Non-Certified Ophthalmic Assistant OR Certified Ophthalmic Assistant OR Certified Ophthalmic Technician (Storm Eye Institute)
About The Position
Join the region’s leading ophthalmic care team at the MUSC Health Storm Eye Institute, where innovation meets compassion. We are currently hiring for multiple levels within our ophthalmic team, including Non-Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (NCOA), Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA), and Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT). Storm Eye Institute treats adult and pediatric patients across a wide spectrum of conditions—from routine eye exams to highly specialized surgical care. As part of our team, you'll work with a collaborative group of clinicians in a high-impact setting where your skills directly enhance patient outcomes.
Requirements
- NCOA Requirements: Education: High school diploma or equivalent (GED). Experience: On the job training!! Certification: COA required within 12 months of hire. BLS: Basic Life Support certification required within 2 weeks of hire (MUSC Provides the BLS training FREE OF CHARGE!)
- COA Requirements: Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Experience: Minimum of 1 year of ophthalmic experience and completion of a certified assistant program or equivalent. Certification: JCAHPO Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA). BLS: Required within 2 weeks of hire (MUSC Provides the BLS training FREE OF CHARGE!)
- COT Requirements: Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Experience: Minimum of 2 years of specialized ophthalmic experience with completion of a certified technician program. Certification: JCAHPO Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT). BLS: Required within 2 weeks of hire (MUSC Provides the BLS training FREE OF CHARGE!)
Responsibilities
- Non-Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (NCOA): Performs a variety of general patient care activities and ophthalmic diagnostic tests and assists ophthalmologists during clinical exams. Responsibilities include preparing patients for visits, collecting medical histories, performing basic vision screenings, and supporting the clinical team with administrative and procedural tasks to ensure efficient patient care and workflow.
- Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA): Performs advanced medical history intake and a range of ophthalmic diagnostic tests including visual acuity, color vision, tonometry, and basic slit-lamp exams. Administers dilation drops, assists with minor in-office procedures, and documents clinical findings in the patient’s medical record. Ensures exam rooms are fully prepared, maintains equipment and instruments, and follows infection control and sterilization protocols. Provides patient support and helps manage clinical communication.
- Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT): Performs all COA-level functions with increased autonomy and technical proficiency. Conducts complex diagnostic testing, operates advanced ophthalmic instruments, and may assist with intravitreal injections and post-operative care. Leads clinical workflow, mentors entry-level staff, and ensures high standards of patient care and clinic readiness. Serves as a liaison between ophthalmologists and patients, enhancing overall clinic efficiency and experience.
Benefits
- Monday–Friday schedule – No weekends, no holidays
- $2,000 sign-on bonus for external COA/COT applicants
- Career growth opportunities within South Carolina’s premier eye care institute
- Access to specialists in glaucoma, retina, cornea, oculoplastics, and pediatric ophthalmology
- Work at a facility that performs 3,500+ surgeries and sees 60,000+ patients annually across multiple locations
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
Number of Employees
5,001-10,000 employees
