Certified Ophthalmic Assistant-Ophthalmology

Palomar Health•Poway, CA

3d•$26 - $37

About The Position

The Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) facilitates patient flow and obtains pertinent patient information. The role includes communicating, observing, reporting, and documenting patient responses and conditions; preparing and stocking examination rooms; and conducting patient callbacks. The COA initiates accurate documentation of the chief complaint, history of present illness, refractometry, review of systems, and pertinent ocular findings in accordance with compliance guidelines. The COA performs ophthalmic tests and patient services, administers topical ophthalmic and oral medications as directed by a physician, and assists with minor in-office surgery procedures and laser treatments. The role also includes maintaining instruments, medications, supplies, and clinical examination equipment; educating patients about medication administration and pre- and post-operative instructions; and completing authorized prescription refill requests with full chart documentation. The COA opens and closes examination lanes, cleans and disinfects equipment, follows safety and HIPAA procedures, and performs other related duties as assigned or required. Candidates must be able to speak and read English sufficiently to perform the essential functions of the position. Standard office equipment and personal computer skills are needed, including proficiency with Windows, keyboarding, and common software and computer operations. The employee must follow Palomar Health Medical Group rules, policies, procedures, applicable laws, and standards, and carry out the organization’s mission, vision, and quality commitment.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
1–2 years of clinical back-office experience in Ophthalmology.
Current Ophthalmic Assistant Certification.
CPR/BLS certification.
Ability to speak and read English sufficiently to perform the essential functions of the position.
Knowledge of standard office equipment, including a calculator, fax machine, and photocopier.
Personal computer and software skills, including MS Windows, Excel, Access, Word, PowerPoint, internet, and email.
Windows computer skills, including proficient keyboarding and use of a mouse or keys, drop-down menus, scroll bars, folders, and copying; required upon employment or within the first two weeks.

Responsibilities

Facilitate patient flow and obtain pertinent information.
Communicate, observe, report, and document patient responses and conditions.
Set up and stock examination rooms and conduct patient callbacks.
Accurately initiate documentation of patient chief complaints, histories of present illness, refractometry, reviews of systems, and pertinent ocular findings in accordance with compliance guidelines.
Perform visual acuity, color vision, lensometry, keratometry, pupil function, tonometry, automated perimetry, extraocular movement, confrontation visual field, and other requested testing or patient services.
Administer topical ophthalmic and oral medications as directed by the physician.
Assist with minor surgery procedures and laser treatments in the office.
Inventory and maintain surgical instruments in accordance with OSHA standards.
Remove and apply dressings as directed.
Educate patients about medication administration and pre- and post-operative instructions as directed by the physician.
Complete authorized prescription refill requests and fully document them in patient charts.
Inventory and maintain medications and medical supplies.
Open and close examination lanes daily; clean and disinfect equipment, seat battery-powered instruments in recharge wells, and switch off and cover slit lamps and projectors.
Assist with maintaining clinical examination equipment and ordering supplies.
Follow safety and HIPAA procedures and applicable organizational rules, policies, procedures, laws, and standards.
Perform other related duties as assigned or required.