Certified Ophthalmic Assistant - Ophthalmology

Washington University in St Louis • Creve Coeur, MO

3d

About The Position

Provides advanced administrative and technical support to an ophthalmologist in a clinical setting. Gathers important medical information and performs visual screening before the ophthalmologist's visit with the patient. The role is based in a patient care and normal office environment and typically involves sitting at a desk or table. It requires a high school diploma or equivalent, one year of supervised ophthalmologic office work experience, and Basic Life Support certification. A Certified Ophthalmic Assistant credential is included among the acceptable credentials listed for the position.

The position is scheduled for 40 hours. The salary range is $19.93–$29.93 per hour; individual rates depend on qualifications, performance, equity, market rates, and department budget. External candidates receiving an offer must complete applicable pre-employment screening.

Requirements

• High school diploma, equivalent high school certification, or a combination of education and/or experience.
• One year of supervised ophthalmologic office work experience.
• Basic Life Support certification from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross; online BLS certifications without a skills assessment component do not satisfy the requirement.
• The listed acceptable credentials include Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) from the International Joint Commission of Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology or the Joint Commission of Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology.

Nice To Haves

• Confidentiality.
• Detail-oriented approach.
• Interactive communication.
• Knowledge of medical abbreviations and medical terminology.
• Medical screening and patient care services.
• Medical ultrasound.
• Operational efficiency and patient management.
• Ability to perform testing.

Responsibilities

• Perform all duties of an ophthalmic assistant.
• Perform kinetic and static visual field tests, including Goldman and Humphrey tests.
• Assist with patient clinical workups, including obtaining detailed patient histories.
• Help patients understand general office evaluations and physician instructions.
• Perform gross refractions, keratometry, tonography, and tonometry.
• Insert and remove patient contact lenses when necessary and provide contact lens instruction.
• Perform BAT glare testing and PAM testing.
• Perform A-Scan ultrasound testing.
• Assist physicians with minor surgical procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays or coinsurance.
• Free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
• Eligible employees may participate in a defined contribution 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan, with employee and university contributions starting at 7%.
• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program, financial resources, and access to dietitians.
• Four weeks of caregiver leave to bond with a new child and family care resources.
• Tuition coverage for employees and family, including dependent undergraduate tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years of employment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED