Medical Assistant (Ophthalmology) - No Prior Medical Experience Required
EyeCare Partners is the nation’s leading provider of clinically integrated eye care. Our national network of over 300 ophthalmologists and 700 optometrists provides a lifetime of care to patients with a mission to enhance vision, advance eye care, and improve lives. Based in St. Louis, Missouri, over 650 ECP-affiliated practice locations provide care in 18 states and 80 markets.
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 while using equipment to perform initial testing to prepare patients for exams with an Ophthalmologist.
Responsibilities
- 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.
- Practice urgency with patients' time as well as the doctor’s time and schedule.
- Comply with all company policies and procedures, including HIPAA.
- Verify patient information by interviewing the patient.
- Record patient’s medical history, current medications, and confirm the purpose of the visit.
- Record all data in the patient's Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
- Check the condition of the patient's eyes by observing pupils, muscles, visual acuity, and extraocular movements.
- Perform required skills including dilation, refraction, pressures, and a variety of 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) as required.
- Open and close exam rooms as needed.
- Keep examination, treatment, laser, and other assigned rooms cleaned and stocked with supplies, and maintain an up-to-date drug count.
- Perform general office duties and cleaning as assigned by the manager.
Requirements
- Provide excellent patient care and demonstrate energy and empathy with patients.
- Comply with HIPAA confidentiality standards when communicating patient information.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to coordinate and cooperate 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.
- Demonstrate initiative in accomplishing practice goals.
- Ability to grow, adapt, and accept change.
- Consistently create a positive work environment by being team-oriented and patient-focused.
- Commitment to work over 40 hours to meet the needs of the business.
- Ability to work weekends when applicable.
- Reliable transportation that allows travel to multiple work locations with minimal notice.
Qualifications
- Minimum: High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
- Minimum: 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 the ability to quickly learn new applications.
Physical Requirements
This role requires a variety of physical activities to effectively perform essential job functions:
- 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 use of technology.
- Visual and auditory acuity—including color, depth, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus—required 100% of the time.
- Occasional driving or climbing may be necessary.