Certified Ophthalmic Assistant

Certified Ophthalmic Assistant – WVU Medicine

The incumbent, under the supervision of a lead technician or clinic supervisor, will provide general technical work‑ups and special testing procedures to patients. The primary purpose of this position is to ensure that usual and necessary patient work‑up and diagnostic testing procedures are performed in accordance with protocols.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) through the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO).
• Obtain Basic Life Support certification within 30 days of hire.

• Obtain and record accurate patient histories, including chief complaint, present ocular status, ocular history, family history, past and present medical history, medications, allergies, and vital signs if needed.
• Obtain and accurately record visual acuity measurements on adults, children, illiterate patients, and infants.
• Accurately measure and record spectacle prescriptions using both manual and automated devices.
• Perform tonometry to measure intraocular pressures using various devices.
• Perform and record Schirmer tear tests and tear break‑up time.
• Perform basic extraocular muscle screening, including Titmus stereo test.
• Perform and record color vision screening tests.
• Perform visual field testing, lensometry, and keratometry.
• Perform and accurately document pupillary function for light and accommodation.
• Perform and record electrophysiologic tests (ERG, VEP, EOG).
• Conduct formal and informal visual field tests, including confrontation, Amsler grid, Goldmann perimetry, Humphrey automated perimetry, and OCT.
• Perform and record IOL calculations, corneal topography, and other related diagnostic tests.
• Apply eye patches and ocular dressings as directed by the physician.
• Assist in minor ocular surgical procedures and laser treatments, including informed consent and surgical site identification.
• Under direct physician supervision, instill ocular preparations and educate patients on medications, drug reactions, and side effects.
• Provide contact lens measurement, fitting, and patient instruction.
• Maintain general ophthalmic equipment and examination lane, ensuring overall clinical maintenance.
• Gather data for process improvement and clinic flow enhancement.
• May scribe for the provider when needed, including order placement and protocol orders, maintaining confidentiality.
• Provide patient education regarding ocular anatomy, physiology, diseases, tests, medications, procedures, and treatments.
• Triage patient calls, collaborate with provider, and provide patient care instructions as defined by the provider.
• Assist in peer interviews, training, and education of new testing assistants and COAs.
• Complete clinical tasks under the supervision of the supervisor or lead technician, ensuring minimal room for error.

• Requires strength and/or stamina for lifting, moving, stooping, reaching, standing for long intervals, frequent walking, and carrying materials or pushing equipment weighing 40+ lbs.
• Vision correctable to at least 20/30 in one eye.

• Normal outpatient clinical environment with potential exposure to biohazards and communicable disease.
• Frequent presence of ophthalmic lasers requiring protective eye equipment.
• Possible contact with blood, lab specimens, and other patient bodily fluids requiring universal precautions.
• Travel to off‑site clinics may be required.

• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a high‑volume clinic.
• Proficient in operating ophthalmic equipment and computers.
• Analytical skills desirable for completing technical aspects of patient examinations.

• Weekly
  
  Hours:
  
  4
• Shift: Day (United States of America)
• Employment Type:
  
  Non‑Exempt

Equal Opportunity Employer
West Virginia University Health System (WVUHS) is an equal‑opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. WVUHS strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable laws.

All WVUHS employees, other workers, and representatives are prohibited from engaging in unlawful discrimination. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, training, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, and termination of employment.