Entry-Level Ophthalmic Assistant

Medical Associates•Dubuque, IA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Ophthalmology Department at Medical Associates Clinic is seeking a motivated, dependable, compassionate individual who wants to grow in a healthcare career. Prior ophthalmology or clinical experience is not required. The position provides comprehensive on-the-job and online training toward Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) certification within two years, with opportunities to advance to Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT). It is open to Non-Certified Ophthalmic Assistants, COAs, COTs, LPNs, and RNs. The role is based in the Ophthalmology Department at Medical Associates West Campus. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, usually 4.5 days per week, with 8-hour shifts that include a 30-minute lunch. Shifts fall between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM, and flexibility is required. Medical Associates supports professional development by covering the full cost of IJCAHPO COA or COT certification exams and providing free access to IJCAHPO’s Clinic CE Subscription, which includes more than 220 online courses with direct CE credit tracking. The role offers opportunities to build clinical confidence and credentials. The ideal candidate demonstrates empathy, professionalism, attention to detail, adaptability, effective communication, and a commitment to outstanding patient care. The role involves extensive contact with patients and others, and requires operating diagnostic and medical equipment and using personal protective equipment. Physical demands include stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, and meeting the stated vision standard. The position is classified as medium work and may involve exposure to physical hazards.

Requirements

High school diploma required.
No prior experience required.
Demonstrated empathy, professionalism, and attention to detail.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-based environment and adapt to changing workflows and new technology.
Effective and professional communication skills.
Keyboarding skills and ability to use electronic equipment.
Ability to use and operate a wide variety of diagnostic and medical equipment.
Ability to use personal protective equipment, including gloves, lab coats, gowns, goggles, and face masks or shields.
Vision of 20/40 or better in the best eye, with or without correction.
Ability to perform medium work: exert up to 50 pounds occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently, and 10 pounds constantly to move objects.
Ability to perform the stated physical activities, including stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, and hearing.

Nice To Haves

Some college education in a healthcare field.
Patient-contact experience.

Responsibilities

Document and perform general patient workups, including updating pertinent medical information.
Perform diagnostic testing and assist doctors in carrying out treatment plans.
Collaborate with team members to provide quality patient care.
Communicate clearly and effectively with patients, co-workers, and others.
Provide patient education as needed.
Broaden skills and remain flexible in performing additional patient-care duties.
Maintain a safe, neat, organized office environment supplied with necessary equipment, instruments, supplies, and educational materials.
Ensure equipment functions safely and properly.
Clean and maintain equipment according to guidelines.
Complete other assigned projects and duties.

Benefits

Medical Associates covers the full cost of sitting for IJCAHPO COA or COT certification exams.
Free access to IJCAHPO’s Clinic CE Subscription, including more than 220 online courses and direct CE credit tracking.
Single or family health insurance with discounted premium rates for wellness program participation.
401(k) with immediate matching of 50% on the dollar up to 7% of pay, plus additional annual profit sharing.
Flexible paid time off program providing 24 days off per year.
Medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
Life insurance.
Long-term disability coverage.
Short-term disability coverage.
Dental insurance.