Certified or Non-Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA)/Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) - Nexton - MUSCP

Medical University of South Carolina•Summerville, SC

About The Position

Treat adult and pediatric patients across a wide spectrum of conditions, from routine eye exams to specialized surgical care, as part of a collaborative clinical team. The role may be performed at the Non-Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (NCOA), Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA), or Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) level. NCOAs perform general patient care activities and ophthalmic diagnostic tests, assist ophthalmologists during clinical exams, prepare patients for visits, collect medical histories, perform basic vision screenings, and support clinical and administrative workflows. COAs perform advanced medical history intake and diagnostic testing, including visual acuity, color vision, tonometry, and basic slit-lamp exams. They administer dilation drops, assist with minor in-office procedures, document findings, prepare exam rooms, maintain equipment and instruments, follow infection-control and sterilization protocols, support patients, and help manage clinical communication. COTs perform COA-level functions with greater autonomy and technical proficiency. They conduct complex diagnostic testing, operate advanced ophthalmic instruments, and may assist with intravitreal injections and post-operative care. They lead clinical workflow, mentor entry-level staff, maintain patient-care and clinic-readiness standards, and act as a liaison between ophthalmologists and patients. The position is with University Medical Associates (UMA), in the Nexton Ophthalmology cost center. It is an employee role scheduled for 40 hours per week and paid hourly.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
NCOA: No prior experience is required; on-the-job training is provided.
NCOA: Obtain COA or COT certification through the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) within 12 months of the start date.
COA: Minimum of one year of ophthalmic experience and completion of a certified assistant program or equivalent.
COA: JCAHPO COA certification is required and must be maintained throughout employment.
COT: Minimum of two years of specialized ophthalmic experience and completion of a certified technician program.
COT: JCAHPO COT certification is required and must be maintained throughout employment.
Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support certification or American Red Cross BLS for Healthcare Providers certification is required.
Ability to perform job functions while standing, walking, and sitting; bend, kneel, climb stairs, reach in all directions, use both hands and legs, and perform repetitive motions with hands, wrists, elbows, and shoulders.
Good finger dexterity and physical qualification for respirator use, initially and as required.
Maintain corrected 20/40 vision and be able to recognize objects both close at hand and at a distance.
Ability to work in a latex-safe environment and indoors.
Frequently lift, lower, push, pull, or carry objects weighing approximately 50 pounds unassisted; exert up to 50 pounds of force; and lift 25 pounds from 36 inches to overhead.
Infrequently work in dusty areas and confined or cramped spaces.

Responsibilities

Prepare patients for visits and collect medical histories.
Perform basic vision screenings and ophthalmic diagnostic tests.
Assist ophthalmologists during clinical exams and support clinical, administrative, and procedural workflows.
Perform advanced medical history intake and tests such as visual acuity, color vision, tonometry, and basic slit-lamp exams, as applicable to the COA level.
Administer dilation drops and assist with minor in-office procedures.
Document clinical findings in patient medical records.
Prepare exam rooms and maintain equipment and instruments.
Follow infection-control and sterilization protocols.
Provide patient support and help manage clinical communication.
Conduct complex diagnostic testing and operate advanced ophthalmic instruments, as applicable to the COT level.
Assist with intravitreal injections and post-operative care, as applicable to the COT level.
Lead clinical workflow, mentor entry-level staff, and ensure patient-care and clinic-readiness standards.
Serve as a liaison between ophthalmologists and patients.