Veterinary Assistant, Ophthalmology

Ethos Veterinary Health•Houston, TX

3d•$20 - $26•Hybrid

About The Position

The Ophthalmology Veterinary Assistant (OVA) plays an integral role in the daily operation and workflow of the Ophthalmology Department. This hybrid position combines client-facing responsibilities with hands-on technical patient care and is responsible for supporting the day-to-day flow of appointments and surgical cases. Responsibilities include client communication, patient intake and discharge, appointment and procedure coordination, medical record documentation, diagnostic and treatment support, and surgical preparation. The OVA works directly alongside the Ophthalmologist, providing support throughout appointments, procedures, and surgical cases while developing advanced knowledge and skills within the field of veterinary ophthalmology. This position requires the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, high-caseload specialty environment while providing excellent patient care and client service. The OVA performs a combination of CPC and technical responsibilities; however, the position is not responsible for inducing, maintaining, or monitoring anesthesia.

Requirements

High School diploma is required, Associate's degree (A. A.) is preferred; or related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education / experience.
1-2 years of veterinary experience
Adapts positively to the ever-changing healthcare environment by supporting technology and process changes.
Must possess excellent listening and interpersonal skills and problem-solving methods.
Must be able to work varying hours as required.
Fluent English skills (speaking & reading) are required for the role

Nice To Haves

Licensed Veterinary Technician not required but preferred.
fluency in multiple languages a plus!

Responsibilities

Support the daily flow of Ophthalmology appointments, procedures, and surgical cases.
Provide client communication in person, by phone, and by email regarding appointments, procedures, medications, and follow-up care.
Obtain patient histories and maintain accurate client communications and medical documentation in EzyVet.
Schedule appointments, rechecks, diagnostics, surgeries, and follow-up care as directed.
Prepare estimates, consents, admissions, and discharge instructions and ensure charges are accurately entered.
Escalate medical or client concerns to the Ophthalmologist or appropriate leadership when needed.
Work directly alongside the Ophthalmologist during examinations, diagnostics, treatments, and procedures.
Safely restrain patients and obtain and document vital parameters.
Perform venipuncture, IV catheter placement, sample collection, and in-house laboratory testing within scope of training.
Administer oral, topical, SQ, IM, and IV medications as directed.
Accurately calculate medication dosages, fluid rates, and continuous rate infusions (CRIs).
Assist the anesthetist with medication and CRI preparation and other anesthesia-related case support as directed.
Assist with specialized ophthalmic diagnostics, including ocular ultrasound and ERG, once appropriately trained.
Develop advanced knowledge of ophthalmic terminology, medications, diagnostics, instruments, and equipment.
Recognize changes in patient condition and communicate concerns promptly.
Prepare patients, equipment, instruments, supplies, and the surgical suite for Ophthalmology procedures.
Scrub in and directly assist the Ophthalmologist during surgical procedures.
Maintain sterile technique and appropriately handle surgical instruments and supplies.
Anticipate the needs of the Ophthalmologist throughout surgical procedures.
Assist the anesthetist with case preparation and anesthesia-related support
Circulate during procedures when needed and coordinate with anesthetist to maintain efficient surgical flow.
Properly collect, label, and handle tissue and diagnostic samples.
Assist with pre- and post-operative patient care, including patient transfer and recovery coordination.
Clean, disinfect, restock, and reset the surgical suite between cases.
Anticipate the needs of the Ophthalmologist and help maintain efficient daily patient and department flow.
Communicate and coordinate patient care with other hospital teams as needed.
Maintain organization, cleanliness, inventory, and readiness of Ophthalmology rooms, supplies, instruments, and specialized equipment.
Prepare for upcoming appointments and procedures and adapt to changes in caseload, including urgent or emergency cases.
Assist with hospitalized Ophthalmology patients and patient transfers when needed.
Must be available to work the assigned schedule and maintain flexibility based on departmental and patient care needs.
Employees may be required to remain beyond their scheduled shift when an urgent or emergency procedure requires continued Ophthalmology support.
Employees are expected to remain until appropriate patient care responsibilities have been completed or transitioned to another qualified team member.
Schedule adjustments may occasionally be necessary based on caseload, emergencies, staffing needs, or operational demands.