Physician Assistant

JOB SUMMARY:

The Physician Assistant (PA) is a licensed healthcare provider who practices in collaboration with, and under the direction of, the supervising ophthalmologist. The PA will provide office-based clinical care, diagnostic support, therapeutic treatment, preventive services, and post-operative surgical care within the patient care parameters established by the supervising physician.

This role is designed for a PA interested in ophthalmology and procedural medicine while working directly with a high-volume ophthalmic surgeon. Prior ophthalmology experience is not required; specialty training and physician guidance will be provided.

ROLE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Structured 3‑month onboarding and training program
• Direct collaboration with a high-volume ophthalmic surgeon.
• Hands-on involvement in office-based and surgical ophthalmology services, including post-operative care.
• Opportunity to develop a focused specialty skillset in a procedural medical field.
• Clear clinical protocols with increasing responsibility as competency develops.
  
  
  

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (other duties as required):

• Provide ophthalmic services to patients within parameters established by the supervising physician.
• Perform comprehensive post-operative examinations for ophthalmology patients, including cataract surgery, LASIK / PRK, YAG capsulotomy, and other ophthalmic procedures as directed.
• Manage post-operative medications and treatment plans per protocol and under the direction of the supervising ophthalmologist.
• Educate patients on surgical recovery, medication instructions, restrictions, warning signs, and follow-up care.
• Perform H&P examinations as directed and within the PA scope of practice.
• Assist with femtosecond laser-related patient care, workflow, preparation, and support as directed by the supervising ophthalmologist.
• Support other ophthalmic procedures, exams, diagnostic tests and clinical services as assigned by supervising ophthalmologist.
• Perform additional patient services established by the supervising physician.
• Escalate concerns, complications, or abnormal findings to the supervising ophthalmologist in accordance with clinical protocol.
• Counsel patients regarding prescribed therapeutic regimens, health maintenance, diagnosis, condition, and treatment plan.
• Prescribe medication to patients under the supervision of a physician, including therapy and referrals as applicable.
• Assist the physician during surgery and office-based procedures as needed.
• Oversee and coordinate duties of technical assistants as appropriate.
• Document care accurately and efficiently in the electronic health record.
• Adhere to applicable laws, regulations, contractual obligations, organizational policies, the Compliance Program, and Code of Conduct.
  
  
  

ONBOARDING:

• Specialty training will include physician shadowing, clinical protocol review, and gradual transition into job responsibilities.
• Ongoing feedback will be provided as the PA develops competency and independence within the role.
  
  
  

COMPETENCIES:

• Demonstrated ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Demonstrated knowledge of medical materials, methods, instruments, and equipment.
• Ability to read, write, and perform mathematical calculations.
• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
• Ability to multi-task, work in a fast-paced environment, and manage time to meet deadlines and organizational requirements.
• Ability to maintain personal and professional boundaries with colleagues and patients.
• Strong interest in surgical or procedural medicine.
• Comfortable learning specialty-specific ophthalmic examinations and protocol-driven care.
• Values collaboration, accuracy, patient education, and long-term specialty development.
  
  
  

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. This role operates in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented, confidential clinical environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
  
  
  

POSITION TYPE AND EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK:

This is a full-time salaried position. Days and hours are generally Monday through Friday, 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.; however, salaried staff may be required to work beyond their set schedule due to business needs and expectations.

TRAVEL:

Some travel required.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in health education or related field.
• Master of Physician Assistant Studies or equivalent PA degree.
• Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant program.
• Licensed or eligible for licensure as a Physician Assistant in North Carolina and Virginia.
• Willingness to perform post-operative ophthalmology care and specialty-specific exams after training.
• Willingness to perform minor office-based procedures or surgical support duties as directed and within scope of practice.
  
  
  

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Ophthalmology experience preferred, but not required.
• New graduates are welcome to apply.
• Prior experience in surgery, procedural medicine, internal medicine, acute care, or other clinical specialty is a plus.
  
  
  

COMPENSATION/BENEFITS:

• Salaried position.
• Malpractice Insurance provided.
• $2,500 allowance for continuing education, dues, and licensure.
• 401(k) employer match up to 4%.
• Optical allowance, complimentary eye exams, and service and product discounts.
  
  
  

OTHER DUTIES:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.