Ophthalmic Medical Assistant II (COA)/Trainer

Eye Associates Of New Mexico • Santa Fe, NM

84d

About The Position

Eye Associates of New Mexico has an outstanding career opportunity as a NNM-Tech II (COA)/Trainer! The Ophthalmic Technician II (COA)/Trainer provides technical support to physicians for patient evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care for all northern NM clinics. This role gathers patient information through questioning, observation, and testing. The technician facilitates patient exams and optimizes the physician’s time by preparing and following up on care. The position also includes training and evaluating technical staff, particularly new technician trainees, overseeing Electronic Health Record (EHR) training, and supporting implementation of updates within the system. The technician acts as a key resource in technician education, skill assessment, and workflow efficiency. This is a safety-sensitive position under the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act (SB 406).

Requirements

• Education: High school diploma (or equivalent) required.
• Certification: Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) required. Must obtain a Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) certification at the next earliest testing date.
• Competency: Must demonstrate proficiency in COA-level skills per HR Policy #2.29.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Computer Proficiency: Strong skills preferred, with typing ability of at least 35 words per minute.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and document patient medical records, history, medications, and relevant details.
• Conduct visual acuity tests, pupillary measurements, intraocular pressure checks, and muscle motility assessments.
• Perform slit lamp exams, refractions, confrontation visual fields, and retinoscopy.
• Administer dilating drops, prepare instruments for minor in-office procedures, and maintain exam room supplies.
• Assist physicians by authorizing medication refills, handling technician calls, and conducting special tests (e.g., PAM, Topo’s, keratometry, formal visual fields, and Tear Lab).
• Stay current with changes in Electronic Health Records (EHR) workflows and provide training on system updates.
• Oversee training and evaluation of new and existing technicians, identify skill gaps, and provide ongoing education.
• Monitor and maintain technician certification records and ensure timely renewals.
• Participate in surgery-related tasks (if applicable), such as preparing the operating room, assisting in procedures, and ensuring adherence to aseptic techniques.
• Conduct retina-specific duties if applicable, including reviewing procedure charts, preparing sterile instruments, assisting with injections, and managing inventory.
• Perform diagnostic testing and manage documentation of results.
• Support technical preceptors and work collaboratively with clinic management and the Training Department to enhance training and performance evaluation.
• Assist with organizational initiatives and training workshops.
• Develop a unique program for new NNM technician trainees that will prepare them to meet EANM’s stated technician trainee competency expectations.
• Ensure that all appropriate training materials are purchased and made available to trainees.
• Personally conduct theoretical and hands-on practical training of all new technician trainees in a consistent and measurable manner.
• Travel required bi-weekly for new hire week in Albuquerque.

Benefits

• Paid time off (PTO)
• Eight (8) company paid holidays (including the day after Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve!)
• Medical and Dental
• Health Savings Account
• Generous Vision benefits for you and your dependents
• Education Assistance Program
• Uniform (scrub) allowance
• 401(k) and Roth Program
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Company paid Basic Life and AD&D Insurance, Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Supplemental Life and AD&D
• Free Calm app
• Financial Wellness Program
• Identity Theft Protection Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• and more!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees