Job Description Summary
Treat adult and pediatric patients across a wide spectrum of conditions—from routine eye exams to highly specialized surgical care. As part of our team, you'll work with a collaborative group of clinicians in a high-impact setting where your skills directly enhance patient outcomes.
Entity
University Medical Associates (UMA) Only Employees and Financials
Worker Type
Employee
Worker Sub-Type
Regular
Cost Center
CC002003 UMA AMB OPHT Nexton Ophthalmology CC
Pay Rate Type
Hourly
Pay Grade
Health-23
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Work Shift
Job Description
Non-Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (NCOA):
Performs a variety of general patient care activities and ophthalmic diagnostic tests and assists ophthalmologists during clinical exams. Responsibilities include preparing patients for visits, collecting medical histories, performing basic vision screenings, and supporting the clinical team with administrative and procedural tasks to ensure efficient patient care and workflow.
Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA):
Performs advanced medical history intake and a range of ophthalmic diagnostic tests including visual acuity, color vision, tonometry, and basic slit-lamp exams. Administers dilation drops, assists with minor in-office procedures, and documents clinical findings in the patient’s medical record. Ensures exam rooms are fully prepared, maintains equipment and instruments, and follows infection control and sterilization protocols. Provides patient support and helps manage clinical communication.
Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT):
Performs all COA-level functions with increased autonomy and technical proficiency. Conducts complex diagnostic testing, operates advanced ophthalmic instruments, and may assist with intravitreal injections and post-operative care. Leads clinical workflow, mentors entry-level staff, and ensures high standards of patient care and clinic readiness. Serves as a liaison between ophthalmologists and patients, enhancing overall clinic efficiency and experience.
Additional Job Description
NCOA Requirements:
Education: High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
Experience: No experience needed. On the job training provided
Required Licensure, Certifications, Registrations: Must obtain COA or COT certification through Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) within 12 months of start date.
BLS: Current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or American Red Cross BLS for Healthcare Providers certification is required.
COA Requirements:
Education: High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
Experience: Minimum of one (1) year of ophthalmic experience and completion of a certified assistant program or equivalent.
Required Licensure, Certifications, Registrations: Certification as a COA through Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) required and must be maintained throughout employment.
BLS: Current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or American Red Cross BLS for Healthcare Providers certification is required.
COT Requirements:
Education: High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
Experience: Minimum of two (2) years of specialized ophthalmic experience with completion of a certified technician program.
Required Licensure, Certifications, Registrations: Certification as a COT through Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) required and must be maintained throughout employment.
BLS: Current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or American Red Cross BLS for Healthcare Providers certification is required.
Physical Requirements:
Continuous requirements are to perform job functions while standing, walking and sitting. Ability to bend at the waist, kneel, climb stairs, reach in all directions, fully use both hands and legs, possess good finger dexterity, perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and…