CERTIFIED OPHTHALMIC ASSISTANT JOB DESCRIPTION

A COA certification from JCAHPO is the entry credential. What follows is patient-facing clinical work that demands both technical precision and interpersonal steadiness across a full examination day. The Certified Ophthalmic Assistant conducts preliminary diagnostic screenings, manages patient flow alongside physicians, and maintains the accuracy of medical records under HIPAA compliance requirements. Few allied health roles require this range - one hour spent on visual field testing, the next on contact lens training or surgical prep.

As the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant, you perform preliminary ophthalmic screenings, coordinate physician-directed patient care, and document clinical interactions to support consistent, compliant care delivery across an eye care practice. You work directly within the ophthalmology or optometry team, collaborating daily with physicians, optometrists, and clinical staff to keep patient flow accurate and uninterrupted.

Career Impact: Holding active COA certification through JCAHPO positions you within a specialized allied health credential pathway that opens advancement toward Ophthalmic Technician and Ophthalmic Technologist designations.

Business Impact: Patients moving through diagnostic testing, medication administration, and surgical prep depend on the accuracy and efficiency of this role to receive timely, safe ophthalmic care.

Growth Opportunity: Hands-on exposure to diagnostic modalities including OCT, visual field testing, and tonometry builds a measurable clinical skill set that directly supports advancement to higher certification tiers.

• Perform preliminary patient screenings including visual acuity, tonometry, lensometry, pupil exam, color vision, and stereopsis testing.
• Obtain and document complete patient medical and ocular histories, medications, allergies, and presenting complaints in the electronic medical record.
• Coordinate physician and optometrist schedules to maintain patient flow and support efficient clinic operations throughout the day.
• Administer ocular and oral medications and assist with minor surgical procedures and treatments under physician direction.
• Triage patient inquiries received in clinic, by phone, or through inbox and communicate test results and referral arrangements as directed.
• Maintain and clean all ophthalmic instruments, exam lanes, and equipment in compliance with infection control and aseptic technique standards.
• Provide patient education on follow-up care, contact lens insertion and removal, and post-procedure instructions as directed by the physician.
• Complete and track patient billing, referrals, and contact lens orders to support accurate administrative and financial records.

• High school diploma or GED, or equivalent work experience.
• Active COA certification through JCAHPO or eligibility to sit for the examination within 7 months of hire, or paraoptometric assistant certification through AOA.
• 1 or more years of experience in an eye care or ophthalmic clinical setting, with direct patient contact.
• Knowledge of ophthalmic diagnostic procedures including visual field testing, autorefraction, keratometry, and fundus photography.
• Proficiency with electronic medical records and accurate clinical documentation practices consistent with HIPAA requirements.
• Current CPR or BLS certification from the American Heart Association or equivalent accrediting body.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to interact professionally with patients, families, and clinical staff.

• Familiarity with OCT imaging and experience operating diagnostic equipment such as the GDx-VCC machine.
• Experience with contact lens fitting, ordering workflows, and patient training for insertion, removal, and lens care.
• Knowledge of medical billing, coding, and referral tracking within an ophthalmology or optometry practice.
• MA-R certification or prior experience assisting with minor surgical procedures in a sterile field setting.

• Patient screening throughput per clinic session, reflecting efficient preliminary workup completion.
• Documentation accuracy rate in the EMR, measured by physician review and audit frequency.
• Referral and billing completion rate, reflecting how consistently administrative tasks are closed within the same visit.
• Equipment maintenance compliance rate, tracking adherence to cleaning and inspection protocols per exam lane.
• Patient contact response time, measuring how quickly test results and follow-up communications are relayed.
• Typical tools: Ophthalmic diagnostic equipment (commonly OCT, visual field analyzers, autorefractors, slit lamps) and electronic medical record platforms.

• Base Salary Range: $38,000 to $52,000 per year depending on experience and location.
• Bonus: modest annual performance bonus where offered, typically $500 to $1,500.
• Equity: not typical for this role and industry.
• Health Benefits: medical, dental, and vision coverage standard across most clinical employers.
• PTO: 10 to 15 days annually plus standard observed holidays.
• Common Perks: Continuing education reimbursement toward JCAHPO recertification and CPR renewal.

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Background checks, including applicable drug screening, are a condition of employment for all positions in clinical care settings. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities upon request. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

The Certified Ophthalmic Assistant owns direct patient service operations, toggling across multiple products to drive satisfaction, activation, compliance, and retention within a clinical business setting. Working closely with the Medical Director and cross-functional teams, this role enables consistent, high-quality care delivery and efficient patient interactions that support broader organizational goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Toggle between servicing of multiple products and analyze patient testing data.
• Communicate with prescribers and patients regarding changes relative to testing results.
• Manage patient care from onboarding through the activation process.
• Document customer interactions accurately by entering data into the company CRM.
• Work closely with the Medical Director on patient testing, activation, compliance, and results.
• Ensure patients and practices are contacted efficiently and follow up according to protocols and SOPs.
• Promote high-quality care delivery through protocols, evidence-based guidelines, and programs addressing patient needs.
• Support patient satisfaction initiatives and ensure smooth office operations throughout the organization.
• Troubleshoot multifaceted issues in a systematic manner and ensure compliance with company standards and government regulations.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• COA certification and HIPAA knowledge required.
• Minimum 2 years of experience working in a healthcare office or field.
• Strong ophthalmic clinical background with experience interacting with a broad range of patients and physicians.
• Knowledge of diagnostic ophthalmic and optometric equipment and proper medical chart documentation and coding.
• Proficiency with electronic medical records and modern technology including computers.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to work in multi-functional teams.

Embedded within an eye care practice, the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant performs patient rooming, diagnostic testing, and contact lens management to support physician-led care delivery. Working closely with eye care providers, this role maintains exam room readiness and clinical workflow integrity across a full range of ophthalmic procedures.

Core Functions

• Room patients for the eye care provider by recording presenting complaints, medical history, medications, and allergies.
• Obtain visual acuity and perform pupils, motility, cover test, confrontation fields, stereo, and color vision testing.
• Neutralize and record eyeglass prescriptions and complete appropriate portions of the EMR.
• Perform visual field testing, OCT, intraocular pressure measurements, pachymetry, and photography.
• Triage patients in clinic, by phone, or inbox and contact patients with test results and arrange consults.
• Clean and maintain all surgical and ophthalmic instruments, exam rooms, and supplies.
• Assist with patient education, minor surgery setup, and administration of oral and ocular medications.
• Provide contact lens training and manage contact lens orders, stock, fees, and verification.

Qualifications and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• COA certification by JCAHPO or paraoptometric assistant certification by AOA required within 7 months of hire if not already held.
• Minimum 1 year of experience in an eye care setting.
• Knowledge of ophthalmic and optometric clinical procedures and equipment.
• Proficiency with computers, keyboarding, and electronic medical records.
• Professional, punctual, and dependable with strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Reporting to the Ophthalmology department leadership, the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant records patient histories, performs diagnostic testing, and coordinates physician activities to support efficient clinic operations. Partnering with Optum departments and medical staff, this role ensures accurate medical records, billing, and referral tracking that sustain smooth departmental performance.

Primary Duties

• Obtain initial patient assessment by recording pertinent medical history and charting procedures for medical records.
• Perform and record visual acuities, color vision, stereopsis, auto refractometer readings, refraction, and intraocular pressure.
• Coordinate physician activities and facilitate patient flow in the office.
• Utilize AIDET to greet patients, handle questions during visits, triage phone calls, and schedule appointments.
• Administer ocular medications and assist with treatments and minor surgical procedures under physician direction.
• Maintain accurate medical records, complete patient billing, and complete and track referrals.
• Work as a team member within the Ophthalmology department and all other Optum departments.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• COA certification, CPR certification, and MA-R certification required.
• Minimum 1 year of experience in an eye care setting.
• Knowledge of lensometry, visual field testing, autorefraction, keratometry, and fundus photography.
• Demonstrated computer and keyboarding proficiency with ability to prioritize and problem-solve.

Sitting at the intersection of clinical operations and patient care, the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant performs preliminary screenings, maintains exam lanes, and delivers prescription refills under physician direction to uphold care quality standards. Operating across patient-facing and administrative functions, this role supports JCAHPO-compliant professional development and serves as a quality model within the ophthalmic practice.

Duties

• Perform preliminary screenings including detailed patient medical and ocular histories, visual acuity, tonometry, lensometry, pupil exam, ocular medication instillation, and visual field testing.
• Maintain assigned ophthalmic exam lanes and equipment, clean according to guidelines, and ensure rooms are stocked appropriately.
• Interact with patients, families, coworkers, and physicians in a professional and courteous manner at all times.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and contribute to a positive workplace atmosphere.
• Participate in professional development by maintaining required competencies and continuing education per JCAHPO guidelines.
• Perform prescription refills under physician direction following standard guidelines.
• Serve as a role model in delivering quality patient care and perform other duties based on certification level.

Skills and Qualifications

• COA certification per JCAHPO guidelines required.
• Current CPR certification required.
• Solid understanding of ophthalmic practice, patient care, and ophthalmic instrumentation.
• Proficient in basic preliminary ophthalmic testing according to COA certification level.
• Experience with electronic medical records preferred.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to multitask efficiently.

A key member of the Ophthalmology department, the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant performs routine and advanced vision tests, clinical and diagnostic procedures, and patient triaging to support physician and optometrist-led care. Collaborating across medical records, billing, and referral functions, this role enables accurate documentation and continuous patient flow throughout the examination and treatment process.

Functions

• Obtain initial patient assessment by recording pertinent medical history and charting procedures for medical records.
• Perform and record visual acuities, color vision, stereopsis, auto refractometer readings, refraction, and blood pressure as directed by physician.
• Coordinate physician activities and facilitate patient and paper flow in the office.
• Greet patients, handle questions during visits, triage phone calls, and schedule appointments.
• Administer medications and assist with treatments and minor surgical procedures under physician direction.
• Maintain medical records, complete patient billing, and complete and track referrals.
• Work as a team member within the Ophthalmology department and all other Optum departments.

Experience and Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• COA certification in active status through JCAHPO required.
• CPR and BLS certification required.
• Minimum 1 year of relevant experience in an eye care setting.
• Knowledge of routine and advanced vision and diagnostic tests and procedures.
• Experience working in a sterile field setup and assisting with minor surgical procedures.
• General computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.

Consistent, high-quality patient outcomes depend on the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant, who prepares and assists patients through examinations, treatments, and procedures using aseptic technique and approved care protocols within a Head and Neck Ophthalmology setting. Serving as the primary clinical support contact for physicians and patient families, this role ensures accurate documentation and timely communication of interventions and patient needs.

Accountabilities

• Explain when obtaining vital signs, ocular assessments, or performing other technical skills.
• Use aseptic technique and infection control measures in the performance of duties.
• Prepare and assist patients undergoing treatment, examinations, and procedures.
• Recognize patient care priorities, treatment plan objectives, and potential crises.
• Recognize and communicate patient needs and unusual occurrences with physicians and patient families.
• Document interventions and measurements accurately and communicate relevant information to the appropriate healthcare provider.

Background and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• COA certification from JCAHPO required.
• Current BLS certification from the American Heart Association required.
• Minimum 2 years of related experience, including familiarity with OCT and the GDx-VCC machine.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.

As the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant, this role performs high-quality ophthalmic procedures including technical workups, special testing, and minor surgical assistance within a Vision Care Clinic setting. The clinic relies on this work to ensure patients receive timely, professional care and accurate follow-up communication across the full continuum of ophthalmic treatment.

Scope of Work

• Assist the doctor promptly and professionally in patient care.
• Perform technical workups, patient interviews, and special testing.
• Communicate with patients regarding follow-up care, surgeries, procedures, schedule changes, symptoms, and surgery scheduling.
• Maintain and clean all equipment and report non-functioning equipment to the supervisor.
• Return phone calls to patients and pharmacies and assist in minor surgery.
• Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.

Professional Experience

• High school diploma or GED.
• COA certification through JCAHPO required.
• BLS certification required at hire.
• Minimum 1 year of experience in an ophthalmic setting.
• Proficient in refractions, retinoscopy, A-scans, lensometry, keratometry, tonometry, visual fields, OCT, Amsler testing, muscle testing, pupil exams, and topography.
• Basic typing and computer skills including data entry and word processing.