Ophthalmology Assistant

Summit Health•New Britain, CT

3d•$22 - $27

About The Position

The Ophthalmology Assistant supports the clinical team by performing specialized diagnostic testing, assisting physicians with patient care, and helping ensure efficient daily operations in the ophthalmology department. The role calls for strong technical skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to high-quality patient care in a fast-paced outpatient environment. The assistant conducts patient workups and interviews, performs ophthalmic testing, explains tests and care expectations to patients, and may scribe or assist with minor office surgery. The position also involves maintaining and cleaning equipment, communicating with patients and pharmacies, and supporting the department as needed. Full-time hours may include rotating weekends, and commuting to satellite offices may be required. The posted pay range is $22.07–$27.07 per hour. Compensation depends on factors including experience and job location.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Friendly, professional demeanor and excellent bedside manner.
Strong computer and typing skills, with a minimum typing speed of 45 wpm.
Flexibility to work full-time hours, including rotating weekends.
Passion for helping others in an outpatient clinical setting.
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
High attention to detail and ability to work effectively within a team.
Ability to commute to satellite office locations as needed.
Good understanding of ophthalmic practice and patient care.
Knowledge of medical instrumentation and its proper care and use.
Ability to identify common safety hazards and take precautions to establish a safe work environment.
Willingness to help in all areas and understand the need for efficient use of time.
Working knowledge of eye anatomy, disease, symptoms, and ocular medications.
Basic knowledge of contact lenses.
Understanding of common anterior segment disorders and oculoplastic conditions.
Ability to communicate with patients about cataract surgery and oculoplastic procedures.
Professionalism, empathy, positive rapport with coworkers, flexibility in job assignments, and initiative in accomplishing practice goals.
Ability to stand for long periods, write, hold arms at shoulder height, and use manual dexterity to operate ophthalmic equipment.

Nice To Haves

JCAHPO Ophthalmic Assistant Certification or Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) certification preferred.
Experience in a service-oriented industry is a plus.
Bilingual language skills may be required or preferred depending on site location.

Responsibilities

Promptly and professionally assist the doctor with patient care.
Perform technical workups, patient interviews, and special testing.
Communicate with patients about follow-up care, surgeries, procedures, schedule changes, symptoms, and surgery scheduling.
Maintain and clean equipment, and report equipment that is not working properly to a supervisor.
Return phone calls to patients and pharmacies.
Potentially assist with minor office surgery.
Interview patients and document histories efficiently and accurately.
Independently perform specialized ophthalmic testing appropriate to the subspecialty.
Accurately perform refractions, lensometry, keratometry, tonometry, muscle testing, pupil exams, and special testing such as HVF and OCT.
Scribe when requested by the doctor.
Clearly explain tests, procedures, and expectations to patients.
Maintain patient confidentiality and use proper eye-drop technique, sterility, and universal precautions.
Work up three patients per hour consistently.
Maintain certification if certified.