Ophthalmic Assistant

Job Highlights

Job Title: Ophthalmic Assistant

Location: Dodgeville, WI

Employment Type: Full‑Time, Regular

Work Shift: Day Shift, Monday through Friday 7:30‑5:00 (No nights, weekends or holidays)

Participates in the care and treatment of eye care patients utilizing skills unique to optometry and ophthalmology. Demonstrates accountability to patients, peers and other health team members through positive customer relations and effective communication. Cares for children and adult patients of all ages.

• Assists eye care providers in the examination and treatment of patients.
• Initiates documentation of the patient’s chief complaint, history of present illness, review of systems, and all pertinent ocular findings.
• May perform testing to include visual acuity measurement, color vision testing, lensometry, keratometry, pupillary function testing, tonometry, automated perimetry, evaluation of extraocular movements, confrontation visual field testing, and other patient services as requested by the provider.
• Acts as a scribe by documenting all clinically relevant interaction and dialogue during the patient visit, including history and examination, diagnoses, orders (medications, labs, imaging, consults), and patient instructions. Provides patient education under the direction of the eye care provider.
• Assists with minor surgery procedures and laser treatments in the office, including application and removal of dressings as directed.
• Inventories and maintains surgical instruments in accordance with system and department standards.
• Screens patients and calls for emergency/urgent situations; obtains pertinent information for the provider.
• Works in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast‑paced clinical environment.
• Willingness to obtain or already hold COA (Certified Ophthalmic Assistant) certification within 18 months of hire.

• High school diploma or GED (or 10 years of work experience).

• One year of health care experience.

• Constant standing and walking.
• Frequent use of hearing and speech to share information.
• Frequent use of hearing to distinguish body sounds and alarms.
• Frequent lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects weighing 0‑25 lbs.
• Frequent reaching, gripping, and keyboard use/data entry.
• Frequent use of vision for distances near (20 inches or less) and far (20 feet or more); identification and distinction of colors.
• Occasional bending, stooping, crawling, kneeling, sitting, squatting, and repetitive foot/leg and hand/arm movements.
• Occasional use of vision to judge distances and spatial relationships.
• Occasional lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects weighing 25‑50 lbs.
• Occasional lifting/moving patients.
• Occasional use of smell to detect or recognize odors.
• Occasional driving.

Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider (BLS HCP) required within 90 days of employment; other resuscitation certifications may be required depending on department.

SSM Health values our exceptional employees by offering a comprehensive benefits package to fit their needs.

• Paid Parental Leave: one week of paid parental leave for newborns or newly adopted children (pro‑rated based on FTE).
• Flexible Payment Options: voluntary benefit through Daily Pay offers instant access to earned, unpaid base pay (fees may apply).
• Upfront Tuition Coverage: tuition coverage through Flex Path Funded for eligible team members.

SSM Health is an equal opportunity employer. SSM Health does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.