Certified Ophthalmic Assistant

About the role

• Job Posting Title: Certified Ophthalmic Assistant
• Hiring Department: Department of Ophthalmology
• Position Open To: All Applicants
• Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40
• FLSA Status: Non-Exempt from FLSA
• Earliest Start Date: Immediately
• Position Duration: Expected to Continue
• Location: AUSTIN, TX

Job Details

Purpose

The Ophthalmic Assistant supports ophthalmologists in delivering high-quality eye care services. This role involves conducting preliminary eye tests, preparing patients for examinations, assisting during procedures, and maintaining patient records. The Ophthalmic Assistant typically reports to the ophthalmology clinical manager and works closely with other clinical staff. The position requires a strong understanding of eye care procedures and the ability to work efficiently under pressure while maintaining professionalism

Responsibilities

Patient Preparation and Examination

• Prepare patients for eye examinations by explaining procedures and answering questions.
• Perform basic vision tests and measurements, such as visual acuity and refraction.
• Record patient medical histories and visual health information.

Assisting During Procedures

• Assist ophthalmologists during eye examinations and treatments.
• Administer eye drops or medications as directed by the ophthalmologist.
• Operate ophthalmic equipment to obtain diagnostic information.

Patient Education and Support

• Teach patients about proper eye care techniques, including the use and care of contact lenses.
• Provide pre- and post-procedure instructions to ensure patient comfort and understanding.
• Address patient concerns and provide reassurance during procedures.

Administrative Duties

• Assist with patient scheduling, billing, and maintaining medical records.
• Maintain clean and organized examination rooms and sterilize ophthalmic instruments.
• Order and maintain inventory of supplies and equipment.

Collaboration and Training

• Work closely with other clinical staff to ensure efficient patient flow.
• Assist in training new ophthalmic assistants and other staff members.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED
• At least 1 year(s) of experience in clinical or healthcare setting
• Certification as an Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) from the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO).

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's Degree
• At least 2 year(s) of experience in Ophthalmic Assistant or in a similar role.
• Certification as a Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) or Certified Ophthalmic Medical

SALARY RANGE $48,659 + depending on qualifications

Working Environment/equipment

• Standard office equipment
• Repetitive use of a keyboard
• May be exposed to such occupational hazards as communicable diseases, blood borne pathogens, ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, hazardous medications and disoriented or combative patients, or others.

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest

Additional information

Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to u

Employment Eligibility

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

Retirement Plan Eligibility

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Pay Transparency

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.

However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.

Employment Eligibility Verification

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.