Ophthalmic Assistant-Ophthalmology Full Time Days

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare • Grayslake, IL

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Ophthalmic Assistant provides technical and clinical support and patient care for physicians and subspecialists. The role performs tests that help diagnose, assess, and treat patients with ophthalmic conditions, and supports follow-up care. The assistant responds to physicians’ needs and serves as a liaison between patients and physicians by answering questions and providing educational assistance.

This is a full-time position at 40 hours per week, based at the Grayslake clinic, with required travel to the Lake Forest campus. The schedule is Monday through Friday, with varying hours between 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., in eight-hour shifts. The employee must be eligible to obtain COA certification within one year.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED, Basic Life Support certification from the American Heart Association, and Certified Ophthalmic Assistant certification through JCAHPO, except applicants with a Doctor of Medicine degree are exempt from the COA requirement. Required experience is zero to two years in a relevant role.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Basic Life Support certification from the American Heart Association.
• Certified Ophthalmic Assistant certification through JCAHPO; applicants with a Doctor of Medicine degree are exempt from this requirement.
• Zero to two years of experience in a relevant role.
• Must be eligible to obtain COA certification within one year.
• Ability to travel between the Grayslake clinic and the Lake Forest campus.

Nice To Haves

• Two years of related experience; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Surgical assistance experience.

Responsibilities

• Interview patients and document histories.
• Perform technical workups, patient histories, and special testing, including refractions with retinoscopy, lensometry, keratometry, tonometry, visual fields, Amsler testing, muscle testing, pupil exams, topography, OCT, IOL Master/Ascans, and fundus photos.
• Assist physicians with patient care, minor surgery, and scribing.
• Communicate with patients about follow-up care, surgeries, procedures, schedule changes, symptoms, and surgery scheduling.
• Return calls from patients and pharmacies.
• Maintain and clean equipment, and report equipment deficiencies to management.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits, including tuition reimbursement, loan forgiveness, and 401(k) matching.
• A range of benefits intended to support employees’ physical, emotional, and financial well-being and provide protection for unexpected life events. Details and eligibility depend on employment classification.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED