PRN Non-Certified Ophthalmic Assistant OR Certified Ophthalmic Assistant OR Certified Ophthalmic Technician - MUSCP
About The Position
The MUSC Health Storm Eye Institute is hiring for multiple ophthalmic team levels: Non-Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (NCOA), Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA), and Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT). The institute treats adult and pediatric patients with conditions ranging from routine eye care to specialized surgical needs. The job description promotes a Monday–Friday schedule with no weekends or holidays, career growth opportunities, and collaboration with specialists in glaucoma, retina, cornea, oculoplastics, and pediatric ophthalmology. The facility performs more than 3,500 surgeries and sees more than 60,000 patients annually across multiple locations. NCOAs perform general patient care activities and ophthalmic diagnostic tests, assist ophthalmologists during clinical exams, prepare patients, collect medical histories, perform basic vision screenings, and support clinical administrative and procedural work. COAs perform advanced medical history intake and diagnostic tests such as visual acuity, color vision, tonometry, and basic slit-lamp exams. They administer dilation drops, assist with minor in-office procedures, document clinical 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 liaise between ophthalmologists and patients. This is a PRN employee position with a scheduled weekly workload of 4 hours and hourly pay. Physical requirements include standing, walking, sitting, bending, kneeling, climbing stairs, reaching, using both hands and legs, repetitive motions, respirator qualification, corrected 20/40 vision, working indoors in a latex-safe environment, and frequently handling objects weighing approximately 50 pounds. Infrequent work may occur in dusty areas or confined/cramped spaces.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
- NCOA: No experience required; on-the-job training is provided.
- NCOA: Must obtain COA or COT certification through the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) within 12 months of the start date.
- COA: At least 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: At least 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 meet the stated physical requirements, including frequently lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, and/or carrying approximately 50 pounds unassisted.
- Maintain corrected 20/40 vision, qualify physically for respirator use initially and as required, and work indoors in a latex-safe environment.
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 tasks.
- For COA-level work, perform visual acuity, color vision, tonometry, and basic slit-lamp testing; administer dilation drops; assist with minor in-office procedures; document clinical findings; prepare exam rooms; maintain equipment and instruments; follow infection control and sterilization protocols; support patients and clinical communication.
- For COT-level work, conduct complex diagnostic testing, operate advanced ophthalmic instruments, and potentially assist with intravitreal injections and post-operative care.
- Lead clinical workflow, mentor entry-level staff, maintain patient-care and clinic-readiness standards, and liaise between ophthalmologists and patients at the COT level.
Benefits
- Career growth opportunities within South Carolina’s premier eye care institute.
- Access to specialists in glaucoma, retina, cornea, oculoplastics, and pediatric ophthalmology.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
