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Job Summary
POSITION SUMMARY:Under the direct supervision of the Clinical Ophthalmology Manager and Service Director, the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) is responsible for performing preliminary patient workups, diagnostic testing and/or any other clinical tasks at the Providence, RI and Plainville, MA locations.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Upon training, the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) may be required to perform any of the following tasks:
a. Initial patient screening by documenting the chief complaint, review of systems (ROS), ocular, family, social and medical history, pain assessment, patient medication list, allergies; obtaining visual acuity, automated refraction and keratometry, lensometry, confrontational visual field, pupil and extraocular muscle assessment, tonometry, manifest refraction, Brightness Acuity Test (BAT), Potential Acuity Meter (PAM); performing additional ophthalmic tests including but not limited to color vision and stereo testing, Amsler grid, shirmers/zone-quick, covard and pachymetry as requested by the provider.
b. Perform ophthalmic diagnostic testing as ordered by the ophthalmologists including but not limited to perimetry, corneal topography, anterior, posterior segment and external photography, dark adaptation/MAIA, optical biometry.
c. Set up and assist in medical lasers, refractive lasers, plastics/minor office procedures, Cryo procedure and injections.
2. The Certified Ophthalmic Assistant is required to know basic ocular anatomy and physiology, ocular diseases/conditions and ocular pharmacology as defined by JCAHPO standards for the COA level of certification.
3. Proper identification and instillation of diagnostic eye drops on patients per MDs standardized order sets.
4. Proper handling and transport of medication used in the clinics.
5. Measure and record vital signs: blood pressure, heart rate and pulse.
6. Maintains adequate medical/ophthalmic supplies in exam and testing rooms.
7. Properly cleans instruments, equipment and exam/testing rooms in accordance to hospital infection control standards.
8. Ensures that equipment is in proper working order and notifies the appropriate personnel if a problem is identified.
9. Provides cross coverage to other services/locations in the ophthalmology department as needed.
10. Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide services appropriate to the patients’ age, mental and physical needs.
11. Attends all annual in-service/trainings as required.
12. Complies with all state, federal and local regulations and laws governing the performance of this position
13. Adheres to all hospital policies and procedures including HIPPA and patient and employee confidentiality
14. Demonstrates knowledge and compliance with Infection Control/Joint Commission/Department of Public Health (DPH) standards.
15. Performs all other duties required to assist in/and or ensure the delivery of complete ophthalmic care and treatment of patients.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Current JCAHPO certification as a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) PLUS at least one year experience in a supervised setting as an ophthalmic assistant. Exceptions may be granted to individuals that have completed a formal JCAHPO approved, ophthalmic medical personnel training school or program
WORKING CONDITIONS:
• Clinical patient areas
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Ability to assist patients from wheelchairs into examination chairs and to transport patients via wheelchair
• Ability to assist elderly or visually impaired patients.
Qualifications
Education
High School Diploma or Equivalent required
Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree?
No
Licenses and Credentials
Certified Ophthalmic Assistant [COA] - Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology required
Experience
experience in a supervised setting as an ophthalmic assistant 0-1 year preferred
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge of medical terminology.
- Strong patient/customer service skills.
- Ability to receive and comprehend instructions verbally and/or in writing.
- Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
- Ability to maintain motivation to achieve goals while dealing with challenges.
- Excellent problem solving skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat DC.
Additional Job Details (if applicable)
Physical Requirements
Standing Frequently (34-66%)Walking Frequently (34-66%)Sitting Occasionally (3-33%)Lifting Frequently (34-66%) 35lbs+ (w/assisted device)Carrying Frequently (34-66%) 20lbs - 35lbsPushing Occasionally (3-33%)Pulling Occasionally (3-33%)Climbing Rarely (Less than 2%)Balancing Frequently (34-66%)Stooping Occasionally (3-33%)Kneeling Occasionally (3-33%)Crouching Occasionally (3-33%)Crawling Rarely (Less than 2%)Reaching Frequently (34-66%)Gross Manipulation (Handling) Frequently (34-66%)Fine Manipulation (Fingering) Frequently (34-66%)Feeling Constantly (67-100%)Foot Use Rarely (Less than 2%)Vision - Far Constantly (67-100%)Vision - Near Constantly (67-100%)Talking Constantly (67-100%)Hearing Constantly (67-100%)
Remote Type
Onsite
Work Location
1 Randall Square
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Employee Type
Regular
Work Shift
Day (United States of America)
Pay Range
$20.84 - $29.79/Hourly
Grade
4
EEO Statement:
5110 Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. To ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Veteran’s Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact Human Resources at (857)-282-7642.
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