Ophthalmic Assistant

Closing Date: 08/25/2026

Type of Position: Clinical Staff - Medical Ancillary Support
Work Shift: Day Shift

About the Role

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has a unique combination of education, research, and clinical programs that encourages and supports teamwork and diversity. We champion being a collaborative health care organization, focused on improving patient care and the lives of Arkansans.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient care for a select group of patients.
• Refer any problems encountered with patients to the attending physician, including lack of patient acknowledgment, adverse reactions to examination procedures, or other issues.
• Provide direct patient assessment, performing measurements required to evaluate the eye, including:
  • Test and record visual acuity for all levels of acuity (Counting fingers, Hand motion, Light perception, No light perception).
  • Test and record visual acuity on preliterate, illiterate, non-verbal, or foreign language patients.
  • Define low vision.
  • Test and record visual acuity using pinhole occlude.
  • Test and record stereo acuity.
  • Test and record near point of accommodation and convergence.
  • Test for visual acuity (distance and near) using Allen, Tumbling E, numbers, and Snellen.
• Collect current data from in-person patient assessments, including:
  • Use of ophthalmic medications.
  • Perform Amsler grid testing.
  • Perform confrontation fields testing.
  • Perform automated perimetry and, with appropriate training, Goldmann perimeter.
  • Measure intraocular pressure with hand-held applanator, applanation tonometry, and non-contact tonometer.
  • Clean and disinfect tonometers.
  • Perform and record glare testing (e.g., BAT).
  • Perform and record Potential Acuity Meter (PAM).
  • Proper use of slit lamp and slit lamp lenses.
  • Demonstrate use of pen light.
  • Perform and record color vision using color plates.
  • Perform pachymetry, measure and record fusional amplitudes.
  • Perform and record Maddox Rod measurements.
  • Order and maintain patient education materials inventory.
  • Assess and record anterior chamber depth with a slit lamp or pen light.
  • Perform and record laser tests for glaucoma/retina (OCT).
  • Perform and record tear tests: Schirmer BUT, Rose Bengal.
• Maintain responsibility for cleaning and sterilizing all required medical instruments, supplies, and equipment.
• Ensure all equipment is stored properly, maintains calibration, and remains fully operational.
• Ensure all electronic specialty tools are turned on/off following recommended procedures to prolong equipment life.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School diploma/GED preferred.
• Current BLS certification or must successfully obtain certification within the first 30 days of employment.

Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications: One (1) year of ophthalmic/optometric assisting or experience in a medical setting.

Benefits

UAMS offers the following benefits and perks for benefits-eligible positions:

• Health: Medical, Dental, and Vision plans available for qualifying staff and family.
• Holiday, Vacation, and Sick Leave.
• Education discount for staff and dependents (undergraduate only).
• Retirement: Up to 10% matched contribution from UAMS.
• Basic Life Insurance up to $50,000.
• Career Training and Educational Opportunities.
• Merchant Discounts.
• Concierge prescription delivery on the main campus when using UAMS pharmacy.

Pre-employment Screening Requirements

• Criminal Background Check.
• Substance Abuse Testing.

Physical Activity

• Constant Physical Activity: Feeling, Hearing.
• Frequent Physical Activity: Standing, Talking, Walking.
• Occasional Physical Activity: Sitting.