Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA)

Atrius Health•Easton, MA

14d

About The Position

Under general supervision, performs duties of a clinical assistant/technician specializing in anatomy, function and diseases of the eye. Facilitates patient care by performing the preliminary work up of the patient, including obtaining all past medical records and performing preliminary eye function testing needed for the clinician to diagnose and treat eye conditions. Completes all of the basic testing and some of the more advanced visual testing required to support clinicians. Conducts diagnostic tests, measures and records vision and assesses pupillary and eye muscle function. Technicians with NCLE certification show patients how to insert, remove, and take care of their contact lenses. Applies eye dressings. Under the direction of the physician, may administer eye medications and maintain optical and surgical instruments. Is educated in sterile technique and may assist the ophthalmologist in surgery. May provide functional leadership to the other assistants, develop clinical protocols with input from others, and provide training as needed.

Requirements

Certification as an Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) by the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) as indicated by the most recent certification requirements for positions within Ophthalmology or by the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) as contact lens technician for positions within Optometry required.
American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) strongly preferred .
Skills and experience typically acquired through 2-3 years of experience with COA or 1-2 years of experience with COT working in an ophthalmic/optometric practice setting and knowledge of basic visual testing and certification required.
Must have basic proficiency in diagnostic and treatment procedures, including visual field testing, contact lenses, and ophthalmic surgery.
Should have general medical knowledge and be proficient in history taking.
When working in a contact lens practice knowledge of and previous experience in patient education regarding the use of contact lens is essential.
Demonstrated ability to provide situational leadership, excellent communication and organizational skills.
Must be able to accurately operate the following equipment: auto and manual Lensometer, A-scan, OCT Scan, Humphrey visual field machine, automated tonometer machine, brightness acuity test machine, auto refractor, auto Keratometer, Tonopen, Statim sterilizer, projector, and Slit lamp.

Nice To Haves

Certification as an Ophthalmic Technician (COT) is desirable.
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) may be required based on specialty.

Responsibilities

Performs duties of a clinical assistant/technician specializing in anatomy, function and diseases of the eye.
Facilitates patient care by performing the preliminary work up of the patient, including obtaining all past medical records and performing preliminary eye function testing needed for the clinician to diagnose and treat eye conditions.
Completes all of the basic testing and some of the more advanced visual testing required to support clinicians.
Conducts diagnostic tests, measures and records vision and assesses pupillary and eye muscle function.
Technicians with NCLE certification show patients how to insert, remove, and take care of their contact lenses.
Applies eye dressings.
Under the direction of the physician, may administer eye medications and maintain optical and surgical instruments.
Is educated in sterile technique and may assist the ophthalmologist in surgery.
May provide functional leadership to the other assistants, develop clinical protocols with input from others, and provide training as needed.