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

Medical University of South Carolina•Summerville, SC

About The Position

The Ophthalmic Assistant supports adult and pediatric patients across a wide spectrum of eye conditions, from routine examinations to specialized surgical care, as part of a collaborative clinical team. Depending on certification level, the role includes preparing patients for visits, collecting medical histories, performing vision screenings and ophthalmic diagnostic tests, assisting ophthalmologists during exams and procedures, and documenting clinical findings. Certified staff may perform advanced testing, administer dilation drops, assist with in-office procedures, maintain clinical equipment and instruments, and support post-operative care. At the technician level, the role also involves complex diagnostic testing, leading clinical workflow, mentoring entry-level staff, and serving as a liaison between patients and ophthalmologists.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
For NCOA: no prior experience is required; on-the-job training is provided.
For NCOA: obtain COA or COT certification through JCAHPO within 12 months of the start date.
For COA: at least one year of ophthalmic experience and completion of a certified assistant program or equivalent.
For COA: JCAHPO COA certification, maintained throughout employment.
For COT: at least two years of specialized ophthalmic experience and completion of a certified technician program.
For COT: JCAHPO COT certification, maintained throughout employment.
Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support certification or American Red Cross BLS for Healthcare Providers certification.
Ability to perform job functions while standing, walking, and sitting; bend, kneel, climb stairs, reach in all directions, and use both hands and legs.
Good finger dexterity and ability to perform repetitive motions with the hands, wrists, elbows, and shoulders.
Ability to qualify physically for respirator use, initially and as required.
Corrected vision of 20/40 and ability 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, and/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 examinations and procedures.
Perform advanced testing such as visual acuity, color vision, tonometry, and basic slit-lamp examinations, as applicable to certification level.
Administer dilation drops and document clinical findings in patient medical records, as applicable to certification level.
Prepare examination 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 at the technician level.
Assist with intravitreal injections and post-operative care, as applicable.
Lead clinical workflow, mentor entry-level staff, and help maintain clinic readiness at the technician level.