Ophthalmic Assistant Certified

Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, part of Mass General Brigham, is a not-for-profit organization supporting patient care, research, teaching, and community service. We are committed to providing exceptional care and advancing groundbreaking medical discoveries through high-performing teams.

About the role

Under the supervision of a licensed clinician, the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) provides clinical and administrative support to facilitate high-quality, efficient patient care in outpatient ophthalmology clinics and procedural areas. This is a patient-facing role.

Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive ophthalmic testing, vision assessments, and diagnostic imaging to support patient evaluation and treatment.
• Obtain and document accurate patient histories, visual acuities, and other clinical measurements as appropriate.
• Administer diagnostic ophthalmic medications and eye drops as directed and in accordance with established clinical protocols.
• Assist ophthalmologists with minor office-based procedures, including laser treatments, injections, cryotherapy, and oculoplastic procedures.
• Measure, document, and report vital signs as needed for procedures and patient care.
• Prepare patients, examination rooms, and procedural areas for clinical evaluation and treatment.
• Prepare, clean, calibrate, and perform routine maintenance of ophthalmic equipment in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and infection prevention standards.
• Ensure appropriate availability, organization, and inventory of medical and ophthalmic supplies.
• Handle, label, store, and transport specimens, instruments, and medications in accordance with established safety, infection prevention, and regulatory requirements.
• Support clinic operations by assisting with administrative responsibilities, including patient call triage, in-basket management, and other assigned tasks.
• Provide clinical and operational coverage across ophthalmology clinics and locations as needed.
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, clinicians, and other members of the care team to support a positive patient experience.
• Document patient care and clinical information accurately and timely in the electronic medical record.
• Adhere to hospital policies, regulatory requirements, and applicable federal, state, and local guidelines while maintaining compliance with accreditation and patient safety standards.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or Equivalent required.
• Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) - Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) required.
• 0-1 year of experience working in a supervised ophthalmology clinic required, or completion of an International Council of Accreditation (ICA) Assistant-level training program.

Skills

• Knowledge of ophthalmic terminology, ocular anatomy and physiology, common ocular conditions, ophthalmic procedures, and medications.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills with the ability to provide compassionate, patient-centered care.
• Ability to provide care to patients across a variety of ages and levels of physical and cognitive ability.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and adapt effectively in a fast-paced clinical environment.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary care team.
• Sound judgment, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills within the scope of the role.
• Proficiency with computers, electronic health records, and Microsoft Office applications.

Additional Details

Work Location: 800 Huntington Avenue
Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40
Employee Type: Regular
Work Shift: Day

Pay

$28.40 - $42.83/Hourly (Grade 4)