Medical Assistant, Ophthalmology

Location: Des Peres, MO

Travel to our other locations in the metro St Louis area and Sullivan, MO will be required as needed. Mileage reimbursement is provided.

About the Role

An Ophthalmic Technician is a valuable asset to an Ophthalmologist, assisting in providing excellent patient care during visits. This role involves handling a wide range of duties, including using equipment to perform initial testing to prepare patients for exams with an Ophthalmologist.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate patient flow and assist the doctor in preliminary testing.
• Effectively communicate with patients, doctors, and managers.
• Answer inquiries through phone, email, and in-person requests.
• Provide exceptional customer service during every patient encounter (in person or via phone).
• Display a professional attitude, greet patients promptly with a smile, and thank them when they leave.
• Anticipate Physician needs to facilitate clinic flow and practice urgency with patients' and doctors' time.
• Comply with all company policies and procedures, including HIPAA.
• Verify patient information by interviewing the patient and record medical history, current medications, and purpose of visit.
• Record all data in the patient's Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
• Check the condition of patients' eyes by observing pupils, muscles, visual acuity, and extraocular movements.
• Perform required skills including dilation, refraction, pressures, and diagnostic tests such as visual fields, OCT, GDX, IOL master, auto refractor, and topography.
• Demonstrate working knowledge of eye anatomy, diseases, symptoms, and ocular medications.
• Accurately and thoroughly document medical visits and procedures as performed by the Physician.
• Prepare patients for treatments and minor procedures; measure and record vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, and respiration rate).
• Open and close exam rooms as needed; keep examination, treatment, laser, and assigned rooms cleaned and stocked with supplies.
• Maintain an up-to-date drug count.
• Perform general office duties and cleaning as assigned by the manager.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Favorable result on background check.
• Basic computer skills and strong customer service skills.
• Excitement to learn and grow.
• One year of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Current Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) or Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) certification is preferred but not required.

Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Experience using Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems.
• Computer proficiency and ability to quickly learn new applications.
• Excellent patient care with an energetic and empathetic approach.
• Strong communication skills and ability to coordinate with all levels of employees in a courteous, professional manner.
• Organizational skills with a focus on tracking patient care and improving patient flow.
• Desire to gain industry knowledge and training.
• Demonstrates initiative in accomplishing practice goals.
• Ability to grow, adapt, and accept change.
• Team-oriented and patient-focused, consistently creating a positive work environment.
• Commitment to work over 40 hours to meet business needs, including weekends when applicable.
• Reliable transportation to travel to multiple work locations with minimal notice.

Benefits

• Full benefits package including medical, vision, dental, and life insurance.
• 401k with employer matching.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays.
• Competitive base pay.
• Paid maternity leave.
• Eyecare certification reimbursement.
• Employee discounts.

Schedule

Full-time position. Offices are open Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm. Occasional earlier or later hours may be required as needed.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent walking (75%), sitting (50%), and standing (50%).
• Regular bending, stooping, and reaching (25–50%).
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull items up to 25 lbs.
• Strong fine motor skills and full use of hands for constant grasping, writing/typing, and technology use.
• Visual and auditory acuity, including color, depth, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus, required 100% of the time.
• Occasional driving or climbing may be necessary.