Ophthalmic Assistant I

Sutter Health•Santa Barbara, CA

About The Position

The Ophthalmic Assistant I provides administrative support by answering phones, scheduling patient appointments, filing, handling paperwork, greeting patients, and assisting with patient check-in. The position performs pre-tests and refractions and assists physicians with examinations and procedures. The role requires a high school diploma or GED, Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider certification, and certification as a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant or Certified Ophthalmic Technician within 18 months. Candidates should have one year of recent relevant experience and the skills to operate ophthalmology and visual testing equipment, perform basic ophthalmic assisting tasks, and support patients and clinical staff. This is a regular, full-time, non-exempt position with a day shift, Monday through Friday, 8-hour shifts, and 40 weekly hours. No weekends are required. The pay range is $25.60 to $35.83 per hour, with compensation varying by location and other factors. Eligible positions include a comprehensive benefits package.

Requirements

High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED).
Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) certification within 18 months, or Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) certification within 18 months.
Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider certification.
One year of recent relevant experience.
Computer and general office skills.
Ability to identify and solve problems and carry out orders assigned by physicians or supervisors.
Customer service skills when working with patients, physicians, coworkers, and supervisors or management.
Ability to make simple mathematical computations, work independently, prioritize tasks, exercise initiative and judgment, and make decisions.
Ability to work effectively as a team member and establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, employees, and the public.
Knowledge of and ability to operate visual testing equipment and ophthalmology equipment.
Knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and commonly used ICD-10 terms in ophthalmology.
Ability to establish priorities, coordinate work activities, and pay attention to detail.
Verbal and written communication skills for regular contact with physicians, patients, and staff.
Competency in basic ophthalmic assisting skills, including chart documentation, taking vital signs, preparing patients for exams, and performing ophthalmology testing.

Responsibilities

Answer phones and schedule patient appointments.
File and handle paperwork.
Greet patients and assist with patient check-in.
Perform pre-tests and refractions.
Assist physicians with examinations and procedures.
Perform basic ophthalmic assisting tasks, including chart documentation, taking vital signs, preparing patients for examinations, and performing ophthalmology testing.