Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA)

As our Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA), you will provide comprehensive clinical and clerical support to Ophthalmologists/Optometrists, ensuring efficient practice operations. You will directly contribute to patient diagnosis through advanced ophthalmic testing and meticulous patient work-ups.

Every day you will manage patient greetings, histories, and vision testing, skillfully performing end-point refractions, pressure measurements, and a variety of advanced tests. You will also administer medications, educate patients, triage phone calls, and schedule appointments.

To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate advanced proficiency in ophthalmic testing and patient support. You will exhibit exceptional attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and a compassionate, patient-focused approach in a dynamic clinical setting.

• Patient Care & Assessment:
  • Greet and room patients, creating a welcoming and comfortable environment.
  • Collect comprehensive patient histories, including chief complaint, medications, and allergies, ensuring accurate and complete chart information.
  • Perform visual acuity testing and spectacle neutralization.
  • Accurately measure intraocular pressure using applanation or Tonopen.
  • Perform refractometry and endpoint refractions.
  • Conduct advanced ophthalmic testing, including but not limited to: A- or B-scan calculations, Visual Fields, Pachymetry, Corneal Topography, Heidelberg Retina Tomography (HRT), and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT).
• Clinical Support:
  • Assist physicians with in-office procedures, adhering to established protocols and within the scope of training.
  • Administer ocular medications as prescribed by the physician.
  • Provide patient education and counseling regarding medication use and pre- and post-operative guidelines.
• Administrative & Communication:
  • Ensure accurate completion of fee sheets for data entry.
  • Enter patient information into Cerner according to Virginia Mason standards.
  • Perform telephone triage to assess patient needs and schedule appointments accordingly.
  • Collaborate with e-call physician teams to accommodate urgent patient needs.
  • Manage patient scheduling and phone messages efficiently.
• Environment & Safety:
  • Restock and clean exam rooms after each patient encounter.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment, adhering to 5S guidelines (Level 4).
  • Ensure exam rooms are properly closed at the end of each patient schedule.

• High School/GED required.
• JCAHPO Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) or Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) required.
• 1 year working in an optometry or ophthalmology practice required.
• Working knowledge of anatomy, pharmacology, medical terminology, sterilization techniques, and basic eye care.
• Understanding of ophthalmic testing and the use of ophthalmic instruments and equipment.
• Basic skills in operating a computer and office equipment.
• Strong interpersonal and customer relations skills; strong communication skills and organizational skills required.
• Ability to make chart documentation with entry into electronic medical record.

Just as Virginia Mason is dedicated to improving the lives of our patients and our community, we are equally dedicated to your professional and personal success. With a wide range of perks that includes a comprehensive compensation and benefits package, and the opportunity to live in one of the most livable cities in the nation, you will find that anopportunity with Team Medicine is one worth taking. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health has a rich history of providing exceptional healthcare, dating back to 1891. Building upon a legacy of compassionate care and innovation, our organization has evolved over the years through strategic partnerships and integrations to expand our reach and services across the Puget Sound area.

Today, as Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we remain deeply committed to healing the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – in the communities we serve. This commitment is strengthened by the diverse expertise and shared values brought together through our growth.

Our dedicated providers offer a full spectrum of health care services, from routine wellness to complex disease management, all grounded in rigorous research and education. Our comprehensive network of 10 hospitals and nearly 300 care sites strategically located across the greater Puget Sound region reflects our ongoing commitment to accessibility and comprehensive care.

We are proud of our pioneering medical advances and numerous awards and accreditations that reflect our dedication to excellence. When you join Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, you become part of a team that delivers top-quality, professional healthcare in modern, well-equipped facilities, and contributes to a legacy of service built on collaboration and shared purpose.