CPR/Basic Life support for Healthcare Providers certification from approved program Required
• Certified as an Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) through JCAHPO within 18 months Required
• Certified as an Ophthalmic Technician (COT) or Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technician (COMT) through JCAHPO Preferred

Physical Demands

• Sit - Occasionally
• Stand - Frequently
• Walk - Frequently
• Drive - Rarely
• Climb (Stairs/Ladders) - Occasionally
• Bend (Neck) - Frequently
• Bend (Waist) - Frequently
• Squat - Occasionally
• Twist/Turn (Neck) - Occasionally
• Twist/Turn(Waist) - Occasionally
• Lift/Carry 0-10 lbs. - Frequently
• Lift/Carry 11-25 lbs. - Occasionally
• Lift/Carry 26-35 lbs. - Rarely
• Lift/Carry 36-50 lbs. - Rarely
• Push/Pull 11-25 lbs. - Rarely
• Push/Pull 26-35 lbs. - Rarely
• Push/Pull 36-50 lbs. - Rarely
• Push/Pull 51-75 lbs. - Rarely
• Reach (Above shoulder level) - Frequently
• Reach (Below shoulder level) - Frequently
• Simple Grasping (Hands/Arms) - Constantly
• Fine Manipulation (Hands/Arms) - Frequently
• Gross Manipulation (Hands/Arms) - Occasionally

Working Conditions

• Extreme cold - Rarely
• Extreme heat - Rarely
• Humidity - Rarely
• Wet - Rarely
• Noise - Occasionally
• Hazards - Occasionally

Travel Requirements

• 5%

Hearing Requirements

• Hears Whispers < 3 feet - Constantly
• Hears Whispers 3-8 feet - Constantly

Vision Requirements

• Color Discrimination - Constantly
• Near Vision (Correctable to Jaeger 2 or 20/40 binocular) - Constantly
• Distance Vision (Correctable to Snellen chart 20/40 binocular) - Constantly

Prevea is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United State and to complete the required employment eligibility document form upon hire. Prevea participates in E-verify. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify