Ophthalmology Assistant

Summit Health CityMD•New Britain, CT

About The Position

The Ophthalmic Assistant supports the clinical team in the ophthalmology department by performing specialized diagnostic testing, assisting physicians with patient care, and helping ensure efficient daily operations. The role requires technical skill, attention to detail, and a commitment to high-quality patient care in a fast-paced outpatient environment. The assistant performs patient interviews and technical workups, carries out specialized ophthalmic tests, communicates with patients about follow-up care and procedures, and may assist with minor office surgery. The role also includes maintaining equipment, returning calls to patients and pharmacies, and documenting patient histories. Responsibilities may be changed at management’s discretion.

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 words per minute.
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 assess 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.
Maintain patient confidentiality.
Consistently work up three patients per hour.
Working knowledge of eye anatomy, disease, symptoms, and ocular medications.
Basic knowledge of contact lenses.
Use proper eye-drop technique, sterility, and universal precautions.
Understand characteristics of common anterior segment disorders and oculoplastic conditions.
Understand and communicate effectively with patients about cataract surgery and oculoplastic procedures.
Display professionalism, energy, and empathy with patients, and maintain positive rapport with fellow employees.
Demonstrate flexibility in job assignments and initiative in accomplishing practice goals.
Maintain certification if certified.
Ability to stand for long periods, write, hold arms at shoulder height, and use manual dexterity to work with ophthalmic equipment.

Nice To Haves

JCAHPO Ophthalmic Assistant Certification or Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) certification is 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 in 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 to a supervisor.
Return phone calls to patients and pharmacies.
Potentially assist with minor office surgery.
Interview patients efficiently and accurately and document their histories.
Independently perform specialized ophthalmic testing appropriate to the subspecialty.
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.